Information processing apparatus and information processing system

More flexible contactless communication is made possible. There is provided an information processing apparatus including a detection unit that detects a position of a device to be detected relative to a detection surface, a first communication unit that performs contactless communication with the device on the basis of the position, and a second communication unit that performs predetermined communication with an information processing terminal on the basis of acquisition of identification information of the device based on the contactless communication.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2018/004145 filed on Feb. 7, 2018, which claims priority benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. JP 2017-063181 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Mar. 28, 2017. Each of the above-referenced applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a program.

BACKGROUND ART

Along with the recent progress of information processing technology, contactless communication has been used in various systems or devices. For example, Patent Document 1 set out below discloses a technique in which contactless communication is performed with a doll having a built-in integrated circuit (IC) chip being placed on a pad having a built-in reader/writer and user authentication is performed on the basis of a user ID stored in the IC chip.

CITATION LIST

Patent Document

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

Here, depending on an existing technique, there has been a case where contactless communication is not performed in a flexible manner. For example, according to the technique of Patent Document 1, since the reader/writer cannot detect the position of a device having a built-in IC chip, in a situation where multiple reader/writers are disposed at different positions and it is unclear which one of the reader/writers is be used for contactless communication, each of the reader/writers needs to be constantly activated, which may result in occurrence of adverse effects, such as an increase in power consumption.

The present disclosure has been conceived in view of the above, and the present disclosure provides a novel and improved information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a program capable of implementing more flexible contactless communication.

Solutions to Problems

According to the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus including a detection unit that detects a position of a device to be detected relative to a detection surface, a first communication unit that performs contactless communication with the device on the basis of the position, and a second communication unit that performs predetermined communication with an information processing terminal on the basis of acquisition of identification information of the device based on the contactless communication.

Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system including a device to be detected and an information processing apparatus that detects the device, in which the information processing apparatus includes a detection unit that detects a position of the device relative to a detection surface, a first communication unit that performs contactless communication with the device on the basis of the position, and a second communication unit that performs predetermined communication with an information processing terminal on the basis of acquisition of identification information of the device based on the contactless communication.

Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a program that causes a computer to detect a position of a device to be detected relative to a detection surface, to perform contactless communication with the device on the basis of the position, and to perform predetermined communication with an information processing terminal on the basis of acquisition of identification information of the device based on the contactless communication.

Effects of the Invention

As described above, according to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to implement more flexible contactless communication.

Note that the effect described above is not necessarily limited, and any of the effects described in the present specification or another effect that can be understood from the present specification may be exerted in addition to the effect described above or instead of the effect described above.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in the present specification and the drawings, constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration will be denoted by the same reference signs, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Note that descriptions will be given in the following order.

2. Overview of Information Processing System according to the Present Disclosure

3. Functional Configuration of Each Device

4. Operation of Each Device

5. Use of Detection Result other than Metal Portion of IC Card

6. Hardware Configuration of Reader/Writer

First, the background of the present disclosure will be described.

As described above, while contactless communication has been widely used in various systems or devices along with the recent progress of information processing technology, there has been a case where the contactless communication is not performed in a flexible manner depending on an existing technique. For example, according to the technique of Patent Document 1, since the reader/writer cannot detect the position of a device having a built-in IC chip, in a situation where multiple reader/writers are disposed at different positions and it is unclear which one of the reader/writers is be used for contactless communication, each of the reader/writers needs to be constantly activated, which may result in occurrence of adverse effects, such as an increase in power consumption.

The present disclosing party has come to create the present disclosure in light of the circumstances described above. A reader/writer according to the present disclosure is capable of detecting a position of an IC card, and performs contactless communication on the basis of a detected position. Accordingly, more flexible contactless communication can be implemented. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

2. Overview of Information Processing System According to the Present Disclosure

The foregoing has described the background of the present disclosure. Next, an overview of an information processing system according to the present disclosure will be described.

Note that, while various communication schemes can be adopted as the contactless communication in the present disclosure, an exemplary case where near field communication (NFC) is adopted as the contactless communication will be described in the present specification.

The present disclosure can be applied to various devices or systems. In the present specification, an exemplary case where the present disclosure is applied to a card game will be described.

2-1. Configuration of Information Processing System According to the Present Disclosure, Etc.

Here, a configuration of the information processing system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2.FIGS. 1 and 2are diagrams illustrating the configuration of the information processing system according to the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the information processing system according to the present disclosure includes a reader/writer100, an IC card200, and a smartphone300. Further, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the reader/writer100and the IC card200communicate with each other using NFC, and the reader/writer100and the smartphone300also communicate with each other wirelessly.

Further, a user of the present information processing system can play a card game by, for example, placing or moving the IC card200on the reader/writer100to cause each device to operate in cooperation with each other.

Here, an example of how to use the IC card200will be described with reference toFIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E.FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3Eare diagrams illustrating an example of how to use the IC card200according to the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E, the user places the IC card200on the reader/writer100(FIG. 3A), removes the placed IC card200from the reader/writer100(FIG. 3B), changes the position of the IC card200(FIG. 3C), continuously moves the IC card200in the top-down and right-left directions (FIG. 3D), or changes the orientation of the IC card200(FIG. 3E). Then, the user can enjoy the card game by, for example, the smartphone300displaying various objects on the display or generating various sounds in conjunction with those operations.

The reader/writer100according to the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus that performs various kinds of processing by the IC card200being placed on a detection surface of its own device. In particular, the reader/writer100according to the present disclosure detects the position, direction, or the like of the IC card200placed on the detection surface, and cooperates with the IC card200or the smartphone300on the basis of a result of the detection, thereby implementing various functions. Details will be described later. Note that, although the detection surface is assumed and described to be a flat surface on which the IC card200is placed in the present specification, it is not limited thereto, and the detection surface may be in any shape. For example, the detection surface may be a spherical surface.

The IC card200according to the present disclosure is a card used for a game, which is also a device to be detected by the reader/writer100. For example, illustrations of characters, items, actions, or the like are drawn on each of a plurality of IC cards200, and the user places or moves each of the IC cards200on the detection surface of the reader/writer100in accordance with the rules of the game. Note that, although a case where the plurality of IC cards200is used is assumed and described in the present specification, the type of the IC card200may be one type. Furthermore, although an exemplary case where the IC card200is used is described in the present specification, it is not limited thereto. For example, a figure or the like on which an IC chip is mounted may be used instead of the IC card200.

The smartphone300according to the present disclosure is an information processing terminal that performs various kinds of processing by wirelessly communicating with the reader/writer100. For example, in a case where the IC card200is placed on the detection surface of the reader/writer100, the smartphone300receives information and the like of the IC card200from the reader/writer100to display various objects on the display of its own device or generate various sounds on the basis of the information. Furthermore, the smartphone300may control operation of the reader/writer100or the IC card200by transmitting various signals to the reader/writer100. For example, the smartphone300may instruct the reader/writer100to start the game, or may instruct rewriting of data in the IC card200by transmitting various control signals.

Note that, although descriptions are made on the assumption that the reader/writer100and the smartphone300wirelessly communicate with each other in the present specification, it is not limited thereto. For example, the reader/writer100and the smartphone300may perform wired communication. Furthermore, the wireless communication performed by the reader/writer100and the smartphone300may be any type. For example, the reader/writer100and the smartphone300may perform communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, sound wave communication, or the like.

Furthermore, although an exemplary case where the smartphone300is used is described in the present specification, it is not limited thereto. For example, instead of the smartphone300, various information processing terminals may be used, such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a television, a digital camera, a digital video camera, a portable game machine, a portable audio player, a home appliance, a robot, and an in-car device (car navigation system, etc.).

2-2. Functional Overview of Information Processing System According to the Present Disclosure

The foregoing has described the configuration and the like of the information processing system according to the present disclosure. Next, a functional overview of the information processing system according to the present disclosure will be described.

The reader/writer100according to the present disclosure detects the position of the IC card200placed on the detection surface of its own device, and performs communication based on NFC on the basis of a result of the detection. More specifically, a plurality of capacitance sensors is disposed on the detection surface of the reader/writer100on which the IC card200is to be placed, whereby the position of the IC card200can be detected on the basis of a change in capacitance detected by the capacitance sensors with the IC card200being placed (or approaching).

Here, an example of the capacitance sensor included in the reader/writer100will be described with reference toFIG. 4.FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating an example of the capacitance sensor included in the reader/writer100. As illustrated inFIG. 4, a plurality of capacitance sensors150is disposed on the detection surface of the reader/writer100. Further, by the IC card200being placed on (or brought close to) the detection surface, the capacitance sensors150disposed in the vicinity of the position at which a metal portion240(an antenna is assumed, but not limited thereto) included in the IC card200is placed detect a change in capacitance. The reader/writer100recognizes at which position on the detection surface the IC card200is placed on the basis of the change in capacitance.

Further, the reader/writer100includes a plurality of antennas used for communication based on NFC, and communicates, using NFC, with the IC card200using the antenna near the position of the IC card200. Here, an example of the antenna included in the reader/writer100will be described with reference toFIG. 5.FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating an exemplary antenna included in the reader/writer100.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the reader/writer100includes antennas160disposed in each area obtained by the detection surface being divided in a grid and at the lower stage of the capacitance sensor150. Note that, it is not limited thereto, and the arrangement aspect of the antennas160may be changed as appropriate. Further, in a case where the position of the IC card200is detected, the reader/writer100performs communication based on NFC using, among the plurality of antennas160, an antenna160that is most likely to succeed in performing communication based on NFC. For example, the reader/writer100stops each of the antennas160until the position of the IC card200is detected, and in a case where the position of the IC card200is detected, it activates the antenna160closest to the position to perform communication based on NFC. Accordingly, the reader/writer100can succeed in performing communication based on NFC regardless of the position on the detection surface at which the IC card200is placed by the user, and not all of the antennas160are constantly activated, whereby power consumption can be further reduced.

Furthermore, the reader/writer100performs control in such a manner that the time when the detection processing of the IC card200is performed by the capacitance sensor150does not overlap the time when the communication based on NFC between the reader/writer100and the IC card200is performed. More specifically, there may be a case where, at the time when the communication based on NFC is performed, a magnetic field generated by the reader/writer100affects the detection of a change in capacitance performed by the capacitance sensor150, whereby the reader/writer100may erroneously detect the IC card200. Therefore, by the time when the detection processing of the IC card200is performed by the capacitance sensor150not overlapping the time when the communication based on NFC with the IC card200is performed, the reader/writer100can detect the IC card200properly.

Furthermore, in a case where the position of the IC card200(or the IC card200itself) is not detected, the reader/writer100does not perform communication based on NFC. Since the communication based on NFC requires power more than that required for, for example, processing of the capacitance sensor150, the reader/writer100can reduce the power required for the communication based on NFC. Furthermore, after detecting the position of the IC card200, the reader/writer100can perform various kinds of control on the basis of a change in the position of the IC card200. For example, in a case where a change in the position of the IC card200is detected, the reader/writer100may perform the communication based on NFC and various kinds of processing, and in a case where a change in the position of the IC card200is not detected, the reader/writer100may not perform the communication based on NFC again. The wireless communication between the reader/writer100and the smartphone300is similar to that described above.

Furthermore, the reader/writer100controls the wireless communication with the smartphone300on the basis of whether or not identification information of the IC card200has been successfully obtained by the communication based on NFC with the IC card200. More specifically, while the reader/writer100wirelessly communicates with the smartphone300in a case where the identification information of the IC card200has been obtained through the communication based on NFC with the IC card200, it does not wirelessly communicate with the smartphone300in a case where the identification information of the IC card200has not been obtained. Note that this operation is an example, and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the reader/writer100may not wirelessly communicate with the smartphone300even in a case where the identification information of the IC card200has been obtained, and may wirelessly communicate with the smartphone300even in a case where the identification information of the IC card200has not been obtained. Furthermore, the identification information is any information that can identify the IC card200, and may be, for example, “IDm”.

The reader/writer100can determine, on the basis of the identification information, whether or not the object placed on the detection surface is the IC card200according to the present disclosure. Therefore, in a case where an IC card other than the IC card200, or other objects are placed on the detection surface, the reader/writer100does not wirelessly communicate with the smartphone300, whereby the power required for the wireless communication can be reduced.

Furthermore, the reader/writer100according to the present disclosure is also capable of detecting the orientation of the IC card200placed on the detection surface. More specifically, the metal portion240included in the IC card200has different lengths in the longitudinal direction and in the lateral direction. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the longitudinal length of the metal portion240may be about three times as long as the capacitance sensor150, and the lateral length may be about twice as long as the capacitance sensor150. In this manner, since the metal portion240has different lengths in the longitudinal direction and in the lateral direction, a result of the detection performed by the capacitance sensor150differs depending on the direction in which the IC card200is placed, whereby the reader/writer100can detect the orientation of the IC card200. The reader/writer100detects the orientation of the IC card200, and interlocks the orientation with the card game, whereby fun of the card game can be enhanced. Note that,FIG. 4is an example, and the lengths of the metal portion240in the longitudinal direction and in the lateral direction may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the shape of the metal portion240is not limited to a substantially rectangular shape, and may be any shape.

Furthermore, the reader/writer100is also capable of detecting a change in capacitance due to a portion other than the metal portion240in the IC card200to use a result of the detection for processing. Details will be described in “5. Use of Detection Result other than Metal Portion of IC Card”.

3. Functional Configuration of Each Device

The foregoing has described the functional overview of the information processing system according to the present disclosure. Next, a functional configuration of each device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS. 6 to 9.

3-1. Functional Configuration of Reader/Writer100

First, a functional configuration of the reader/writer100according to the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 6.FIG. 6is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the reader/writer100according to the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the reader/writer100according to the present disclosure includes a detection unit110, a communication unit120, a control unit130, and a storage140. Furthermore, the detection unit110includes a position detector111and an orientation detector112, and the communication unit120includes a first communication unit121and a second communication unit122.

The detection unit110includes the capacitance sensor150, and detects the IC card200placed on (or brought close to) the detection surface using the capacitance sensor150. More specifically, the detection unit110detects the presence/absence, the number, the position, the orientation, and the like of the IC card200on the basis of the change in capacitance detected by the plurality of capacitance sensors150.

Note that the above is merely an example, and the detection unit110may perform the detection processing using other than the capacitance sensor150. For example, the detection unit110may detect the position of the IC card200placed on the detection surface on the basis of a captured image obtained by the IC card200placed on the reader/writer100being captured. Furthermore, the detection unit110may detect the position of the IC card200placed on the detection surface using an infrared sensor.

Then, the detection unit110provides the control unit130to be described later with information associated with the detection result of the IC card200. Hereinafter, in particular, detection of the position and the orientation of the IC card200will be specifically described.

The position detector111detects the position on the detection surface at which the IC card200is placed. More specifically, the position detector111determines at which position on the reader/writer100the IC card200has been placed on the basis of the change in capacitance detected by each of the capacitance sensors150.

For example, the position detector111may estimate the position of the central point of the IC card200on the basis of the change in capacitance detected by each of the capacitance sensors150, and may treat the position of the central point as the position of the IC card200. Furthermore, the position detector111may handle the entire area where the IC card200is placed as the position of the IC card200. Furthermore, the position detector111may define a plurality of areas on the detection surface, and may treat the area including the position of the central point of the IC card200as the position of the IC card200. Then, in a case where the position of the IC card200is detected, the position detector111generates positional information of the IC card200, and provides the control unit130to be described later with the information.

The orientation detector112detects the orientation of the IC card200placed on the detection surface. More specifically, the orientation detector112determines the orientation of the IC card200placed on the detection surface on the basis of the change in capacitance detected by each of the capacitance sensors150.

For example, the orientation detector112may detect the orientation of the IC card200relative to the detection surface, or may detect a relationship between the orientations of a plurality of IC cards200(e.g., short sides of two different IC cards200are placed to face each other). In a case where the orientation of the IC card200is detected, the orientation detector112generates orientation information of the IC card200, and provides the control unit130to be described later with the information.

The control unit130centrally controls various kinds of processing performed by the reader/writer100. For example, at the time when the IC card200is placed on the detection surface, the control unit130obtains information associated with the detection result of the IC card200(including the positional information or the orientation information of the IC card200) from the detection unit110, and controls various functional configurations on the basis of the information.

For example, the control unit130controls the first communication unit121to be described later such that the communication based on NFC is performed using the antenna160closest to the position at which the IC card200is placed on the basis of the positional information of the IC card200. Accordingly, the control unit130can succeed in performing communication based on NFC regardless of the position on the detection surface at which the IC card200is placed by the user, and not all of the antennas160are constantly activated, whereby power consumption can be further reduced.

Furthermore, in a case where the communication based on NFC is performed, the control unit130performs control such that the time when the detection processing of the IC card200is performed by the detection unit110does not overlap the time when the communication based on NFC is performed. Accordingly, the detection unit110can properly detect the IC card200without being affected by the magnetic field generated in the case where the communication based on NFC is performed.

Furthermore, in a case where the position of the IC card200(or the IC card200itself) is not detected, the control unit130controls the first communication unit121to be described later so that the communication based on NFC is not performed. Accordingly, the control unit130can reduce the power required for the communication based on NFC.

Furthermore, the control unit130controls wireless communication with the smartphone300performed by the second communication unit122to be described later on the basis of whether or not the identification information of the IC card200has been obtained through the communication based on NFC. Accordingly, the control unit130can reduce the power required for the wireless communication by controlling the second communication unit122such that, in a case where an object other than the IC card200is placed on the detection surface, no wireless communication is performed basically with the smartphone300. Note that, even in a case where the identification information of the IC card200has not been obtained through the communication based on NFC, the control unit130may control the second communication unit122such that predetermined signals (e.g., signals for making notification of an error, etc.) are transmitted to the smartphone300.

The processing described above is merely an example, and the control unit130may control other processing. For example, it may perform various kinds of processing (e.g., rewriting of data in the IC card200) on the basis of various signals from the smartphone300. Furthermore, the control unit130may generate various signals for controlling the smartphone300, and may cause the second communication unit122to transmit the signals.

The communication unit120includes the first communication unit121that wirelessly communicates with the IC card200using NFC, and the second communication unit122that wirelessly communicates with the smartphone300. Hereinafter, each functional configuration will be specifically described.

First Communication Unit121

The first communication unit121communicates with the IC card200using NFC. More specifically, in a case where the position of the IC card200(or the IC card200itself) is detected, the first communication unit121performs, under control of the control unit130, communication based on NFC with the IC card200using any of the plurality of antennas160.

Here, any specific method or scheme may be used for the communication based on NFC. For example, the first communication unit121may transmit request signals to the IC card200to receive response signals including various kinds of information from the IC card200thereafter.

Second Communication Unit122

The second communication unit122performs predetermined communication with the smartphone300. More specifically, in a case where the identification information of the IC card200has been obtained, a change in the position of the IC card200has been detected, or the like, the second communication unit122is controlled by the control unit130to wirelessly communicate with the smartphone300. Note that the second communication unit122may wirelessly communicate with the smartphone300in a case other than the above. Furthermore, as described above, the communication performed by the second communication unit122is not limited to the wireless communication, and communication based on various schemes including wired communication may be performed.

The storage140stores various kinds of information. For example, the storage140may store various kinds of information (identification information, presence/absence information (information regarding whether or not it is placed on the detection surface), positional information, orientation information, number information (information regarding the number of the IC cards200placed on the detection surface), and data information (various kinds of information included in the IC card200) etc.) of the IC card200placed on (or previously placed) on the detection surface. Furthermore, the storage140may store programs, parameters, and the like used by each functional configuration of the reader/writer100.

3-2. Functional Configuration of IC Card200

The foregoing has described the functional configuration of the reader/writer100according to the present disclosure. Next, a functional configuration of the IC card200according to the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 7.FIG. 7is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the IC card200according to the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the IC card200according to the present disclosure includes a communication unit210, a control unit220, and a storage230.

The communication unit210performs communication based on NFC with the reader/writer100. More specifically, in a case where the IC card200is placed on (or brought close to) the detection surface of the reader/writer100, the communication unit210performs the communication based on NFC with the reader/writer100. Note that, as described above, any specific method or scheme may be used for the communication based on NFC. For example, in a case where the communication unit210receives request signals from the reader/writer100, it may provide the control unit220to be described later with content of the signals, and may transmit response signals to the reader/writer100after various kinds of processing is performed.

The control unit220centrally controls various kinds of processing of the IC card200. For example, in a case where the communication unit210receives the request signals from the reader/writer100, the control unit220performs various kinds of processing on the basis of the content of the request. For example, the control unit220updates or deletes various kinds of information stored in the storage230to be described later, adds new information, or the like. Accordingly, the control unit220can change an attribute (level, ability, etc.) of the character drawn on the IC card200, for example, whereby the fun of the card game can be enhanced. Furthermore, in a case where various kinds of processing are performed on the basis of the request signals from the reader/writer100as described above, for example, the control unit220may generate response signals to provide the communication unit210with the signals, thereby implementing transmission of the response signals.

The storage230stores various kinds of information. For example, the storage230may store various kinds of information (attribute of the character drawn on the IC card200, etc.) used for a card game. Furthermore, the storage230may store programs, parameters, and the like used by each functional configuration of the IC card200.

Here, a physical configuration of the IC card200according to the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 8.FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating the physical configuration of the IC card according to the present disclosure. The IC card200according to the present disclosure is a card constituted by a plurality of layers including paper, inlay, and the like as illustrated inFIG. 8. Further, the IC card200according to the present disclosure includes a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet in the intermediate layer.

An existing IC card not including a PET sheet is susceptible to deformation (warpage, distortion, etc.) particularly in a high-humidity environment, and thus in a case where the IC card is placed on the reader/writer, the IC card is partially separated from the capacitance sensor, whereby the capacitance is reduced and the IC card is less likely to be detected. In contrast, the IC card200according to the present disclosure is less likely to be deformed by the PET sheet being included, whereby the reader/writer100can stably detect the IC card200. Note thatFIG. 8is an example, and the physical configuration of the IC card200may be changed optionally. For example, a sheet having a property similar to that of the PET sheet may be used instead of the PET sheet.

3-3. Functional Configuration of Smartphone300

The foregoing has described the functional configuration of the IC card200according to the present disclosure. Next, a functional configuration of the smartphone300according to the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 9.FIG. 9is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the smartphone300according to the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 9, the smartphone300according to the present disclosure includes a communication unit310, a control unit320, an input unit330, an output unit340, and a storage350.

The communication unit310wirelessly communicates with the reader/writer100. For example, the communication unit310receives, from the reader/writer100, signals including various kinds of information (identification information, presence/absence information, positional information, orientation information, number information, data information, etc.) of the IC card200. Then, the communication unit310provides the control unit320to be described later with those pieces of received information. Furthermore, the communication unit310transmits, to the reader/writer100, signals (e.g., signals for instructing a start of a game, signals for instructing rewriting of data of the IC card200, etc.) for controlling the reader/writer100. Note that the signals to be transmitted and received by the communication unit310are not limited to the above.

The control unit320centrally controls various kinds of processing of the smartphone300. More specifically, the control unit320controls the output unit340to be described later on the basis of various signals received from the reader/writer100. For example, the control unit320generates control signals on the basis of various kinds of information (identification information, presence/absence information, positional information, orientation information, number information, data information, etc.) of the IC card200, and provides the output unit340with the signals, thereby controlling the output unit340.

Furthermore, the control unit320controls various kinds of processing on the basis of input information provided from the input unit330to be described later. For example, in a case where input information for making notification of a start of a game is provided from the input unit330, the control unit320controls various kinds of processing (e.g., generation and transmission of control signals, etc.) to control the output unit340and the reader/writer100.

The input unit330obtains input made by the user. For example, the input unit330includes a button, a touch panel, or the like, and in a case where the user performs various kinds of operation on the button, the touch panel, or the like, the input unit330generates input information on the basis of the operation, and provides the control unit320with the input information. As a result, the operation made by the user is reflected in each device.

The output unit340controls various kinds of output. For example, the output unit340may include a display, a speaker, or the like, and may cause various objects to be displayed on the display or may cause various sounds to be generated by the speaker on the basis of control signals from the control unit320. Furthermore, the output unit340may include a movable part, and may cause the part to move in various ways on the basis of the control signals from the control unit320. In this manner, the output unit340performs various kinds of output in conjunction with the IC card200placed on the detection surface, whereby the fun of the game can be enhanced.

The storage350stores various kinds of information. For example, the storage350may store programs, parameters, and the like used by each functional configuration of the smartphone300.

4. Operation of Each Device

The foregoing has described the functional configuration of each device according to the present disclosure. Next, operation of each device according to the present disclosure will be described.

4-1. First Operation

First, first operation will be described with reference toFIG. 10.FIG. 10is a sequence diagram illustrating the first operation. The first operation is operation in the case where the reader/writer100has succeeded in obtaining the identification information of the IC card200.

In step S1000, the smartphone300transmits various signals to the reader/writer100. For example, when the user operates the smartphone300to start the card game, the smartphone300transmits signals for making notification of the start of the card game to the reader/writer100. In step S1004, the reader/writer100that has received the signals starts detection processing of the IC card200using the capacitance sensor150.

Then, in a case where the reader/writer100has succeeded in detecting the position of the IC card200, in step S1008, the reader/writer100performs communication based on NFC with the IC card200using the antenna160closest to the position, thereby attempting acquisition of the identification information of the IC card200. The reader/writer100that has succeeded in obtaining the identification information of the IC card200transmits signals including the identification information to the smartphone300. As a result, the smartphone300can perform various kinds of processing corresponding to the IC card200placed on the reader/writer100.

4-2. Second Operation

Next, second operation will be described with reference toFIG. 11.FIG. 11is a sequence diagram illustrating the second operation. The second operation is operation in the case where the reader/writer100cannot obtain the identification information of the IC card200.

In step S1100, the smartphone300transmits various signals to the reader/writer100. In step S1104, the reader/writer100that has received the signals starts detection processing of the IC card200using the capacitance sensor150. Then, in a case where the reader/writer100has failed to detect the position of the IC card200, in step S1208, the reader/writer100transmits various signals (e.g., error signals, etc.) to the smartphone300. Furthermore, as described above, in the case where the reader/writer100has failed to detect the position of the IC card200, it may not be required to transmit various signals to the smartphone300.

4-3. Third Operation

Next, third operation will be described with reference toFIG. 12.FIG. 12is a sequence diagram illustrating the third operation. The third operation is operation in the case where, after the reader/writer100has succeeded in obtaining the identification information of the IC card200, the position of the IC card200is not changed.

In step S1200, the smartphone300transmits various signals to the reader/writer100. In step S1204, the reader/writer100that has received the signals starts detection processing of the IC card200using the capacitance sensor150. Then, in a case where the reader/writer100has succeeded in detecting the position of the IC card200, in step S1208, the reader/writer100performs communication based on NFC with the IC card200using the antenna160closest to the position, thereby attempting acquisition of the identification information of the IC card200. The reader/writer100that has succeeded in obtaining the identification information of the IC card200transmits signals including the identification information to the smartphone300.

Thereafter, the reader/writer100detects the position of the IC card200at an optional timing using the capacitance sensor150(steps S1216and S1220in the drawing). For example, the reader/writer100may detect the position of the IC card200at predetermined intervals using the capacitance sensor150. In a case where a change of the IC card200is not detected, the reader/writer100may not perform communication based on NFC with the IC card200and wireless communication with the smartphone300.

4-4. Fourth Operation

Next, fourth operation will be described with reference toFIG. 13.FIG. 13is a sequence diagram illustrating the fourth operation. The fourth operation is operation in the case where, after the reader/writer100has succeeded in obtaining the identification information of the IC card200, the position of the IC card200is changed.

In step S1300, the smartphone300transmits various signals to the reader/writer100. In step S1304, the reader/writer100that has received the signals starts detection processing of the IC card200using the capacitance sensor150. Then, in a case where the reader/writer100has succeeded in detecting the position of the IC card200, in step S1308, the reader/writer100performs communication based on NFC with the IC card200using the antenna160closest to the position, thereby attempting acquisition of the identification information of the IC card200. The reader/writer100that has succeeded in obtaining the identification information of the IC card200transmits signals including the identification information to the smartphone300.

Thereafter, the reader/writer100detects the position of the IC card200at an optional timing using the capacitance sensor150. Then, for example, in a case where the reader/writer100has succeeded in detecting the change of the IC card200in step S1316, in step S1320, the reader/writer100performs communication based on NFC with the IC card200using the antenna160closest to the changed position of the IC card200. Any information is transmitted and received in the communication. For example, the reader/writer100may once again request the identification information of the IC card200. Thereafter, in step S1324, the reader/writer100transmits various signals to the smartphone300.

5. Use of Detection Result Other than Metal Portion of IC Card

The foregoing has described the operation of each device according to the present disclosure. Next, an exemplary case where a detection result of a portion other than the metal portion240of the IC card200is used for processing will be described. More specifically, as described above, while the reader/writer100uses the detection result of the metal portion240, which includes the inlay, the antenna160, and the like of the IC card200, for processing, the detection accuracy of the position, orientation, and the like of the IC card200can be further improved if a detection result of a portion (e.g., paper portion, PET sheet portion, etc.) other than the metal portion240is used.

Here, a specific example in the case where a detection result of a portion other than the metal portion240of the IC card200is used will be described with reference toFIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 14A, an exemplary case where the IC card200, which includes the metal portion240and the other portions (portion denoted by the reference sign “250” in the drawing), is placed on the plurality of capacitance sensors150included in the reader/writer100will be considered.

First, a case where a detection result of the portion other than the metal portion240of the IC card200is not used for processing will be described with reference toFIG. 14B. For example, as illustrated in a state1inFIG. 14B, it is assumed that the capacitance sensors150(capacitance sensors150denoted by “A” in the drawing) that overlap the metal portion240of the IC card200show reaction, and the reader/writer100detects the IC card200on the basis of only the reaction without using a detection result of the portion other than the metal portion240.

In this case, for example, as illustrated in a state2inFIG. 14B, it is assumed that, due to the IC card200being shifted in the lateral direction, the number of the capacitance sensors150in the longitudinal direction and in the lateral direction, which have reacted by the IC card200overlapping the metal portion240, is the same (three capacitance sensors150each react in the longitudinal direction and in the lateral direction in the drawing). In this case, the reader/writer100cannot detect the orientation of the IC card200depending on the number of reacted capacitance sensors150in the longitudinal direction and in the lateral direction.

First, a case where a detection result of the portion other than the metal portion240of the IC card200is used for processing will be described with reference toFIG. 14C. For example, as illustrated in a state1inFIG. 14C, the capacitance sensors150(capacitance sensors150denoted by “A” in the drawing) overlapping the metal portion240of the IC card200show relatively strong reaction, whereas the capacitance sensors150(capacitance sensors150denoted by “B” in the drawing) overlapping the portions other than the metal portion240of the IC card200show relatively low reaction. Then, it is assumed that the reader/writer100detects the IC card200on the basis of the reaction of both of them.

In this case, as illustrated in a state2inFIG. 14C, there may be a case where the orientation of the IC card200can be detected on the basis of the reaction of the capacitance sensors150overlapping the portions other than the metal portion240of the IC card200even if the number of the capacitance sensors150in the longitudinal direction and in the lateral direction, which have reacted by the IC card200overlapping the metal portion240, is the same due to the IC card200being shifted in the lateral direction. For example, in the state2illustrated inFIG. 14C, the reader/writer100can detect that the IC card200is portrait-oriented by the capacitance sensors150overlapping the portions positioned upper and lower than the metal portion240showing reaction.

Although the case where the portions other than the metal portion240are used for the detection processing of the orientation of the IC card200has been described, it is not limited thereto. For example, portions other than the metal portion240may be used for detection processing of the position of the IC card200.

Furthermore, the reader/writer100can improve the detection accuracy of the IC card200by grasping in advance information associated with the magnitude of the reaction of the capacitance sensors150corresponding to the metal portion240and the portions other than the metal portion240, respectively, and comparing the information with actual detection results. In other words, the reader/writer100can further improve the detection accuracy by detecting the IC card200on the basis of, as well as the presence/absence of the reaction of the capacitance sensors150, the degree of the reaction.

6. Hardware Configuration of Reader/Writer

The foregoing has described the embodiment of the present disclosure. Next, a hardware configuration of the reader/writer100according to the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 15.FIG. 15is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the reader/writer100according to the present disclosure.

The reader/writer100includes, for example, an MPU901, a ROM902, a RAM903, a recording medium904, a communication interface905, a carrier wave transmission circuit906, and the antenna160. Furthermore, the reader/writer100connects the respective constituent elements by, for example, a bus908as a data transmission path. Furthermore, the reader/writer100is driven by, for example, power supplied from an internal power supply included in the reader/writer100, such as a battery, or power supplied from a connected external power supply.

The MPU901includes, for example, one or more processors including an arithmetic circuit such as an MPU, various processing circuits, and the like, and functions as the control unit130that controls the entire reader/writer100. Furthermore, the MPU901may serve as, for example, the detection unit110in the reader/writer100.

The ROM902stores programs to be used by the MPU901, control data such as operation parameters, and the like. The RAM903temporarily stores, for example, programs to be executed by the MPU901.

The recording medium904functions as the storage140, and stores various kinds of data such as various applications and data according to the method for processing information of the present embodiment applied to the reader/writer100, for example. Here, examples of the recording medium904include a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk, and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. Furthermore, the recording medium904may be detachable from the reader/writer100.

The communication interface905is a communication means that performs communication of one communication scheme included in the reader/writer100, and functions as the second communication unit122for performing wireless communication (or wired communication) with the smartphone300. Furthermore, the communication interface905may have any configuration that supports a network according to the present embodiment.

The carrier wave transmission circuit906and the antenna160are communication means that perform communication of another communication scheme included in the reader/writer100, and functions as the first communication unit121for performing communication based on NFC with the IC card200.

The antenna160includes, for example, a resonant circuit including a capacitor having predetermined capacitance and a coil having a predetermined inductance as a transmitting/receiving antenna, and a demodulation circuit. Further, the antenna160demodulates data or the like transmitted from the IC card200on the basis of load modulation or the like by, for example, receiving carrier waves of a predetermined frequency such as 13.56 [MHz]. Note that, for example, in a case where the carrier wave transmission circuit906includes a demodulation circuit, the antenna160may include a resonant circuit.

The carrier wave transmission circuit906includes, for example, a modulation circuit that performs modulation such as amplitude shift keying (ASK), and an amplification circuit that amplifies output of the modulation circuit, and causes the transmitting/receiving antenna of the antenna160to transmit carrier waves including carrier wave signals. Furthermore, the carrier wave transmission circuit906may include, for example, a demodulation circuit that demodulates the signals received by the antenna160. The demodulation circuit performs, for example, envelope demodulation of a change in amplitude of the voltage between the modulation circuit (or amplification circuit) and the resonant circuit of the antenna160, and binarize the resultant signals, thereby demodulating the signals received by the antenna160. Note that the demodulation circuit can also demodulate the signals received by the antenna160using, for example, a phase change of the voltage between the modulation circuit (or amplification circuit) and the resonant circuit of the antenna160.

With the carrier wave transmission circuit906being included, the reader/writer100has an initiator function in the communication based on NFC. Here, examples of the carrier waves transmitted by the carrier wave transmission circuit906from the antenna160include polling signals, and signals indicating various commands to be described later. Furthermore, transmission of the carrier waves performed by the carrier wave transmission circuit906is controlled by, for example, the MPU901.

Note that the hardware configuration of the reader/writer100according to the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration illustrated inFIG. 15. For example, in a case where the reader/writer100communicates with an external device via an external communication device having a function similar to that of the communication interface905, it may not include the communication interface905.

Furthermore, in a case where the reader/writer100communicates with an external device via an external communication device having a function similar to that of the carrier wave transmission circuit906and the antenna160, it may not include the carrier wave transmission circuit906and the antenna160.

Furthermore, in a case where the reader/writer100communicates with an external device according to a communication scheme other than NFC, such as wireless communication using IEEE802.15.1, it may not include the carrier wave transmission circuit906and the antenna160. In the case described above, the reader/writer100communicates with an external device by including a communication device supporting a communication scheme other than the communication based on NFC, or by an external communication device supporting a communication scheme other than the communication based on NFC.

Furthermore, the reader/writer100can also have a configuration not including the recording medium904, for example.

Furthermore, the configuration illustrated inFIG. 15may be implemented by one or more ICs, for example.

As described above, the reader/writer100according to the present disclosure is capable of detecting the position of the IC card200on the detection surface, and performs communication based on NFC on the basis of the detected position. Accordingly, more flexible contactless communication can be implemented.

Furthermore, the reader/writer100performs control in such a manner that the time when the detection processing of the IC card200is performed does not overlap the time when the communication based on NFC between the reader/writer100and the IC card200is performed. Accordingly, the reader/writer100can properly detect the IC card200without being affected by the magnetic field generated at the time of the communication based on NFC.

Furthermore, in a case where the position of the IC card200(or the IC card200itself) is not detected, the reader/writer100does not perform communication based on NFC. Accordingly, the reader/writer100can reduce the power required for the communication based on NFC.

Furthermore, the reader/writer100controls the wireless communication with the smartphone300on the basis of whether or not the identification information of the IC card200has been successfully obtained by the communication based on NFC with the IC card200. As a result, in a case where an IC card other than the IC card200, or other objects are placed on the detection surface, the reader/writer100does not wirelessly communicate with the smartphone300, whereby the power required for the wireless communication can be reduced.

Furthermore, the reader/writer100according to the present disclosure is also capable of detecting the orientation of the IC card200placed on the detection surface.

Furthermore, the reader/writer100also detects a change in capacitance due to a portion other than the metal portion240in the IC card200, and use a result of the detection for processing, whereby the detection accuracy of the IC card200can be further improved.

As described above, although the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that those skilled in the art in the technical field of the present disclosure may find various alterations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims, and it should be understood that such alterations and modifications are also naturally within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, each of the steps illustrated in each of the sequence diagrams described above may not necessarily be processed in chronological order in the order illustrated as the sequence diagrams. In other words, each step may be processed in an order different from the order illustrated as the sequence diagram, or may be processed in parallel, as appropriate. Note that, as described above, the time when the detection processing of the IC card200is performed by the capacitance sensor150is different from the time when the communication based on NFC is performed, in principle.

Furthermore, the functional configuration of each device may be provided in an external device as appropriate. Furthermore, a part of the functions of each device may be embodied by the control unit of the device. For example, a part of the function of the detection unit110, the communication unit120, or the storage140of the reader/writer100may be embodied by the control unit130.

Furthermore, the effects described in the present specification are merely illustrative or exemplary, and are not limited. That is, the technique according to the present disclosure can exert other effects obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure of the present specification together with or instead of the effects described above.

Note that the following configurations are also within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

An information processing apparatus, including:

a detection unit that detects a position of a device to be detected relative to a detection surface;

a first communication unit that performs contactless communication with the device on the basis of the position; and

a second communication unit that performs predetermined communication with an information processing terminal on the basis of acquisition of identification information of the device based on the contactless communication.

The information processing apparatus according to (1) described above, in which

the first communication unit includes a plurality of antennas corresponding to the detection surface, and performs the contactless communication using at least one of the antennas corresponding to the position.

The information processing apparatus according to (2) described above, in which

the first communication unit performs the contactless communication using one of the antennas closest to the position.

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3) described above, in which

in a case where the position has not been detected, the first communication unit does not perform the contactless communication.

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4) described above, in which

in a case where a change in the position has not been detected, the first communication unit does not perform the contactless communication.

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5) described above, in which

time when processing related to the detection is performed does not overlap with time when the contactless communication is performed.

in a case where the identification information has not been obtained, the second communication unit does not perform the predetermined communication.

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7) described above, in which

the detection unit includes a capacitance sensor.

The information processing apparatus according to (8) described above, in which

the detection unit detects the position on the basis of a detection result of one of or both of a metal portion and a non-metal portion of the device facing the capacitance sensor.

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9) described above, in which

the detection unit also detects orientation of the device.

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10) described above, in which

the device is an integrated circuit (IC) card,

the information processing apparatus is a reader/writer, and

the contactless communication is communication based on NFC.

An information processing system, including a device to be detected, and an information processing apparatus that detects the device, in which

the information processing apparatus includes:

a detection unit that detects a position of the device relative to a detection surface;

a first communication unit that performs contactless communication with the device on the basis of the position; and

a second communication unit that performs predetermined communication with an information processing terminal on the basis of acquisition of identification information of the device based on the contactless communication.

The information processing system according to (12) described above, in which

the device is an integrated circuit (IC) card including a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet.

The information processing system according to (12) or (13) described above, in which

the device includes an inlay whose lengths in a longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction are different.

The information processing system according to any one of (12) to (14) described above, in which

the information processing system is a card game system.

A program for causing a computer to execute:

detecting a position of a device to be detected relative to a detection surface;

performing contactless communication with the device on the basis of the position; and

performing predetermined communication with an information processing terminal on the basis of acquisition of identification information of the device based on the contactless communication.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST