Card, information processing unit, and recording medium having information processing program

A card is provided comprising an information setting unit configured to output a first signal including unique information of the card, and a bending sensor configured to output a second signal corresponding to a curvature of the card. An information processing apparatus is also provided comprising a card reading unit configured to acquire information from a card a processor, and a memory device. The memory device stores instructions which when executed by the processor, causes the processor to acquire unique information from the card, and acquire curvature information from the card corresponding to a curvature of the card.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to a card having unique information, and an information processing unit and a recording medium having an information processing program using the unique information of the card.

BACKGROUND ART

A card game played using a specially designed card, called trading card game (TCG), is recently in fashion. TCG is called collectable card game (CCG) in some foreign countries. In TCG, each player brings his/her collected cards, and enjoys the game in accordance with rules. A trading card arcade game (TCAG) including a combination of card and an electronic game console is now developed as an approach for making games to be more complicated and expanding variation of games.

In TCAG, unique information is embedded in the card, and the electronic game console reads the unique information embedded in the card, thereby a game or game development corresponding to the unique information is provided. TCAG therefore provides a player an experience as if individual cards have different functions. For example, the unique information may be embedded in the card by means of RFID (see PTL 1) or barcode.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY

Technical Problem

However, when unique information is simply embedded in a card, expansion of variation is inevitably limited by card types. Hence, further drastic complication of games has been disadvantageously not easy. Such limitation in expansion of variation by card types is also disadvantageous when a card is used for any application other than games.

It is desirable to provide a card enabling expansion of variation, an information processing unit and a recording medium having an information processing program capable of achieving information processing that expands variation using the card.

Solution to Problem

In an embodiment, a card is provided comprising an information setting unit configured to output a first signal including unique information of the card, and a bending sensor configured to output a second signal corresponding to a curvature of the card.

In another embodiment of the card, the curvature corresponds to at least one of a bending, a twisting, and a flipping of the card.

In an embodiment, an information processing apparatus is provided comprising a card reading unit configured to acquire information from a card, a processor, and a memory device. The memory device storing instructions which when executed by the processor, causes the processor to acquire unique information from the card, and acquire curvature information from the card corresponding to a curvature of the card.

In another embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus further comprises a communication unit configured to communicate with a server. The instructions further cause the processor to acquire relevant information from the server corresponding to the unique information acquired from the card.

In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a computer program is provided. The computer program is for causing an information processing apparatus including a card reading unit to acquire unique information from a card; and acquire curvature information from the card corresponding to a curvature of the card.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the card of the above-described embodiment of the present technology, bending information and the unique information of the card are read from the inside of the card. Hence, variation is expanded using the bending information of the card.

According to the information processing unit and the recording medium having the information processing program of the above-described respective embodiments of the technology, the bending information and the unique information of the card are read from the inside of the card. Hence, variation is expanded using the bending information of the card.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present technology will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is to be noted that description is made in the following order.

FIG. 1illustrates a schematic configuration of an information processing network1according to one embodiment of the present technology. For example, the information processing network1may include an information processing unit10, one or a plurality of connection sections20to be connected to the information processing unit10through wired or wireless connection, and one or a plurality of cards30that are each to be detachably connected to each of the connection sections20. For example, the information processing unit10may be a home-use game console or an arcade game console placed in a video arcade or the like. The one or the plurality of connection sections20are provided separately from the information processing unit10. Furthermore, for example, the information processing network1may include a server40that communicates with the information processing unit10over a network, and a display unit50that displays images based on image signals output from the information processing unit10. For example, the network may be an external network such as Internet. The display unit50is provided separately from the information processing unit10.

FIG. 2illustrates an exemplary functional block of the information processing unit10. For example, the information processing unit10may include a control section11, a storage section12, a card reading control section13, an image signal output section14, a network communication section15, and an input section16. The control section11is connected to each of the storage section12, the card reading control section13, the image signal output section14, the network communication section15, and the input section16. The control section11corresponds to a specific but not limitative example of “read section” and “generation section” in one embodiment of the technology.

For example, the control section11may interpret and execute program instructions, and, for example, may be configured of a central processing unit (CPU). When an information processing program12A is loaded into a predetermined area, the control section11interprets and executes the instructions of the loaded information processing program12A.

The storage section12stores the information processing program12A and relevant information12B. The information processing program12A instructs the control section11to perform a series of steps for, for example, playing a game. The series of steps for, for example, playing a game are described in detail later. The information processing program12A may be beforehand stored in the storage section12, or, for example, may be downloaded from the server40via the network communication section15. The relevant information12B is data used for the control section11to perform the series of steps for, for example, playing a game. For example, the relevant information12B may be downloaded from the server40via the network communication section15. The relevant information12B is described in detail later.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the information processing unit10may include a read section17that reads information from a recording medium18. In the case where the recording medium18stores the information processing program12A, the control section11controls the read section17to read the information processing program12A contained in the recording medium18, and controls the storage section12to store the information processing program12A. Moreover, the control section11controls the read section17to read the information processing program12A contained in the recording medium18, and loads the information processing program12A into a predetermined area so that the control section11interprets and executes the instructions of the loaded information processing program12A.

The card reading control section13applies a predetermined voltage for reading information in the card30to the connection section20while acquiring the information in the card30via the connection section20. The card reading control section13applies the predetermined voltage to the connection section20in response to a control signal (first control signal) from the control section11, and accordingly acquires the information in the card30via the connection section20. The first control signal is a signal to instruct the card reading control section13to apply the predetermined voltage for reading the information in the card30to the connection section20.

For example, the image signal output section14may output an image signal specified by the control section11to the outside. In the case where the display unit50is connected to the information processing unit10, the image signal output section14outputs the image signal to the display unit50. The network communication section15communicates with an apparatus (for example, the server40), which is connected to an external network such as Internet, over the external network in response to an instruction from the control section11. The input section16is a unit for loading information from a user in a form of digital data into the information processing unit10, and, for example, may be configured of a keyboard, a mouse, a remote controller, or a touch panel.

The relevant information12B is now described.FIG. 4illustrates an example of the relevant information12B. The relevant information12B is information associated with one or a plurality of pieces of unique information12C allocated for individual cards30or individual types of the card30, and corresponds to a specific but not limitative example of “first relevant information” in one embodiment of the technology. Hereinafter, it is assumed that each of pieces of unique information12C is allocated for each of the cards30.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the unique information12B may be represented by quinary numbers of plural bits. For example, the bit number may correspond to the number of switching interconnections in a switch SW described later. As schematically illustrated in the right ofFIG. 4, the server40stores a large number of tables (pieces of relevant information12B) that are each associated with each of the pieces of unique information12C. The control section11acquires relevant information12B corresponding to unique information12C from the server40via the network communication section15, and stores the relevant information12B into the storage section12or in a predetermined region.

For example, the relevant information12B may contain a bending mode of the card30. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 5A to 5C, the bending mode may refer to an action of a user on the card30, such as “bending”, “twisting”, and “flipping”. In the relevant information12B, one or a plurality of parameters are associated with one bending mode.FIG. 4exemplifies a case where three parameters, i.e., skill, strength, and sound, are associated with one bending mode. For example, when a user performs an action of “bending” on the card30, the control section11determines such an action as input of one bending mode of “bending”. As a result, the control section11reads one or a plurality of parameters associated with the one bending mode of “bending” from the relevant information12B.

One or a plurality of parameters may also be associated with a plurality of bending modes being temporally consecutive. For example, in the case where a user performs an action of “bending” on the card30and then immediately performs an action of “twisting” thereon, the control section11determines such actions as input of two temporally consecutive bending modes of “bending” and “twisting”. As a result, the control section11reads one or a plurality of parameters, which are associated with the two temporally consecutive bending modes of “bending” and “twisting”, from the relevant information12B. The one or the plurality of parameters, which are associated with the two temporally consecutive bending modes, correspond to a specific but not limitative example of “second relevant information” in one embodiment of the technology.

The relevant information12B may contain data being not associated with the bending mode. The relevant information12B may contain, for example, parameters indicating basic data of the unique information12C, as such data.FIG. 4exemplifies physical strength, defense, and level as such parameters. In the relevant information12B, one or a plurality of parameters may be associated with intensity of the bending mode. For example, violent effective sound may be associated with a bending mode of strong “bending”, and gentle effective sound may be associated with a bending mode of weak “bending”.

FIG. 6illustrates a schematic configuration of each of the card30and the connection section20to be detachably connected to the card30. For example, the connection section20may include a slot22to introduce the card30, a card holding section21that holds the card30through the slot22, and a plurality of electrodes23that are provided in the slot22and are to be in contact with a plurality of electrodes33of the card30. The slot22is a cavity having a shape (for example, an elongated rectangular shape) corresponding to a shape of one side of the card30, and, for example, may be provided on a top of the card holding section21. The electrodes23are arranged in a line or in two lines with a predetermined space therebetween. Here, “predetermined space” refers to a gap that is large enough for the electrodes33of the card30to be fit therein. In the case where the electrodes23are arranged in a line, for example, the inner surface of the slot22may be disposed at a distance corresponding to “predetermined space” from the electrodes23. Alternatively, in the case where the electrodes23are arranged in a line, for example, each electrode may have a letter U-shape having “predetermined space”.

For example, the connection section20may further include an ID read circuit24and a bending information read circuit25. For example, the ID read circuit24and the bending information read circuit25may be provided in the inside of the card holding section21while being electrically connected to the electrodes23. In the case where the connection section20is connected to the information processing unit10through wired connection, the connection section20has a cable26.

For example, the card30may be a playing-card size card commonly used in card games. For example, the card30may include a unique information setting circuit31, a bending sensor32, and the electrodes33. The unique information setting circuit31outputs a voltage corresponding to the unique information12B of the card30in response to a voltage applied from the outside (the connection section20). The bending sensor32generates a voltage corresponding to a mode of bending of the card30. The unique information setting circuit31and the bending sensor32are described in detail later. The card30has no function of displaying images in response to any appropriate signal, and has no power supply that supplies power to each of components in the card30.

The electrodes33are provided side by side in a line along an end edge of the card30on one end of the card30, and are provided on one or both of the surface30A and the back30B of the card30. For example, in the case where a picture common to all the cards30is drawn on the entire surface30A while information and a picture unique to an individual card30are drawn on the back30B, the electrodes33is provided on the surface30A or on both the surface30A and the back30B. In the case where the electrodes33are provided on only one side of the card30, the electrodes23of the connection section20are arranged in the slot22in one or more line. In the case where the electrodes33are provided on both the surface30A and the back30B, the electrodes23of the connection section20are arranged in the slot22in two lines with “predetermined space” therebetween, or each electrode has a letter U-shape having “predetermined space”.

For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B, in the case where the electrodes33are provided only on the surface30A, and formation positions of the electrodes33of the card30correspond to formation positions of the electrodes23of the connection section20, respectively, the electrodes23may be preferably arranged in a line only on one side face in the slot22. In this case, when the card30is inserted inside out, any electrode33of the card30is not in contact with any of the electrodes23of the connection section20; hence, the information in the card30is prevented from being falsely recognized by the connection section20.

For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8B, in the case where the electrodes33are provided on both the surface30A and the back30B, it is preferable that any of formation positions of the electrodes33of the card30do not correspond to any of formation positions of the electrodes23of the connection section20. For example, the formation positions of the electrodes33of the card30and the formation positions of the electrodes23of the connection section20may be preferably disposed in a staggered configuration. In this case, when the card30is inserted inside out, any electrode33of the card30is also not in contact with any of the electrodes23of the connection section20; hence, the information in the card30is prevented from being falsely recognized by the connection section20.

