Electronic card, online card game system, and computer program

The present invention relates to an electronic card technique, and more particularly to a technique for efficiently displaying rewritten data.

There are various types of digital devices that involve information processing. A typical example is a comprehensive device that can input data, store data, perform calculations, and output data by itself, such as a mobile phone. Compared to the mobile phone, there are some, such as a prepaid telephone card and a public telephone that can use the telephone card, in which only the medium of the magnetic recording card having a data storage function is separated. Prepaid magnetic cards for transportation services such as subways (hereinafter referred to simply as "magnetic cards with history display") are slightly different from telephone cards. That is, it also serves as a part of the output medium such as recording the used section on the back surface of the card and displaying it. Furthermore, prepaid railway service cards (trade name "Suica", etc.) whose storage capacity has been increased by providing an IC chip are not disposable because deposits can be made repeatedly.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-251098 was extracted as the prior art related to the present invention. This patent document relates to a technology for a magnetic traffic card with an IC that can be used in both a ticket gate for a magnetic card and a ticket gate for an IC card. The technology is based on a magnetic unit that stores card information including information on available sections and available periods, and a magnetic unit that stores the same information as the card information stored in the magnetic unit, without contact with the ticket gate. It includes an IC unit that communicates and reads and writes card information, and a magnetic unit and a character printing unit that prints card information stored in the IC unit.

When this magnetic traffic card with IC is inserted into the ticket gate for IC cards, data is read and written in a non-contact manner between the ticket gate and the IC section of this card, and this card is for magnetic cards. When inserted into the ticket gate, data is read and written to the magnetic storage area in the same manner as before. As a result, it is possible to realize a transportation card that can be used in both an automatic ticket gate for IC cards and an automatic ticket gate for magnetic cards.

<patcit num="1"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-251098</text></patcit>

<p>A recording medium card equipped with an IC chip (hereinafter, simply referred to as an "IC card") cannot read the data recorded inside by itself. The "magnetic card with history display" can read the history independently, but it cannot withstand repeated use. Moreover, the output surface does not have a degree of freedom such as rewriting all of the data. A mobile phone has an output screen and abundant data storage capacity, so it can do various things independently. However, it cannot be made as small as a card and requires a power supply.</p><p> An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a recording medium that can display and update data with a higher degree of freedom than a magnetic card, but does not require a power source by itself. An object of the inventions according to claims 1 to 7 is to provide a recording medium that can display and update data with a higher degree of freedom than a magnetic card, but does not require a power source by itself. .. An object of the inventions according to claims 8 to 9 is to provide an electronic card with improved protection and convenience of the electronic card. An object of the inventions of claims 10 to 12 is to provide a new online card game system that combines the advantages of both analog and digital. An object of the inventions of claims 13 to 15 is to provide a new online card game program that combines the advantages of both analog and digital.</p>

<p> (Claim 1) The invention according to claim 1 is a data rewriting device (20) terminal that rewrites data, and is physically separated from the data rewriting device (20) terminal and rewritten. Provided is an electronic card (10) which is a medium capable of storing and displaying data. That is, the data receiving terminal (11) that receives various data including the card data that is rewritten and displayed from the data rewriting device (20) terminal and the data received by the data receiving terminal (11) are additionally recorded. The recording means (12) and the variable display area (14) for displaying the card data to be displayed among the data additionally recorded in the recording means (12) by the rewriting operation of the data rewriting device (20). It relates to the provided electronic card.</p><p> (Glossary) "Card data" is, for example, when an electronic card is a card used for transportation services, it is data composed of usage section data and amount data indicating the usage section on which the passenger has boarded. is there. The card data is recorded in a recording means such as a non-volatile memory specified in another claim. The "variable display area" is called a rewritable paper or a paper-like display, and is a medium for rewriting the display by using an electric field, light, heat, a magnetic field, or the like. A storage type display medium is preferable, and there are types such as electrophoresis, twist balls, storage type liquid crystals, powder transfer, and electrochromy. The data already displayed in the variable display area is recorded in the recording means as historical data, and only the latest card data is displayed in the variable display area. The variable display area has a memory property without being rewritten, and can hold a data display. The "recording means" is a recording medium such as a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory.</p><p> (Action) When the electronic card is inserted into the data rewriting device, the electronic card receives a predetermined voltage from the data rewriting device via the data receiving terminal. The data rewriting device records the card data to be displayed on the recording means. The recorded card data is rewritten as the latest card data in the variable display area and output and displayed. In addition, the card data before being rewritten is recorded as a history in the recording means.</p><p>The electronic card of the present invention is a medium capable of rewriting data in a variable display area, unlike a method of adding data to the back surface of a card such as a magnetic card. Even in the limited display area of the variable display area, the data can be rewritten without being added, so that the data can be displayed and updated with a higher degree of freedom than the magnetic card. In addition, the electronic card is lightweight and convenient to carry because the data in the variable display area can be rewritten without requiring a power supply by itself.</p><p> (Claim 2) The invention according to claim 2 is a data rewriting device (20) terminal that rewrites data, and is physically separated from the data rewriting device (20) terminal and rewritten. Provided is an electronic card (10) which is a medium capable of storing and displaying data. That is, the data receiving terminal (11) that receives various data including the card data that is rewritten and displayed from the data rewriting device (20) terminal and the data received by the data receiving terminal (11) are additionally recorded. The recording means (12), the variable display area (14) that displays the card data to be displayed among the data additionally recorded in the recording means (12) by the rewriting operation of the data rewriting device (20), and the electronic The present invention relates to an electronic card provided with an invariant display area (13) for displaying invariant data in which the displayed data cannot be rewritten on the surface of the card on which the variable display area (14) exists.</p><p> (Glossary) The "immutable display area" is, for example, an area for pasting a medium such as pre-printed paper when pre-printed, etc., the owner's name, reference number, etc. There are cases where a handwritten area is provided as a writing field.</p><p> (Action) When the electronic card is inserted into the data rewriting device, the electronic card receives a predetermined voltage from the data rewriting device via the data receiving terminal. The data rewriting device records the card data to be displayed on the recording means. The recorded card data is rewritten as the latest card data in the variable display area and output and displayed. In addition, the card data before being rewritten is recorded as a history in the recording means. Further, the electronic card according to claim 2 is provided with an immutable display area for displaying immutable data. If this immutable display area is associated with the card data in the variable display area, more information can be displayed in the limited display area.</p><p> (Claim 3) The invention according to claim 3 is a data rewriting device (20) terminal that rewrites data, and is physically separated from the data rewriting device (20) terminal and rewritten. Provided is an electronic card (10) which is a medium capable of storing and displaying data. That is, the data receiving terminal (11) that receives various data including the card data that is rewritten and displayed from the data rewriting device (20) terminal and the data received by the data receiving terminal (11) are additionally recorded. The recording means (12), the variable display area (14) that displays the card data to be displayed among the data additionally recorded in the recording means (12) by the rewriting operation of the data rewriting device (20), and the electronic The present invention relates to an electronic card provided with an immutable display area (13) for displaying immutable data in which the displayed data cannot be rewritten on the back surface of the surface of the card where the variable display area (14) exists.</p><p> (Action) The invention according to claim 3 is a variation of the electronic card according to claim 2. That is, the game child card of claim 2 has a variable display area and an immutable display area arranged on the same surface, whereas the electronic card of the present invention has a variable display area on the back surface of the surface. An immutable display area is provided.</p><p> (Claim 4), the invention according to claim 4 is limited to the electronic cards according to claims 1 to 3, and the variable display area (13) is a display layer having charged particles in a liquid. By forming (14b) and a protective layer (14a) coated on both sides of the display layer (14b) and moving in the liquid in response to a voltage applied from the data rewriting device (20). It is characterized by displaying and rewriting card data.</p><p> (Action) The invention according to claim 4 limits the configuration of the variable display area. That is, the card data is displayed and rewritten by moving in the liquid in response to the voltage loaded from the data rewriting device (20).</p><p> (Claim 5), the invention according to claim 5 is limited to the electronic card according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the recording means (12) is formed of a non-volatile memory. It is characterized by being.</p><p> (Action) In the invention according to claim 5, the recording means is formed of a non-volatile memory. That is, by using a non-volatile memory as the recording means of the electronic card, data can be freely erased and written, and the recording can be held regardless of whether the power is turned on or off.</p><p> (Claim 6), the invention according to claim 6 is a limitation of the electronic card according to claim 2 or 3, and the second is a part of the surface where the invariant display area (13) exists. It is characterized by having a variable display area (14b).</p><p> (Action) The invention according to claim 6 includes a second variable display area on a part of the surface where the invariant display area exists. That is, since the surface of the electronic card has a variable display area, it has a variable display area on two sides in addition to the second variable display area. In this way, the arrangement location and size of the variable display area can be adjusted according to the usage pattern of the electronic card, so that an electronic card having excellent versatility can be provided.</p><p> (Claim 7) The invention according to claim 7 is limited to the electronic card according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the data receiving terminal (11) is the variable display area (14). ) And the second variable display area (19).</p><p> (Action) In the invention according to claim 7, the data receiving terminal is arranged on the back surface of the variable display area and the second variable display area. This is preferable because by arranging the data receiving terminal on the back surface of the card, the data receiving terminal can be hidden when the electronic card is viewed, which is suitable for improving the aesthetic appearance of the entire card.</p><p> (Claim 8) The invention according to claim 8 is a limitation of the electronic card according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and is a folder containing a part or all of the electronic card (10). (60) is provided, and the folder (60) is provided with an insulator terminal cover (62) that protects the position where the data receiving terminal (11) reaches when the electronic card (10) is properly stored. It is characterized by being prepared.</p><p>If there are multiple standards for the size of the electronic card, multiple types of folders are provided according to the standards. It is also possible to provide only the folder (60) independently. That is, the electronic card (10) is provided with an insulator terminal cover portion (62) that protects the position where the data receiving terminal (11) reaches when the electronic card (10) is properly stored. A folder (60) that contains some or all of it. In addition, it can be provided as a filing structure that can store multiple electronic cards one by one, that is, a filing note composed of multiple folders (60) on one side or bundling multiple folders (60). it can.</p><p> (Action) The invention according to claim 8 is an electronic card in which an electronic card is housed in a folder body in order to protect a data receiving terminal. The terminal cover portion is formed of an insulator that does not transmit electrical energy. Therefore, it is suitable for protecting the data receiving terminal from static electricity and preventing data loss related to the electronic card.</p><p> (Claim 9) The invention according to claim 9 is a limitation of the electronic card according to claim 8, and is an invariant display area (13) or a variable display area when the electronic card (10) is properly stored. A transparent film (63) that protects (14) and can identify the data of the electronic card (10) is provided, and at least a portion of the transparent film (63) corresponding to the variable display area (14) has a predetermined angle. It is characterized in that it is formed of a polarizing film that can be seen only from the surface.</p><p> (Action) The invention according to claim 9 includes a polarizing film in which data can be visually recognized only from a predetermined angle in a part of the terminal cover portion. With the polarizing film, the data can be visually recognized only from the front, and the data cannot be read from different angles in the vertical and horizontal directions. Therefore, the data of the electronic card cannot be easily seen by other users, and the data can be used in a state of being stored in the folder. For example, it is suitable for a competitive card game.</p><p> (Claim 10) The invention according to claim 10 is to insert an electronic card (10) having a variable display area capable of displaying card data composed of various information related to a card game, and the electronic card (10). , The terminal (40) that reads and writes the data for the card and the terminal (40) exchanges the data for the card via the network, and the online battle is performed under a predetermined rule. Provides a type card game system. That is, a battle request receiving means for receiving a battle request from a transmitting side terminal (40) wishing to perform an online battle and a battle request received by the battle request receiving means are transmitted to a battle candidate terminal (40b) which can be a battle candidate. Card data of the electronic card (10) inserted into each of the battle candidate terminal (40b) and the transmitting side terminal (40) when a battle request is received from the request transmitting means and the battle candidate terminal (40b). The card data receiving means for receiving the data, the received card data of the competition candidate terminal (40b) and the card data of the transmitting terminal (40) are compared based on the predetermined rule, and the winner and the loser are compared. The battle processing means for determining and calculating the battle result data and the battle processing means change the data for the card of the winner or the loser, and the changed data is written to the electronic card (10) as update data to be variable. The present invention relates to an online card game system provided with a data rewriting means for a card that enables display of updated data in a display area.</p><p> (Terminology) "Card data" is various data required for a card game, which is composed of ability values, feature points, battle history, etc. of the character of the card. The "variable display area" is an area in which variable display is possible from the displayed data to the updated data by rewriting the card data. For example, suppose that there is data called "Ki" in which the initial setting is set to "80" in the data for the card. The numerical value of the "Ki" data increases as you play against other users. Here, when "Ki" rises to "100", the "Ki" data is rewritten from "80" to "100" and displayed in the variable display area.</p><p>A "terminal (sender terminal (40), battle candidate terminal (40b))" is an external reader / writer connected to a computer equipped with a communication means or a computer equipped with a communication means via a predetermined port. , Home-use game machines equipped with communication means, etc. In the case of a computer provided with communication means, it is preferable that the computer has a reader / writer built-in.</p><p> (Action) The battle request receiving means receives the battle request from the transmitting terminal via the network. The battle request transmitting means transmits the battle request received by the battle request receiving means to the battle candidate terminal which can be a battle candidate. The match candidate list is transmitted to a match candidate terminal whose match candidate list transmission means can be a match candidate. When a battle request is received from the battle candidate terminal, the card data receiving means receives the card data of the electronic card inserted in each of the battle candidate terminal and the transmitting side terminal. The battle processing means compares the received card data of the battle candidate terminal with the card data of the transmitting side terminal based on a predetermined rule, determines the winner and the loser, and calculates the battle result data. The card data rewriting means changes the card data of the winner or the loser, writes the changed data to the electronic card as update data, and displays the update data in the variable display area.</p><p>That is, the data for the card displayed in the variable display area of the electronic card is changed between the data for the card before the start of the online battle and the data for the card (updated data) after the end of the online battle. become. The changed update data is recorded in the non-volatile memory of the electronic card, and in addition, the update data is rewritten and reflected in the variable display area.</p><p>In online competitive card games, the data changes with each battle, and you can enjoy the fun of improving your character. On the other hand, in an offline competitive card game, you can visually enjoy textured cards like a collection. The present invention is a completely new online card game system that combines the advantages of both analog and digital.</p><p> (Claim 11) The invention according to claim 11 is limited to the online card game system according to claim 9, and a terminal capable of online battle is detected as a battle candidate terminal (40b), and the terminal is detected. It is provided with a competition candidate list creating means for listing the competition candidate terminals (40b) and a competition candidate list transmitting means for transmitting the competition candidate list to the transmitting terminal (40) that sent the online battle request. It is characterized by that.</p><p> (Action) When a battle request is received, a terminal capable of online battle is detected as a battle candidate terminal. In addition, the battle candidate terminals detected by the battle candidate list creation means are listed. The battle candidate list transmitting means transmits the listed battle candidate list to the transmitting terminal. That is, by creating a battle candidate list and transmitting it to the transmitting side terminal, the user related to the transmitting side terminal can select a desired opponent by himself / herself.</p><p> (Claim 12) The invention according to claim 12 limits the online card game system according to claim 11, and the transmitting terminal (40b) desires a match from the match candidate list. A match permission transmission means that asks the match request data receiving means for receiving the match request data and the match candidate terminal (40b) related to the match request data whether or not to accept the online match with the transmitting side terminal (40). And, when the battle candidate terminal (40b) approves the battle permission, it is characterized by being provided with a setting means for setting the battle preparation between the battle candidate terminal (40b) and the transmitting side terminal (40). To do.</p><p> (Action) When the transmitting side terminal receives the battle candidate list, the battle desired data receiving means receives the battle desired data from the battle candidate list that the transmitting terminal desires to play. The match permission transmission means asks the match candidate terminal related to the match request data whether or not to accept the online match with the sender terminal. When the battle candidate terminal accepts the battle permission, the setting means sets the battle preparation between the battle candidate terminal and the transmitting side terminal.</p><p> (Claim 13) The invention according to claim 13 is an electronic card (10) having a variable display area capable of displaying card data composed of various information related to a card game, and the electronic card (10). By inserting, the card data is exchanged from the terminal (40) that reads and writes the card data and the terminal (40) via the network, and the card data is exchanged under a predetermined rule. Provides an online card game system program for online battles. The program sends the battle request receiving procedure for receiving the battle request from the sending terminal (40) wishing to play online and the battle request received by the battle request receiving procedure to the battle candidate terminal (40b) which can be a battle candidate. The card (10) of the electronic card (10) inserted into each of the battle candidate terminal (40b) and the transmitting side terminal (40) when the battle request transmission procedure and the battle request are received from the battle candidate terminal (40b). The winner and loser are compared with the card data receiving procedure for receiving the data for the card, the received card data of the match candidate terminal (40b) and the card data of the transmitting terminal (40) based on the predetermined rule. The battle processing procedure for determining and calculating the battle result data and the battle processing procedure change the data for the winner or loser card, and write the changed data to the electronic card (10) as update data. , A data rewriting procedure for a card that makes it possible to display updated data in a variable display area, and a computer program that causes a computer to execute.</p><p> The computer program according to claim 13 can also be stored in a recording medium and provided. Here, the "recording medium" is a medium capable of carrying a program that cannot occupy space by itself, and is, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-R, an MO (magneto-optical disk), or a DVD-. R and so on. It is also possible to transmit from the computer storing the programs according to these inventions to another computer through a communication line. It is also possible to form a system (server) according to another claim by pre-installing or downloading the program according to the present invention to a general-purpose terminal.</p><p> (Claim 14) The invention according to claim 14 is limited to the computer program according to claim 13, detects terminals capable of online battle as battle candidate terminals, and lists the detected battle candidate terminals. It is characterized by including a procedure for creating a match candidate list and a procedure for transmitting the match candidate list to a transmitting terminal that has sent an online match request.</p><p> (Claim 15) The invention according to claim 15 is a limitation of the computer program according to claim 14, and is a match in which the transmitting terminal receives match request data from the match candidate list. When the match permission transmission procedure for asking whether or not to accept the online match with the sending terminal for the desired data receiving procedure and the match candidate terminal related to the match desired data, and when the match candidate terminal accepts the match permission The feature is that the setting procedure for setting the battle preparation between the battle candidate terminal and the transmitting side terminal is provided.</p>

<p> According to the inventions of claims 1 to 7, it is possible to provide a recording medium that does not require a power source by itself, while being able to display and update data with a higher degree of freedom than a magnetic card. It was. According to the inventions of claims 8 to 9, it was possible to provide an electronic card with improved protection and convenience of the electronic card. According to the inventions of claims 10 to 12, it has been possible to provide a completely new online card game system having both analog and digital advantages. According to the inventions of claims 13 to 15, it has been possible to provide a completely new online card game program having both analog and digital advantages.</p>

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an electronic card, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a variable display area, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a data rewriting device. 4 to 8 are plan views showing variations of electronic cards.

(Electronic card) As shown in FIG. 1, in the electronic card 10, the data rewriting device 20 terminal that rewrites data is physically separated from the data rewriting device 20 terminal, and the rewritten data is obtained. Is a medium that can be stored and displayed. The electronic card 10 is a data receiving terminal 11 that receives various data including card data that is rewritten and displayed from the data rewriting device 20 terminal, and a non-volatile memory that additionally records the data received by the data receiving terminal 11. A variable display area 14 for displaying the card data to be displayed among the data additionally recorded in the non-volatile memory 12 and the data to be displayed by the rewriting operation of the data rewriting device 20 is provided, and the variable display area in the electronic card 10 is provided. On the surface where 14 exists, an immutable display area 13 for displaying immutable data whose displayed data cannot be rewritten is provided.

The card data is, for example, when the electronic card 10 is a card used in a transportation service, it is data composed of usage section data indicating the boarded usage section, amount data, and the like. On the other hand, the invariant data is data that is displayed in the invariant display area 13 and is not variable by an electric signal. The card data is configured in association with the immutable data. For example, if the invariant data is an overall map showing a railway line, the card data are related to each other so that the position data indicating the current position is displayed.

The data receiving terminal 11 is arranged on the card side surface 10a of the electronic card 10 and receives various data including card data by contacting the device side terminal 25 of the data rewriting device 20 described later. The non-volatile memory 12 is a semiconductor memory that can freely erase and write data and can hold records regardless of whether the power is turned on or off. In the immutable display area 13, data that cannot be rewritten, such as card data, is displayed. For example, a medium such as pre-printed paper is pasted, or character data, image data, or the like is printed in advance. In addition, a handwriting area is provided, and the handwriting area is used as a column for writing the owner's name, reference number, and the like.

It is also possible to provide an electronic card that does not have a non-volatile memory in order to reduce the manufacturing unit price. In the case of such an electronic card, when the variable display area 14 is rewritten, the data before rewriting is lost from the electronic card. On the other hand, if the electronic card is equipped with an IC chip (ROM chip in which data cannot be rewritten) for individually identifying the electronic card, although the non-volatile memory is omitted, and at the same time, the data rewriting device 20 is provided with a storage means. It is also possible to leave the data to be stored in the non-volatile memory of each electronic card by creating a database for each electronic card in the storage means.

The variable display area 14 is called a rewritable paper or a paper-like display, and is a medium for rewriting the display by using an electric field, light, heat, a magnetic field, or the like. In this embodiment, electrophoretic ink is used. It is configured with a display layer called a microrib structure 14b between two plastic films 14a, as shown in FIG. The microrib structure 14b is arranged on two electrodes 14c arranged inside the plastic film 14a, and a blue liquid and titanium oxide particles (white electrophoresis particles and black electrophoresis particles) are inside the structure. It is stored.

As a display principle, an electrophoresis method is adopted in which charged particles dispersed in a liquid move in the liquid in response to an external electric field. That is, when the white electrophoretic particles are on the front side of the microrib structure 14b, the variable display region 14 appears white. Here, when a negative voltage is applied to the electrode 14c arranged on the back side of the microrib structure 14b, the white electrophoresis particles are attracted to the back side, so that a blue liquid is displayed. This will appear black in the variable display area 14. That is, when the card data is rewritten by receiving a constant voltage from the data rewriting device 20, the variable display area 14 displays the rewritten data as the latest data. Then, the card data displayed in the past is recorded in the non-volatile memory 12 as history data, and only the latest card data is displayed in the variable display area 14. In addition to the above-mentioned electrophoresis ink, a twist ball, a storage type liquid crystal, a powder transfer, an electrochromy, or the like may be used. Further, the variable display area 14 has a memory property without being rewritten, and can hold a data display.

(Data rewriting device) As shown in FIG. 3, the data rewriting device 20 stores a card insertion slot 21 into which an electronic card 10 can be inserted, a control unit 22 that controls the entire data rewriting device 20, card data, and the like. It is provided with at least a device-side terminal 25 for reading, writing, and rewriting card data by contacting the storage unit 23, the communication unit 24 that can be connected to the Internet, and the data receiving terminal 11 of the electronic card 10. The device-side terminal 25 may be in contact with the data receiving terminal 11 of the inserted electronic card 10 to exchange data, or may exchange data by non-contact. The types of the data rewriting device 20 include a reader / writer built in a general-purpose PC used in a general household or the like, a reader / writer externally connected to the general-purpose PC, and the like.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, variations of the invariant display area 13 and the variable display area 14 and the positional relationship of the data receiving terminal 11 will be described. FIG. 4A shows an example in which the invariant display area 13 and the variable display area 14 are arranged one above the other when the electronic card 10 is viewed from the front, and the display ratios of the respective display areas are formed equally. FIG. 4B shows an example in which the ratio of the variable display area 14 to the invariant display area 13 is increased. The data receiving terminal 11 is arranged near the upper end of the back surface of the electronic card 10. FIG. 5A shows an example in which the invariant display area 13 and the variable display area 14 are arranged on the left and right, and the display ratio of each display area is formed equally. FIG. 5B shows an example in which the ratio of the variable display area 14 to the invariant display area 13 is increased. The data receiving terminal 11 is arranged near the center of the back surface of the electronic card 10. FIG. 6A shows an example in which the variable display area 14 is arranged above and below the immutable display area 13 and divided into three parts. FIG. 6B shows an example in which the variable display area 14 is used as a reference, and the immutable display area 13 is arranged above and below the variable display area 14 to divide the display area into three parts. The data receiving terminal 11 is arranged near the upper end of the back surface of the electronic card 10.

That is, the electronic card 10 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 has a display area only on the surface of the card. In such a case, the data receiving terminal 11 may be arranged on the back surface of the electronic card 10 in addition to the form in which the data receiving terminal 11 is arranged on the side surface 10a of the card as shown in FIG. By arranging the data receiving terminal 11 on the back surface of the card, the data receiving terminal 11 can be hidden when the electronic card 10 is viewed, which is suitable for improving the aesthetic appearance of the entire card.

Further, FIG. 7 shows an example in which the immutable display area 13 is arranged on the front surface of the electronic card 10 and the variable display area 14 is arranged on the back surface. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the invariant display area 13 and the second variable display area 19 are arranged on the front surface of the electronic card 10, and the variable display area 14 is arranged on the back surface. These have display areas on both sides of the electronic card 10. Therefore, the data receiving terminal 11 is preferably arranged on the side surface of the card.

Further, FIG. 9 shows an example in which only the variable display area 14 is arranged on both the front surface and the back surface of the electronic card 10. That is, the electronic card 10 of FIG. 9 does not have the invariant display area 13, but if only the variable display area 14 is arranged, more rewritable data can be displayed.

Although not shown, there are other forms as follows. The display areas arranged on the front surface and the back surface of the electronic card 10 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are reversed, and the invariant display area 13 and the variable display area 14 of the electronic card 10 shown in FIG. 7 are arranged. There are forms such as the display area shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. That is, according to the above, the arrangement location and size of the variable display area 14 can be adjusted according to the usage pattern of the electronic card 10, which is preferable because it is excellent in convenience.

The operation when the card data is displayed in the variable display area 14 is as follows. First, when the electronic card 10 is inserted into the card insertion slot 21 of the data rewriting device 20, the data receiving terminal 11 comes into contact with the device side terminal 25 of the data rewriting device 20 to add to the electrode 14c of the electronic card 10. Or a negative voltage is loaded. Then, the charged particles (white particles, titanium oxide particles) are attracted to one of the electrodes 14c to rewrite the card data, and the card data is displayed in the variable display area 14.

Further, in order to record the card data in the non-volatile memory 12, the control unit 22 of the data rewriting device 20 expands the card data of the storage unit 23 and is non-volatile from the device side terminal 25 through the data receiving terminal 11. Record card data in memory 12. In the non-volatile memory 12, the history before being rewritten is recorded as history data. The recorded history data can be viewed by using the data rewriting device 20.

The electronic card of the present invention is a medium capable of rewriting data in the variable display area 14, unlike a method of adding data to the back surface of a card such as a magnetic card. Even with the limited display area of the variable display area 14, the data can be rewritten without being added, so that the data can be displayed and updated with a higher degree of freedom than the magnetic card. Further, since the data is rewritten by the data rewriting device 20, the electronic card 10 can rewrite the data in the variable display area 14 without requiring a power supply by itself, so that it is lightweight and convenient to carry. Further, the card data displayed in the variable display area 14 is associated with the immutable data in the immutable display area 13. Therefore, it is possible to create information that combines invariant data and card data, such as "map" and "current position".

(Electronic Card with Folder) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the electronic card 100 with a folder. The electronic card 100 with a folder has a terminal cover portion 62 that protects a plurality of card accommodating sheets 61 capable of accommodating a plurality of electronic cards 10 and a data receiving terminal 11 in a folder main body 60 formed so as to be folded in half with respect to the center line. It has. The card storage sheet 61 is composed of a left side sheet 61a located on the left side and a right side sheet 61b located on the right side when FIG. 10 is viewed from the front. Sheets similar to 61 are stacked.

The terminal cover portion 62 is formed of an insulator that does not transmit electrical energy to the data receiving terminal 11. As shown in FIG. 11, when the electronic card 10 is housed in the terminal cover portion 62, the lower end of the electronic card 10 to the data receiving terminal 11 is covered, and a part of the upper end of the electronic card 10 is exposed to the outside. It is in the form of. Therefore, the terminal cover portion 62 can reliably protect the data receiving terminal 11, and prevent the loss of the card data recorded on the electronic card 10. Further, since the upper end of the electronic card 10 is exposed, it is possible to easily take out the electronic card 10 by grasping a part of the upper end when taking out the electronic card 10.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, a polarizing film 63 is provided as a part of the terminal cover portion 62. The polarizing film 63 is made of a transparent or translucent material, and the card data displayed in the variable display area 14 becomes invisible when viewed from a certain angle. Specifically, when the user who uses the folder body 60 sees the electronic card 10 from the front, the data for the card can be visually recognized as usual, but from an angle off the front, for example, about 30 degrees up, down, left and right. When you look at it, you cannot see the data for the card. That is, the card data of the electronic card 10 stored in the folder main body 60 becomes unreadable from other users. As a usage pattern of the electronic card 100 with a folder, for example, a battle-type card game is played with the electronic card housed in the folder main body 60. In this case, since the card data cannot be seen by the opponent, it is possible to enjoy a competitive card game with other users.

It is also possible to provide only the folder independently. This is configured to include a terminal cover portion 62 of an insulator that houses a part or all of the electronic card 10 and protects the position where the data receiving terminal 11 reaches when the electronic card 10 is properly stored. .. Further, when there are a plurality of standardizations of the size of the electronic card, it is possible to provide a plurality of types of folders according to the standardization. It is also possible to provide a notebook with a filing structure that can store multiple electronic cards one by one.

(Online Card Game System) Next, an online card game using the electronic card 10 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 18. In the online card game system according to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of characters, called "card battles", compete against a plurality of users online using a predetermined rule under a predetermined rule using the Internet. In a turn-based competitive card game, in order to perform a "card battle", insert a readable / writable electronic card 10 into a terminal that can connect to the Internet, and enter the card data required for the "card battle". It is done by reading.

To explain the overall flow with reference to FIG. 13, in order for user A to perform a "card battle" with another user online, user B, the terminal 40 (sender terminal) related to user A is required. Send a match request to server 50 using. When the server 50 receives the battle request, the server 50 transmits the battle request to the terminal 40b (competition candidate terminal) related to the user B. When user B accepts the match against user A, the electronic card 10 is inserted into the terminal 40 and the terminal 40b, the card data is read, and the latest data is updated for setting. When the preparations are complete, a "card battle" between user A and user B is started under a predetermined rule.

When the "card battle" is completed, the server 50 records the battle result as the battle history in the battle history database 51. When the card data of the electronic card 10 is updated by "card battle", the update data is recorded in the update database 52, the recorded update data is transmitted to the electronic card 10, and the card data. Rewrite.

The card data in this system indicates various data required for "card battle", which is composed of ability values, feature points, and battle history of the characters of the electronic card 10. As shown in Fig. 14, the ability value consists of [level], [physical strength], [speed], [magical power], and [power], and the characteristic points are the [special move] and [skill] peculiar to the character. ], There are various data such as installed [weapons]. The battle history is data in which detailed results of "card battles" played against past users are recorded as a history, and this battle history can be viewed using a terminal.

In the immutable display area 13 in this system, data such as an image of a predetermined character and a character name related to a card game are displayed. In other words, data that does not change like card data is displayed even if a "card battle" is performed.

The variable display area 14 in this system displays card data such as [level], [physical strength], [speed], etc. displayed in the variable display area 14, and the card data is displayed by "card battle". Is updated, the displayed data is rewritten to the latest card data. Further explaining with reference to FIG. 14, the left side of FIG. 14 is the state of the ability value before the start of the card battle, and the right side is the state of the ability value after the end of the card battle. Before the start of "Card Battle", [Ki] is "80", but it is assumed that Ki has increased by 20 points because certain conditions such as victory from other users have been achieved in "Card Battle". As a result, it can be seen that [Ki] has increased from "80" to "100" in the variable display area 14 after the end of the "card battle".

As shown in Fig. 15 (a), the types of terminals 40 used in this system are installed in user homes, home PCs with built-in card insertion slots, home game consoles, retail stores, etc. A retail terminal that is always connected to the server 50 via the Internet, a portable terminal that is connected to a home PC (home game console) via a predetermined interface (for example, a USB port) and can be carried by removing the terminal 40, etc. There is. Further, as shown in FIG. 15B, in the case of a portable terminal, the portable terminal may be connected to the retail store terminal. If the terminal 40 is a portable type, the terminal 40 is not limited to an online game, and an offline card game in which users bring cards to play can be played, and the selection range of game conditions can be expanded.

Next, each process of the server 50, the terminal 40, and the terminal 40b related to this system will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the terminal 40 and the terminal 40b are installed in the user's home, respectively, and the "card battle" is performed in a state where the terminal 40 and the terminal 40b are connected to the server 50 from the user's home via the Internet line. To do.

(User authentication processing) To use this system, first, user authentication processing is performed by either accessing the website dedicated to this system using a WWW browser or the like or accessing the server 50 using dedicated software. Is done. As shown in FIG. 16, when the user A turns on the power of the terminal 40, the connection check of the Internet line is performed (S101). If the line connection is OK, an authentication request for user authentication is sent to the server 50 (S102). In authentication, authentication data required for authentication such as user ID and password is transmitted. The server 50 performs the user authentication process based on the transmitted authentication data (S103). If the line connection is an error, the error is displayed on the terminal 40 and error processing is performed (S104).

After the authentication process, the terminal 40 determines whether or not it has been logged in (S105), and if it has been logged in, sends a user data synchronization request to the server 50 (S106). If it is a login error, the error is displayed on the terminal 20 and error processing is performed (S107). The server 50 synchronizes the user data and the server data, and transmits the server update information updated by the synchronization to the terminal 40 (S108). The terminal 40 receives the data, determines whether the data has been confirmed (S109), and if confirmed, the connection is completed. If the data has not been confirmed, an error is displayed on the terminal 40 and error processing is performed (S110).

(Battle processing) When the terminal 40 is normally authenticated by the user authentication processing, the battle processing by "card battle" is performed. As shown in FIG. 17, user A transmits a battle content selection and a battle request from the terminal 40 (S201). The selection of battle content is the rule of "card battle". For example, if it is a victory condition, a rule can be considered in which a three-turn system is set and the user who precedes two wins wins.

When the server 50 receives the battle request from the terminal 40, the server 50 sends the battle candidate list of other users who can play online to the terminal 40 (S202). When user A selects a desired opponent from the opponent list (S203), the server 50 confirms and calls the terminal 40b of the selected opponent (here, user B) (S204). It is determined whether or not there is a call from the terminal 40b (S205), and if there is a response, a notification of the opponent and the battle content is sent to the terminal 40b (S206). If there is no response, the terminal 40 displays no response and allows the terminal 40 to appropriately select whether to perform standby processing or termination processing (S207).

If the response is supported, does the terminal 40b perform the user authentication and data synchronization processing shown in FIG. 16 (S208), and receive an application for "card battle" from user A from the opponent and the battle content? Select whether or not (S209). The server 50 determines whether or not the user B has received the application (S210), and if it accepts the application, registers and initializes the battle content (S211). If the "card battle" is rejected, the terminal 40 is displayed as a battle refusal, and the process ends as a cancellation process (S212).

If the "card battle" setting is set by registering and initializing the battle content, that fact is transmitted to the terminal 40 and the terminal 40b (S213). Each user inserts the electronic card 10 into the terminal 40 (40b). The card data is read by the terminal 40 (40b), and the read card data is transmitted to the server 50. The server 50 performs battle processing from the received card data (S214). The battle process transmits the situation data, which is the battle situation, to the terminal 40 and the terminal 40b in real time (S215). This status data is displayed on the terminal 40 and the terminal 40b, and is written to the electronic card 10 as a battle history (S216). For example, on the first turn, user A wins by using the XX card.

The server 50 determines whether or not the winner of the "card battle" between the user A and the user B has been decided based on the battle content (S217), and if the win or loss is decided, the card data is recorded in the update database 52. Register (S218). In addition, if there is no victory or defeat, a "card battle" will be repeated until the end of the battle (S219). After registering the data for the card, the connection with the terminal 40 and the terminal 40b is canceled and the termination process is performed (S220). The terminal 40 and the terminal 40b are disconnected from the server 50, and the terminal 40 displays the end of the "card battle" and ends (S221).

Next, other forms of this system will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a form in which a plurality of retail stores in each region hold a card battle tournament and the retail store terminals installed in each retail store are always connected to the server 50. Here, it is assumed that user A and user B are in different retail stores, and users who participate in the "card battle tournament" purchase a portable terminal and, if necessary, an electronic card 10 at the retail store, and other users. And carry out a "card battle". In addition, as a rule of "card battle tournament", it is assumed that the battle content is set to a 3-turn system. Since the user authentication process is the same as that in FIG. 15, the description thereof will be omitted.

When the portable terminal 30 related to the user A applies for a match to the server 50 via the retail store terminal, the server 50 sends a list of match candidates participating in the tournament. In addition, this battle candidate list is created by listing the terminals that can be played by the battle candidate list creation means. Therefore, the user can select the desired opponent by himself / herself. When the user A selects the user B and applies for the battle, the server 10 calls the portable terminal 30b related to the user B and transmits the battle request from the user A. If user B approves, the card data is updated to the latest data and the data is initialized (S301).

(Turn 1) The portable terminal 30 (30b) reads the card data of the first electronic card 10 selected by the user A and the user B (S302), and the battle process is performed via the retail store terminal. When the victory or defeat is determined from the read card data, if the card data of the electronic card 10 is changed from the result, the changed data is written to the electronic card 10 as update data (S303). Here, it is assumed that user B has won.

(Turn 2) The portable terminal 30 (30b) reads the card data of the second electronic card 10 selected by the user A and the user B (S304), and the battle process is performed via the retail store terminal. When the card data of the electronic card 10 is changed from the winning / losing result, the changed data is written to the electronic card 10 as update data (S305). On the second turn, it is assumed that User A has won.

(Turn 3) The portable terminal 30 (30b) reads the card data of the third electronic card 10 selected by the user A and the user B (S306), and the battle process is performed via the retail store terminal. When the card data of the electronic card 10 is changed from the winning / losing result, the changed data is written to the electronic card 10 as update data (S307). Since User A wins even on the third turn, User A will survive according to the rules of the "Card Battle Tournament", and User A can fight other users.

The system can also be processed as software. In this case, the battle request receiving procedure for receiving the battle request from the terminal 40 wishing to play online, the battle request transmitting procedure for transmitting the battle request received by the battle request receiving procedure to the terminal 40b which can be a battle candidate, and the battle request transmitting procedure. When a battle request is received from the terminal 40b, the card data receiving procedure for receiving the card data of the electronic card 10 inserted in each of the terminal 40b and the terminal 40, and the card data and the terminal of the received terminal 40b. The battle processing procedure that compares 40 card data based on a predetermined rule, determines the winner and the loser and calculates the battle result data, and the battle processing procedure changes the card data of the winner or the loser. , The changed data is written to the electronic card 10 as update data, and the data rewriting procedure for the card that enables the update data to be displayed in the variable display area 14 is processed by a program that causes the computer to execute.

In addition, the above program detects a terminal capable of online battle as a battle candidate terminal, and sends an online battle request to the battle candidate list creation procedure for listing the detected battle candidate terminals and the battle candidate list. It includes a procedure for transmitting a match candidate list to be transmitted to a transmitting terminal.

In addition, the procedure for receiving the match request data in which the sender terminal receives the match request data from the match candidate list, and the match candidate terminal related to the match request data, are used for online battle with the sender terminal. It includes a battle permission transmission procedure that asks whether or not to accept the battle, and a setting procedure that sets the battle preparation between the battle candidate terminal and the transmitting side terminal when the battle candidate terminal accepts the battle permission.

Further, the above computer program can be stored in a recording medium and provided. Here, the "recording medium" is a medium capable of carrying a program that cannot occupy space by itself, and is, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-R, an MO (magneto-optical disk), or a DVD-. R and so on. It is also possible to transmit from the computer storing the programs according to these inventions to another computer through a communication line. In the present embodiment, the portable terminal is connected to different retail store terminals, but it is also possible to connect to the same retail store terminal.

<figref num="1">It is the schematic which shows the structure of an electronic card.</figref><figref num="2">It is the schematic which showed the structure of the variable display area.</figref><figref num="3">It is a block diagram which showed the structure of a terminal.</figref><figref num="4">It is a figure which showed the variation of the invariant display area and the variable display area.</figref><figref num="5">It is a figure which showed the variation of the invariant display area and the variable display area.</figref><figref num="6">It is a figure which showed the variation of the invariant display area and the variable display area.</figref><figref num="7">It is a figure which showed the variation of the invariant display area and the variable display area.</figref><figref num="8">It is a figure which showed the variation of the invariant display area and the variable display area.</figref><figref num="9">It is a figure which showed the variation of an electronic card.</figref><figref num="10">It is a top view which showed the electronic card with a folder.</figref><figref num="11">It is a figure which showed the state which the electronic card was stored in the terminal cover part.</figref><figref num="12">It is a figure explaining the form in which the data for a card can be visually recognized from the film sheet when the electronic card is stored in the terminal cover part.</figref><figref num="13">It is a conceptual diagram which showed the whole structure of an online card game system.</figref><figref num="14">It is a figure explaining the change of the numerical value of the variable display area.</figref><figref num="15">It is a figure which showed the type of a terminal.</figref><figref num="16">It is a flowchart which showed the user authentication processing in an online card game system.</figref><figref num="17">It is a flowchart which showed the battle process in an online card game system.</figref><figref num="18">It is a flowchart which showed the other form of the online card game system.</figref>

Code description

10 Electronic card 10a Card side 11 Data receiving terminal 12 Non-volatile memory 13 Immutable display area 14 Variable display area 14a Plastic film 14b Micro rib structure 14c Electrode 19 Second variable display area 20, 20b Card rewriting device 21 Card insertion slot 22 Control Unit 23 Storage unit 24 Communication unit 25 Device side terminal 30,30b Portable terminal 40,40b Terminal 50 Server 51 Battle history database 52 Update database 60 Folder body 61 Card storage sheet 61a Left sheet 61b Right sheet 62 Terminal cover 63 Polarized Sex film 100 Electronic card with folder