FIG. 9illustrates an exemplary internal configuration of each of the connection section20and the card30. In the connection section20, for example, the ID read circuit24may include a VCC line, a Multiple-Input/Single-Output switch SW, a resistance R, and an ID detection line. The resistance R and the ID detection line are connected in parallel to an output side of the switch SW. The respective electrodes23(1,2,3,4, and5inFIG. 9) are connected to an input side of the switch SW for individual input terminals of the switch SW. For example, the ID read circuit24may supply a predetermined voltage to the card30through the VCC line, and may allow the switch SW to perform switching operation in response to a control signal from the card reading control section13. As a result, the ID read circuit24converts a plurality of voltages (parallel data) output from the electrodes23(1,2,3,4, and5inFIG. 9) into a serial voltage Va (serial data), and outputs the voltage Va to the ID detection line. For example, the card reading control section13may convert the analog voltage Va acquired from the ID read circuit24into a digital voltage Va′, and outputs the voltage Va′ to the control section11. Consequently, for example, the control section11may read the unique information12C of the card30from the voltage Va′ (second signal) acquired via the card reading control section13and the connection section20. The bending information read circuit25is provided for each bending sensor32described later. For example, the bending information read circuit25may have two interconnections connected to two respective electrodes (A and B or C and D inFIG. 9) to be electrically connected to one bending sensor32. For example, the bending information read circuit25may output two voltages Vc1and Vd1, which are sent from two electrodes23corresponding to A and B inFIG. 9, to the card reading control section13through the two interconnections. Similarly, for example, the bending information read circuit25may output two voltages Vc2and Vd2, which are sent from two electrodes23corresponding to C and D inFIG. 9, to the card reading control section13through the two interconnections. For example, the card reading control section13may convert a potential difference (=Vc1−Vd1) between the two analog voltages Vc1and Vd1, which are acquired from the bending information read circuit25, into a digital voltage deltaV1, and outputs the voltage deltaV1to the control section11. Similarly, for example, the card reading control section13may convert a potential difference (=Vc2−Vd2) between the two analog voltages Vc2and Vd2, which are acquired from the bending information read circuit25, into a digital voltage deltaV2, and outputs the voltage deltaV2to the control section11. Consequently, for example, the control section11may read the bending mode of the card30from the voltage deltaV1or deltaV2(first signal) acquired via the card reading control section13and the connection section20.

In the card30, for example, the unique information setting circuit31may have a circuit configuration where respective interconnections31A having different interconnection resistance values are provided for the respective electrodes23connected to an input side of the switch SW. For example, the unique information setting circuit31may include interconnections31A for resistances R1, R2, R3, and R4and interconnections32A having no resistance. The respective interconnections31A are connected at one ends thereof to individual electrodes33, and are connected at the other end thereof to a common electrode33. Specifically, for example, the unique information setting circuit31may include a parallel circuit including the interconnections31A (circuit blocks) that have interconnection resistance values different from one another and are disposed in parallel. Here, it is assumed that “A” types of resistances are prepared, and appropriate resistance values are selected from values of the “A” types of resistances to produce an “X” digit sequence. At this time, (A+1) to the power of “X” pieces of unique information are produced in consideration of the resistance value of zero.

The unique information setting circuit31is configured of a printing pattern formed through printing on a substrate34. Specifically, all of the interconnections31A and the resistances R1, R2, R3, and R4are formed by printing. The interconnections31A may be formed by printing a conductive paste by screen printing or offset printing. The resistances R1, R2, R3, and R4may be formed by printing a resistor paste by screen printing or offset printing.

The bending sensor32is disposed parallel to one substrate (first substrate) contained in the card30, or disposed parallel to one substrate (first substrate) of a plurality of substrates contained in the card30. An interconnection32A (first interconnection) is electrically connected to the top of the bending sensor32, and another interconnection32A (second interconnection) is electrically connected to the bottom of the bending sensor32. The two respective interconnections32A connected to the top and the bottom are connected to respective different electrodes33.

The bending sensor32outputs a signal (first signal) correlative to curvature of the substrate contained in the card30. The bending sensor32is a device that curves along with the curvature of the substrate contained in the card30, and thus generates a potential difference between the top and the bottom of the bending sensor32. Hence, the bending sensor32is not necessary to receive supply of an operating current. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 10, the bending sensor32may preferably be an electroactive polymer (EAP) device in which the respective sides of a polymer compound film32-1are overlaid by electrode films32-2and32-3. In the EAP device illustrated inFIG. 10, a voltage correlative to a bending direction or a bending level is output; hence, in the case where such an EAP device is provided as the bending sensor32in the card30, a voltage correlative to the bending direction or the bending level of the card30is output from the bending sensor32.

For example, the polymer compound film32-1may be configured of an ion conductive resin sheet having a thickness of about 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm both inclusive. For example, each of the electrode films32-2and32-3may be configured of a metal-evaporated film having a thickness of about 40 nm. For example, each of the electrode films32-2and32-3may also be formed by application of a mixture of granular conductive carbon powder with ion conductive resin. When the ion conductive resin is bent, distribution of ions therein becomes uneven, leading to generation of a potential difference between the electrodes.

Hydrogen ions, sodium ions, lithium ions, or the like are appropriately selected as operating ions. In the case where hydrogen ions are used, the ion conductive resin is immersed in a sulfuric acid aqueous solution, thereby movable ions in the ion conductive resin are substituted by hydrogen ions. In the case where sodium ions are used, the ion conductive resin may be preferably immersed in a saline solution. In the case where lithium ions are used, the device may be preferably immersed in a lithium chloride solution. When bending stress is applied to the ion conductive resin, the operating ions migrate from an inner side to an outer side of bending. If positive ions are used as the operating ions, the positive ions are densely distributed on the outer side of the device. As a result, any electrode on an outer side has an increased electric potential. If the ion conductive resin is bent in an opposite direction, an electrode on an opposite side has an increased electric potential, thereby making it possible to detect a bending direction. Also, when the bending level increases, unevenness of ion distribution also increases, resulting in an increase in potential difference between the two electrodes. In this way, the potential difference between the two electrodes on the two sides is detected, thereby making it possible to detect the bending direction and the bending level together. In existing bending sensors (such as a strain gage and a pressure-sensitive rubber) based on variations in resistance, the bending direction has not been detected, leading to limitation in operation. In addition, a current is necessary to be applied to the sensor itself to operate the sensor. In contrast, it is not necessary for the ion conductive resin to receive current application from the outside, and the ion conductive resin detects the bending direction through reversal of polarity of output voltage. This enables different responses of the control section11between front-side bending and back-side bending, thereby allowing more complicated operation. The ion conductive resin is further characterized in that if the ion conductive resin is continuously bent at a constant level, an accurate bending level of the resin is also continuously detected. Hence, the ion conductive resin is particularly useful when certain operation is continuously performed for a fixed period. Existing sensors based on a piezoelectric effect (piezoelectric devices) only detect temporal variations of a bending level. Nevertheless, in examples where obtaining only temporal variations of a bending level is enough, the bending sensor32may be a piezoelectric device in which two respective sides of a piezoelectric body32-4are overlaid by the electrode films32-2and32-3, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 11.

For example, the bending sensor32may be provided in the card30by pasting. On the other hand, the interconnections32A to be connected to the bending sensor32may be formed by printing. The interconnections32A may be formed by printing a conductive paste by screen printing or offset printing as with the interconnections31A.

FIG. 12Aillustrates an exemplary sectional configuration of the bending sensor32together with the neighborhood thereof in the card30.FIG. 12Billustrates an exemplary top configuration of the bending sensor32.FIG. 13Aillustrates an exemplary sectional configuration of the resistance R1together with the neighborhood thereof in the unique information setting circuit31in the card30.FIG. 13Billustrates an exemplary top configuration of the resistance R1.

The card30includes one or a plurality of bending sensors32and the unique information setting circuit31between two substrates34and35. Specifically, the one or the plurality of bending sensors32and the unique information setting circuit31are provided in the same layer. For example, the one or the plurality of bending sensors32and the unique information setting circuit31may be provided on a common substrate (specifically, the substrate34). The one or the plurality of bending sensors32and the unique information setting circuit31may be provided on respective different substrates as long as they are provided in the same layer.

For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 12A and 12B, the bending sensor32may have a belt-like shape. The bending sensor32has a belt-like shape, which increases detection sensitivity on bending, twisting, and flipping etc. of the card30(or the substrate34or35). An interconnection32A is electrically connected to the bottom on one end side of the bending sensor32through a conductive adhesive agent36(or a conductive tape, ACF etc.). Furthermore, another interconnection32A is electrically connected to the top on the other end side of the bending sensor32through a conductive adhesive agent36(or a conductive tape, ACF etc.).

For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 13A and 13B, the resistance R1may have a belt-like shape. For example, each of the resistances R2, R3, and R4may also have a belt-like shape as with the resistance R1. Each of the resistances R1, R2, R3, and R4has a belt-like shape, thereby the resistances R1, R2, R3, and R4easily have resistance values different from one another by variously adjusting the length or width of each of the resistances R1, R2, R3, and R4. The resistances R1, R2, R3, and R4may also have resistance values different from one another by variously adjusting the thickness of each of the resistances R1, R2, R3, and R4. An interconnection31A is directly in contact with one end side of the bottom of each of the resistances R1, R2, R3, and R4. Furthermore, another interconnection31A is directly in contact with the other end side of the bottom of each of the resistances R1, R2, R3, and R4.

FIG. 14Aillustrates an exemplary sectional configuration of the electrode33together with the neighborhood thereof in the card30.FIG. 14Billustrates an exemplary top configuration of the electrode33. Each electrode33is provided in contact with the inner surface (surface on a side close to the substrate35) of the substrate34on which the interconnections31A and32A are provided. Each electrode33is disposed on an end edge of the substrate34. The electrodes33are arranged in a line along an end edge of one side of the substrate34. A part of the electrodes33(a first terminal and a second terminal) are each electrically connected to the interconnection32A through a conductive adhesive agent36(or a conductive tape, ACF etc.) Another part of the electrodes33(third terminals) are each electrically connected to the interconnection31A through a conductive adhesive agent36(or a conductive tape, ACF etc.)

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 14B, the substrate35may have a cutout35A in each portion opposed to each electrode33. As a result, one side of each electrode33has a surface exposed to the outside. Furthermore, for example, as illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B, the substrate34may also have a cutout34A in each portion opposed to each electrode33. In such a case, two respective sides of each electrode33have surfaces exposed to the outside.

An exemplary method of manufacturing the card30is now described.FIG. 16is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary manufacturing procedure of the card30.FIGS. 17A to 17DandFIGS. 18A to 18Dare plan views illustrating manufacturing steps of the card30in order. First, a plurality of interconnections31A and32A are printed on the substrate34(step S101) (FIG. 17A). For example, the interconnections31A and32A may be printed together by printing a conductive paste by screen printing or offset printing. Then, the resistances R1to R4are printed in respective gaps between the interconnections31A (step S102) (FIG. 17B). At this time, the resistances R1to R4are printed by printing a resistor paste by screen printing or offset printing.

Then, the conductive adhesive agent36is printed on an end section of each interconnection32A (step S103) (FIG. 17C). At this time, a conductive tape, ACF, or the like may be used in place of the conductive adhesive agent36. Then, one or plurality of bending sensors32are provided on the substrate34such that the bottom of each bending sensor32is in contact with the conductive adhesive agent36(step S104) (FIG. 17D). For example, the bending sensor32may be provided by a transfer process. Then, the conductive adhesive agent36is printed such that the top of the bending sensor32is in contact with the interconnection32A (step S105) (FIG. 18A). At this time, a conductive tape, ACF, or the like may be used in place of the conductive adhesive agent36.

Then, a plurality of electrodes33are provided (step S106) (FIG. 18B). For example, the electrodes33may be provided by a transfer process. Then, the conductive adhesive agent36is printed such that the top of each electrode33is in contact with each of the interconnections32A and31A (step S107) (FIG. 18C). At this time, a conductive tape, ACF, or the like may be used in place of the conductive adhesive agent36. Finally, an insulating adhesive agent37is printed on the entire top other than surfaces of the electrodes33, and then the substrate34and the substrate35having the cutouts35A are attached to each other with the insulating adhesive agent37(the one or the plurality of bending sensors32, the resistances R1to R4, and the like) therebetween (step S108) (FIG. 18D). In this way, the card30may be manufactured.

The unique information setting circuit31may have the following configuration.FIG. 19illustrates one Modification of the unique information setting circuit31. The unique information setting circuit31illustrated inFIG. 19includes a certain number of parallel circuits31B corresponding to the number of columns (for example, five) of the unique information12C. Each parallel circuit31B includes a parallel circuit including a plurality of circuit blocks31C connected in parallel, each circuit block having one or a plurality of breaks, and a conductive component that forces the one, or all or part of the plurality of breaks, into conduction. For example, the conductive component may be configured of a conductive paste.

The parallel circuits31B, each including the plurality of circuit blocks31C connected in parallel, may have the same layout. In this case, printing sites of the conductive component may be appropriately set, thereby making it possible to optionally set the composite resistance of each parallel circuit31B. Consequently, printing cost is remarkably reduced compared with the unique information setting circuit31illustrated inFIG. 9.

An exemplary method of manufacturing the unique information setting circuit31illustrated inFIG. 19is now described.FIG. 20is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary manufacturing procedure of the unique information setting circuit31illustrated inFIG. 19.FIGS. 21A to 21Care plan views illustrating, in order, manufacturing steps of the unique information setting circuit31illustrated inFIG. 19. First, parallel circuits31H are printed on the substrate34, each parallel circuit31H including a plurality of circuit blocks31G connected in parallel, each circuit block31G having one or a plurality of breaks31D and one gap31F (step S201) (FIG. 21A). Then, resistances Ra are printed in respective gaps31F in each of the parallel circuits31H (step S202) (FIG. 21B). At this time, the resistances Ra printed in the gap31F may have the same resistance value. Furthermore, the values of the printed resistances Ra may be the same between all the parallel circuits31H. Finally, a conductive ink31E is printed such that any predetermined break31D in each parallel circuit31H is short-circuited (step S203) (FIG. 21C). In this way, the unique information setting circuit31illustrated inFIG. 19may be manufactured.

FIG. 22illustrates one Modification of an internal configuration of each of the connection section20and the card30. In the card30inFIG. 22, the unique information setting circuit31has a bilaterally symmetric circuit configuration. Specifically, one ends of the interconnections31that are connected to electrodes33other than an electrode33located at the lateral center among the electrodes33used in the unique information setting circuit31, are connected to the interconnection31A (interconnection31C) that are connected to the electrode33located at the lateral center among the electrodes33used in the unique information setting circuit31. The resistance values of the resistances R1to R6used in the unique information setting circuit31are irrelevant to the symmetry of the layout, and thus may be set optionally. AlthoughFIG. 22exemplifies a case where the interconnection31C has no resistance, the interconnection31C may have a certain resistance. Although the unique information setting circuit31has a bilaterally symmetric layout inFIG. 22, the layout may not be bilaterally symmetric.

The card30inFIG. 22includes two electrodes33unusable for the unique information setting circuit31and the bending sensor32. Such two electrodes33(hereinafter, referred to as “front/back detection electrodes33A”) are provided at two positions that are different from the center of the plurality of electrodes33arranged in a line, but are bilaterally symmetric positions among the positions of the electrodes33arranged in a line. For example, the two front/back detection electrodes33A may each be provided at either lateral end of the electrodes33arranged in a line. For example, one of the two front/back detection electrodes33A may not be connected to any interconnection, i.e., may be electrically open. The other of the two front/back detection electrodes33A is connected to one end of an interconnection34A that is electrically connected at the other end thereof to the interconnection31C. As a result, when the card30illustrated inFIG. 22is connected to the connection section20, the two front/back detection electrodes33A have voltages having values different from each other.

On the other hand, the connection section20has front/back detection circuits27each being provided for each front/back detection electrode33A. For example, the front/back detection circuit27may include an electrode23to be connected to the front/back detection electrode33A, and a resistance R connected to an interconnection to be set to a predetermined potential (for example, ground potential). Furthermore, for example, the front/back detection circuit27may include a front/back detection line connected to the electrode23to be connected to the front/back detection electrode33A. The control section11compares a voltage Ve obtained from the front/back detection line provided in one of the two front/back detection circuits27to a voltage Vf obtained from the front/back detection line provided in the other thereof, and, for example, may identify the front or the back of the card30based on magnitude relation between the two voltages.

In any of the cards30illustrated inFIGS. 9, 19, and 22, the interconnection32A is connected to either end section of each bending sensor32. However, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 23, one of the two interconnections32A, i.e., an interconnection32A connected to the top may be connected to the center of the interconnection32A or connected near the other of the interconnections32A, i.e., another interconnection32A connected to the bottom. In the case where an interconnection32A is connected to the center of the interconnection32A or connected near the other of the interconnections32A, i.e., another interconnection32A connected to the bottom, for example, as illustrated inFIGS. 24A and 24B, the interconnection32A may be connected to the top of the bending sensor32with the conductive adhesive agent36therebetween. A conductive tape, ACF, or the like may be used in place of the conductive adhesive agent36.

In any of the cards30illustrated inFIGS. 9, 19, and 22, the card30has two bending sensors32that are disposed on respective lateral end edges of the card30. However, for example, as illustrated inFIGS. 25A and 25B, the card30may have three bending sensors32. As illustrated inFIG. 25B, all the bending sensors32may be provided on the end edges of the card30. Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG. 25A, some of the bending sensors32may be provided at a position other than the end edges of the card30(for example, the center of the card30). Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG. 25C, two bending sensors32may be disposed in a crossing manner while being insulated from each other. In addition, the bending sensor32may have a shape different from the simple belt shape. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 25D, the bending sensor32may be shaped into a letter X shape.

Description is now made on operation of the information processing unit10when the control section11interprets and executes an instruction of a loaded information processing program12A.

FIG. 26illustrates an exemplary flow of an operation procedure of the information processing unit10. The control section11may omit part of the operation illustrated inFIG. 26, or may add a new action thereto.

First, a user turns on the information processing unit10. Thus, the information processing program12A is loaded and started. The control section11operates according to an instruction of the loaded information processing program12A. For example, the user may request start via the input section16. Then, the control section11generates an image signal requesting insertion of the card30into the connection section20, and sends the image signal to the display unit50via the image signal output section14. As a result, an image prompting insertion of the card30and operation on the card30is displayed on a screen of the display unit50.

The control section11synchronously generates a first control signal (step S301), and outputs the first control signal to the card reading control section13. Then, the card reading control section13applies a predetermined voltage (for example, VCC or the control signal Vb for the switch SW) for reading information in the card30to the connection section20in response to the first control signal from the control section11. Consequently, for example, VCC may be applied to the unique information setting circuit31via the connection section20. Furthermore, in the case where the connection section20and the card30each have a front/back detection mechanism as illustrated inFIG. 22, for example, VCC may also be applied to the front/back detection electrodes33A via the connection section20.

In addition, the switch SW performs switching operation in response to the control signal Vb, thereby a voltage Va, which is given by dividing the predetermined voltage by the resistances (R1to R4and zero) in the unique information setting circuit31and the resistance (R) in the ID read circuit24, is output as serial data to the ID detection line. For example, the voltage Va as the serial data may correspond to quinary numbers of several bits corresponding to unique information12C of the card30. Furthermore, in the case where the connection section20and the card30each have a front/back detection mechanism as illustrated inFIG. 22, for example, respective voltages Ve and Vf of the electrodes23connected to the front/back detection electrodes33A may be output to the respective front/back detection lines.

At this time, when the user performs operation such as bending on the card30, a predetermined voltage is output to the two interconnections of the bending information read circuit25. In the case where the bending sensor32are provided at the positions illustrated inFIG. 25B, a potential difference V1, V2, or V3between the two interconnections of each bending information read circuit25is as follows. The potential difference V1is obtained from the bending sensor32at the left end of the card30, the potential difference V2is obtained from the bending sensor32at the upper end thereof, and the potential difference V3is obtained from the bending sensor32at the right end thereof. The potential differences V1, V2, and V3have the following characteristics depending on the operation content on the card30. It is assumed here that when the bending sensor32is bent so as to be convex toward the back of the sheet, the bending sensor32outputs a positive voltage. The bending sensor32here is configured of an EAP device as illustrated inFIG. 10.

1. Bend to the near side
|V1|=|V3|>|V2|, andV1=V3>0.

2. Bend to the back side
|V1|=|V3|>|V2|, andV1=V3<0.

3. Twist upper right corner to the near side
|V1|<|V2|,|V1|<|V3|, andV2,V3>0.

4. Twist upper left corner to the near side
|V3|<|V1|,|V3|<|V2|, andV1,V2>0.

6. Flip upper right corner by fingernail

Peak time tp1of V1is later than Peak time tp2of V2and Peak time tp3of V3.

The above-described results allow, if a polymer actuator is used as the bending sensor32, the three bending sensors32to detect various bending modes as described above. Hence, further increase in number of bending sensors32makes it possible to detect more complicated bending operation.

For example, the control section11may read, from the connection section20, a voltage Va′ (second signal) as serial data, voltages Ve and Vf, and potential differences V1, V2, and V3(first signals) (step S302). At this time, for example, the control section11may identify unique information12C of the card30from the voltage Va′ as serial data. Similarly, for example, the control section11may identify a direction of the card30from the voltages Ve and Vf. Furthermore, for example, the control section11may identify a bending mode of the card30from the potential differences V1, V2, and V3.

Then, the control section11reads relevant information12B (first relevant information) associated with the unique information12C from a database in the server40via the network communication section15. For example, when the unique information12C is 00001, the control section11may read the relevant information12B corresponding to the unique information12C of 00001 from the database in the server40, as illustrated inFIG. 4.

Then, for example, the control section11may examine several conditions before generating a predetermined control signal. Specifically, the control section11determines whether information acquired from one card30contains a plurality of types of first signals or not (step S303). If a user has input a plurality of bending modes being temporally consecutive, the plurality of first signals acquired from one card30contain information corresponding to a plurality of types of bending modes. In such a case, the control section11necessarily identifies the plurality of types of bending modes from the plurality of first signals acquired from one card30. Hence, for example, if the control section11identifies the plurality of types of bending modes from the plurality of first signals acquired from one card30, the control section11determines the information acquired from one card30contains a plurality of types of first signals. Then, the control section11acquires (extracts) second relevant information associated with “a plurality of bending modes being temporally consecutive” corresponding to the plurality of types of first signals from the relevant information12B that has been acquired from the server40(step S304), for example. To describe this with reference toFIG. 4, for example, if the control section11identifies two types of bending modes, a01and a02, the control section11acquires (extracts) information (skill b04, strength c04, and sound d04) associated with “a plurality of bending modes being temporally consecutive”, (a01+a02), from the relevant information12B that has been acquired from the server40.

Then, when the control section11generates the predetermined control signal based on the first signals and the second signal acquired from a first card as one of the plurality of cards30, the control section11determines whether information acquired from the connection section20contains information acquired from one or a plurality of second cards different from the first card among the plurality of cards30(step S305).

If two users are each inserting a card30into the connection section20, the information acquired from the connection section20naturally contains two pieces of unique information12C of the two cards30. Moreover, if two users are each operating the card30after inserting a card30into the connection section20, the information acquired from the connection sections20contains not only the unique information12C of each card30but also one or a plurality of types of first signals obtained from each card30. In such a case, the control section11necessarily detects, in the information acquired from the connection sections20, one or a plurality of pieces of unique information12C (unique information12C′) different from the unique information12C of the first card among the plurality of cards30, and necessarily identifies one or a plurality of types of bending modes from the one or the plurality of types of first signals acquired from the card30corresponding to the unique information12C′. Hence, for example, if the control section11detects one or a plurality of pieces of unique information12C′ from the information acquired from the connection sections20, the control section11determines the information acquired from the connection sections20contains information acquired from the one or the plurality of second cards, and acquires (extracts) the detected one or the detected plurality of pieces of unique information12C′ (step S306). Furthermore, for example, if the control section11identifies one or a plurality of types of bending modes from the one or the plurality of types of first signals acquired from the card30corresponding to the unique information12C′, the control section11acquires (extracts) the identified, one or the plurality of types of bending modes (step S306).

Then, the control section11determines whether a parameter, the content of which varies depending on acquisition timing or an acquisition situation of each of the first and second signals, is used or not (step S307). It is assumed that acquisition timing of each of the first and second signals is in a special mode different from a normal mode set by the information processing program12A. In such a case, the control section11necessarily detects that a mode corresponding to the above-described parameter is the special mode. Hence, for example, if the control section11detects the mode corresponding to the above-described parameter is the special mode, the control section11determines “since the mode is the special mode, the special mode is used for generation of the predetermined control signal”, and acquires the special mode as the parameter (step S308).

Finally, the control section11generates the predetermined control signal based on the information acquired after determination on the above-described various conditions, the first signals, the second signal, and the relevant information12B associated with the unique information12C (step S309). Specifically, the control section11generates the predetermined control signal using the second relevant information in addition to the first signals, the second signal, and the relevant information12B. In addition, the control section11generates the predetermined control signal using the information acquired from the one or the plurality of second cards in addition to the first signals, the second signal, and the relevant information12B. In addition, the control section11generates the predetermined control signal using the parameter, the content of which varies depending on acquisition timing or an acquisition situation of each of the first and second signals, in addition to the first signals, the second signal, and the relevant information12B. It is to be noted that the control section11may omit one or more of the above-described various conditions. Hence, the control section11may omit determination on any of the above-described conditions, and may generate the predetermined control signal based on the first signals, the second signal, and the relevant information12B associated with the unique information12C.

Some effects are now described.

In the card30of this embodiment, a signal correlative to curvature of the substrate34is output from one or a plurality of bending sensors32in response to a voltage applied from the outside (the connection section), and a signal on unique information12C is output from the unique information setting circuit31in response to a voltage applied from the outside (the connection section). In this way, in the card30of this embodiment, bending information and unique information12C of the card30are read from the inside of the card30by applying a voltage from the outside (the connection section). As a result, information is read from the inside of the card without RFID or barcode. Consequently, an inexpensive card30with less limitation in design is achieved.

Moreover, in the information processing unit10and the information processing program12A of this embodiment, a predetermined voltage is applied to the card30, thereby bending information and unique information12C of the card30are read from the inside of the card30, and a predetermined control signal is generated using such read information. As a result, information is read from the inside of the card30without communication with RFID or camera reading of barcode. Consequently, inexpensive information processing with a card is achieved.

Moreover, in this embodiment, an operation instruction is made not only based on the unique information12C contained in the card30, but also based on a combination of the unique information12C, a bending direction or a bending level of the card30, and the like. As a result, operation complexity or variation of game development is expanded compared with a case where only the unique information12C contained in the card30is used. Moreover, in this embodiment, since game operation is performed through bending of the card30or the like, for example, a picture on a card may be more directly associated with response of the information processing unit10, thereby making it possible to provide game experience with an increased feeling of preoccupation.

Although the present technology has been described with the example embodiment, the technology is not limited thereto, and various modifications or alterations thereof may be made.

In the above-described embodiment, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 27, a memory IC38that stores the information processing program12A or information such as relevant information12B may be provided in the inside of the card30in place of the unique information setting circuit31. For example, the memory IC38may be provided in the same layer as a layer of the bending sensor32. For example, the memory IC38may be provided on a substrate34common to the bending sensor32. In this Modification, unique information12C in the memory IC38may be rewritten, or relevant information12B may be stored in the memory IC38. Moreover, in this Modification, bending operation history or the number of bending operation may be stored in the memory IC38and thus may be read when the card is connected to the connection section20. As a result, variation of game development is further expanded.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment and the Modification thereof, for example, the substrate35may be omitted, i.e., the card30may include only the substrate34as its substrate. In such a case, while a surface, on which the unique information setting circuit31and the bending sensor32are provided, is a design surface, the unique information setting circuit31may be formed by printing, and the bending sensor32is almost not limited in shape; hence, design is less limited by devising the shape and layout of each of the unique information setting circuit31and the bending sensor32.

In the above-described embodiment and the Modification thereof, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 28, one or a plurality of connection sections20may be provided with the information processing unit10in one unit. Moreover, in the above-described embodiment and the Modification thereof, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 29, not only one or a plurality of connection sections20but also the display unit50may be provided with the information processing unit10in one unit. In such cases, for example, variation of game development may be further expanded by devising the layout of the one or the plurality of connection sections20.

In the above-described embodiment and the Modification thereof, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 30, radio frequency identification (RF-ID) including control IC39A and an antenna39B connected to each other may be provided in the card30in place of the unique information setting circuit31or the memory IC28. The control IC39A (wirelessly) communicates with an RF-ID communication section19via the antenna39B. The control IC39A further includes a storage section that stores unique information12C and the like. In this case, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 31, the information processing unit10may include the RF-ID communication section19communicable with the RF-ID. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 32, the RF-ID communication section19may (wirelessly) communicate with each control IC39A via the antenna39B. The RF-ID communication section19may be formed with the information processing unit10in one unit, or may be formed separately from the information processing unit10(in other words, formed as an external device).

For example, the antenna39B may be configured of an antenna coil. For example, the RF-ID may be provided in the same layer as a layer of the bending sensor32. For example, the RF-ID may be provided on the substrate34common to the bending sensor32. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 33A, the bending sensor32may be disposed in the periphery (outer circumferential region) of the antenna39B. Alternatively, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 33B, the bending sensor32may be disposed in an open region of the antenna39B.

In this Modification, unique information12C in the control IC39A may be rewritten, or relevant information12B may be stored in the control IC39A. Moreover, in this Modification, bending operation history or the number of bending operation may be stored in the control IC39A and may be read when the card is connected to the connection section20. As a result, variation of game development is further expanded.

In the above-described embodiment and the Modification thereof, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 34, the display unit50may be provided with the information processing unit10in one unit. In such a case, for example, variation of game development may be further expanded by devising a layout of the one or the plurality of connection sections20.

Furthermore, the technology encompasses any possible combination of some or all of the various embodiments described herein and incorporated herein.

It is possible to achieve at least the following configurations from the above-described example embodiments of the disclosure.

A card comprising an information setting unit configured to output a first signal including unique information of the card; and a bending sensor configured to output a second signal corresponding to a curvature of the card.

A card according to (1), wherein the curvature corresponds to at least one of a bending, a twisting, and a flipping of the card.

A card according to any one of (1) and (2), wherein the second signal corresponds to at least one of a curvature direction and a curvature level.

A card according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the information setting unit is a circuit having a plurality of interconnections having respective resistance values.

A card according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the bending sensor is configured to generate a potential difference between a top of the bending sensor and a bottom of the bending sensor.

A card according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising a plurality of electrodes configured to be in contact with a detachably connected connection section, wherein the first signal and the second signal are output to the connection section via the electrodes.

A card according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising a bendable substrate, wherein the bending sensor curves along the bendable substrate.

A card according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the bending sensor includes at least two bending sensor units.

A card according to (8), wherein the at least two bending sensor units are disposed on respective lateral edges of the card.

A card according to (8), wherein the at least two bending sensor units overlap each other.

A card according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the bending sensor includes at least three bending sensor units.

A card according to (11), wherein the at least three bending sensor units are provided on separate edges of the card.

A card according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the bending sensor has an X shape.

An information processing apparatus comprising a card reading unit configured to acquire information from a card, a processor, and a memory device. The memory device storing instructions which when executed by the processor, causes the processor to acquire unique information from the card and acquire curvature information from the card corresponding to a curvature of the card.

An information processing apparatus according to (14), further comprising a communication unit configured to communicate with a server, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to acquire relevant information from the server corresponding to the unique information acquired from the card.

An information processing apparatus according to (15), wherein the relevant information includes at least one bending mode associated with at least one parameter.

An information processing apparatus according to (16), wherein the instructions further cause the processor to determine a bending mode based on the relevant information acquired from the server and the curvature information acquired from the card, and read a parameter associated with the determined bending mode.

An information processing apparatus according to any one of (16) and (17), wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of a skill, a strength, and a sound for use in a game.

An information processing apparatus according to any one of (16) to (18), wherein at least one parameter is associated with an intensity of a bending mode.

An information processing apparatus according to any one of (14) to (19), wherein the curvature corresponds to at least one of a bending, a twisting, and a flipping of the card.

An information processing apparatus according to any one of (14) to (20), wherein the curvature information includes at least one of a curvature direction and a curvature level.

An information processing apparatus according to any one of (14) to (21), wherein the card reader includes a plurality of electrodes provided to detachably connect to the card.

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a computer program. The computer program is for causing an information processing apparatus including a card reading unit to acquire unique information from a card; and acquire curvature information from the card corresponding to a curvature of the card.

one or a plurality of substrates;

one or a plurality of sensors disposed parallel to a first substrate and outputting a first signal correlative to curvature of the first substrate, the first substrate being the one or one of the plurality of substrates; and

a circuit disposed on a second substrate and outputting, in response to a voltage applied from outside, a second signal on unique information, the second substrate being the one or one of the plurality of substrates.

[2] The card according to [1], wherein the one or the plurality of sensors and the circuit are provided in same layer.

[3] The card according to [1] or [2], wherein

the first substrate serves as the second substrate as a common substrate, and

one or more of the plurality of substrates, excluding the first substrate and the second substrate, covers top of the one or the plurality of sensors and top of the circuit.

[4] The card according to any one of [1] to [3], further including:

a first interconnection;

a second interconnection;

a first terminal; and

a second terminal,

wherein the one or each of the plurality of sensors curves along with the curvature of the first substrate to generate a potential difference between top and bottom of the one or corresponding one of the plurality of sensors,

the first interconnection is electrically connected to the top of the one or corresponding one of the plurality of sensors,

the second interconnection is electrically connected to the bottom of the one or corresponding one of the plurality of sensors,

the first terminal is electrically connected to the first interconnection, and is disposed on an end edge of the first substrate, and

the second terminal is electrically connected to the second interconnection, and is disposed on the end edge of the first substrate.

[5] The card according to any one of [1] to [4], further including a plurality of third terminals,

wherein the circuit includes a printing pattern formed by printing on the second substrate, and

the plurality of third terminals are electrically connected to the printing pattern, and are disposed on an end edge of the second substrate.

[6] The card according to [5], wherein the circuit includes:a parallel circuit including a plurality of circuit blocks that are connected in parallel, each of the circuit blocks including one or a plurality of breaks; and

a conductive component forcing the one, or all or part of the plurality of breaks, into conduction.

[7] The card according to [5], wherein the circuit includes a parallel circuit including a plurality of circuit blocks that are connected in parallel, the circuit blocks having resistance values different from one another.

a read section reading a first signal via one or a plurality of connection sections configured to be detachably connected to one or a plurality of cards, the first signal being correlative to curvature of a substrate, and the one or each of the plurality of cards including one or a plurality of sensors outputting the first signal; and

a generation section generating a predetermined control signal, based on the first signal read by the read section.

[9] The information processing unit according to [8], wherein

the one or each of the plurality of cards includes a circuit that outputs, in response to a voltage applied from outside, a second signal on unique information,

the read section reads the second signal via the one or the plurality of connection sections, and

the generation section generates the predetermined control signal, based on the first signal, the second signal, and first relevant information that is associated with the unique information.

[10] The information processing unit according to [8] or [9], wherein, when information acquired from the one card contains a plurality of types of the first signals, the generation section generates the predetermined control signal, based further on second relevant information that is associated with the plurality of types of the first signals.

[11] The information processing unit according to any one of [8] to [10], wherein the generation section generates the predetermined control signal, based on the first signal acquired from a first card as one of the plurality of cards, and based further on information acquired from one or a plurality of second cards different from the first card among the plurality of cards.

[12] The information processing unit according to any one of [8] to [11], wherein the generation section generates the predetermined control signal, based further on a parameter whose content varies depending on acquisition timing or an acquisition situation of the first signal.

[13] The information processing unit according to any one of [8] to [12], wherein the one or each of the plurality of connection sections is provided separately from the read section and the generation section.

[14] A non-transitory machine-readable recording medium having a machine-readable information processing program embodied therein, the information processing program causing, when executed by a machine, the machine to implement a method, the method including:

reading a first signal via one or a plurality of connection sections configured to be detachably connected to one or a plurality of cards, the first signal being correlative to curvature of a substrate, and the one or each of the plurality of cards including one or a plurality of sensors outputting the first signal; and

generating a predetermined control signal, based on the read first signal.

[15] The non-transitory machine-readable recording medium according to [14], wherein the one or each of the plurality of cards includes a circuit that outputs, in response to a voltage applied from outside, a second signal on unique information, and wherein the information processing program causes, when executed by the machine, the machine to implement the method that further includes:

reading the second signal via the one or the plurality of connection sections by

applying a predetermined voltage to the one or the plurality of cards; and

generating the predetermined control signal, based on the read first signal, the read second signal, and first relevant information that is associated with the unique information.

[16] The non-transitory machine-readable recording medium according to [14] or [15], wherein the information processing program causes, when executed by the machine, the machine to implement the method that further includes

generating, when information acquired from the one card contains a plurality of types of the first signals, the predetermined control signal, based further on second relevant information that is associated with the plurality of types of the first signals.

[17] The non-transitory machine-readable recording medium according to any one of [14] to [16], wherein the information processing program causes, when executed by the machine, the machine to implement the method that further includes

generating the predetermined control signal, based on the first signal acquired from a first card as one of the plurality of cards, and based further on information acquired from one or a plurality of second cards different from the first card among the plurality of cards.

[18] The non-transitory machine-readable recording medium according to any one of [14] to [17], wherein the information processing program causes, when executed by the machine, the machine to implement the method that further includes

generating the predetermined control signal, based further on a parameter whose content varies depending on acquisition timing or an acquisition situation of the first signal.

The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2012-272140 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Dec. 13, 2012, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST