cu») United States 2) Patent Application Publication KAWANABE et al. (54) TRADING CARD AND T {DING CARD (1) Applicant: NINTENDO CO, LID., Kyoto-shi Py Inventors: Satoshi KAWANABE, Kyotoshi (IP) Kenko KAWAHARA, Kyoto-shi UP) Hideaki KAMATA, Kyoto-shi OP) Norio ASAKURA, Kyoto-shi JP) Appl. Now 15/825 132 Filed: Nov. 29, 2017 Related U.S. Application Data (63) Continuation of aplication No. 14/971,119, filed on Dee. 16, 2015, now Pat. No. 9.855.506, G0) Foreign Application Priority Data Apr 1.2015 GP) 2015.074954 ication Classification GI) Inter AGE 1398 (201401) GooK 1907 (2006.01) AGSF 1320 (201401) ao) Pub, No.: US 2018/0078864 Al (43) Pub. Date Mar. 22, 2018 ‘US 201800788648 AGI 9724 200501) AG3F 13/00 201401), A63F 1/00 (200501), BSP 13/95 01401), GorF 1732 (200501), 52) US. CL cP AG3F 13/98 (201409): GO7F 17/3279 (013.01); AGSE 13/20 2014.09): ABBE 9724 (2013.01); A63E 13700 (201301); 463 23001807 (2013.01); 463? 2009/2489 (2013.01), 463F 2009/2401 (201301), A63F 2001/008 (2013.01): 463P 1/00 (2013.01) A63P 13/95 (201409); GOTF 17/8223 (2013.01); GOrP 173225 (2013.01), GO7F 173227 (2013.01); GO7F 17/3281 2013.01) GO6K 1970723 (2013.01) 6 ABSTRACT A trading eard inludes a main portion having any character cof a plurality of characters represented on at feast one surface and an electronic component for contactless com- ‘munication, which is contained in the main portion, The electronic component includes a storage portion. which stores data related tothe character represented on the main portion and a circuit which writes data received from aa external apparatus through contactless communication into the storage portionUS 2018/0078864 AI Mar. 22, 2018 Sheet 1 of 12 Patent Application Publication zit IHO-68 Ovo} gzit i 430-222 valk WrOR t NHor Sh Oav-Hit veoi—+— 28 foot “4Patent Application Publication Mar. 22, 2018 Sheet 2 of 12 US 2018/0078864 AIPatent Application Publication Mar. 22, 2018 Sheet 3 of 12 US 2018/0078864 AI } a g g a oO = ‘ & KX a . : = ] # 8 = kt 8 & ht Ee et a @ 5 3 = FIG.3 boPatent Application Publication Mar. 22, 2018 Sheet 4 of 12 US 2018/0078864 AI Qo 8 = Sg ira a 2+ < g ira 8 A i FIG.4APatent Application Publication Mar. 22,2018 Sheet 5 of 12 US 2018/0078864 A1 FIG.5Patent Application Publication Mar. 22, 2018 Sheet 6 of 12 US 2018/0078864 AI TRANSMISSION AND RECEPTION CONTROL CIRCUIT ‘SERIAL NUMBER, oiRcuIT STORAGE | PORTION. t i 147Patent Application Publication Mar. 22, 2018 Sheet 7 of 12 US 2018/0078864 AI FIG.7 149A . “CHARACTER ID “SERIES 1D SHARED AREA “APPLICATION DATA WRITABLE AREA 1498US 2018/0078864 AI Mar. 22, 2018 Sheet 8 of 12 Patent Application Publication sdldPatent Application Publication Mar. 22, 2018 Sheet 9 of 12 US 2018/0078864 AI FIG.9Patent Application Publication Mar. 22, 2018 Sheet 10 of 12 US 2018/0078864 AIPatent Application Publication Mar. 22, 2018 Sheet 11 of 12 US 2018/0078864 AIUS 2018/0078864 AI Mar. 22, 2018 Sheet 12 of 12 Patent Application Publication dais ALS ONLLIUM NOLINDOOaY NOLLWAOSNI BOWL das ONLLLNO ALS ONLNISA eo O0L~ rape | 97, ool 00k (Ot NOLLWAMOSNE NOLLVOISLNGQH eVoldUS 2018/0078864 AI ‘TRADING CARD AND TRADING CARD {0001} ‘This nonprovisional application is « Continuation ‘of upplicaton Ser. No. 14971,119, led on Dee. 16, 2015 tnd is based on Japanese Patent Application No, 2015- (074954 fled with the Japan Patent Olie oa Apr. 1, 2015, the entire contents of each of which are heeoby incorporated by reference. FIELD [0002] The present technology relates to a trading card having a character eepresented and a troding card set include ing the trading card, BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY [0003] A card having « contactless communication fune- tion has conventionally been made use of inn electronic ‘commerce. contactless IC ea has been known to be wed Jor electronic payment or in using public transportation such a8 trains or bss. 1000S] There are trading cards (or eollectable ants) whieh are cars different in sense from cards (single variety) sed tenerally in electronic commerce. The trading cards refer to ‘cards on which variously diferent pictures are depicted and ‘8 purpose thereof is collection and exebiange, Namely, the trading cards are cards manufactared and sold aiming at ‘exchange or collection of pictures represented on cach, surface thereof. {0005} | Conventional trading cand have mainly been orna- ‘mental, and importance has been given on a pitire itself ‘depicted on the seace, In contrat, the present technology pays atention to add 1 trading cards, values (variety) from anew point of view. [0006] An exemplary embodiment provides trading card that includes a main portion having layers of pape in a shoot orm and an electronic component for contactless eomm- nication, whieh is contained in the main portion, The elec- tronic componest inchides an antenna which transmits and receives a radio signal involved with contactless commni- ‘cation, a storage portion which stores data related 10 ‘character represented oa the main portion and includes frst Storage area in which writing of aditional data is restricted ‘and second storage area in which weitng of additional data js not restricted, and a cireuit which writes data received from an external apparatus through contactless communica- tion into the second storage ares. Any character ofa plurality ‘of characters, information associated with the character, and information for playing are represented on one surface of the ‘main portion. A mark indicating a position ofthe antenna is represented ala position of arrangement of the antenna on the other surface of the main portion. The data related to the ‘character includes identfistion information for specifying the charactor and identification information representing 2 pplication in which the characteris available ora series of applications in which the characteris available. 10007] An exemplary embodiment provides a trading card that ineludes a min portion having any character of @ plurality of characters represented on at least one surface nd an electronic eomponent for contactless eommnication, which is contained in the main portion. The electronic ‘component includes a storage portion which stores dats related to a character represented on the main portion and a Mar. 22, 2018 circuit which wets data received fom sn extemal appara fo through contactless communication into the somse portion {0008} Idenication information for specifying the char deter may be represented on atleast one surface {0009} Information for sensing erroneous recognition nay be represen on the a east one surface {0010} Information or playing may be represented onthe atleast one surface {011} The data ested othe character represented onthe ‘main portion may inlude identieaton fafoemation for Speciffing the characte. {0012} The data related othe character represented on the ‘ain portion may iacde identification information repre senting an application in which the character is available or 4 eres of applications in hich the charicter i available {0013} ‘The electronic component may include identi ‘ion information spec to the eletni component (0014) The storaze portion may include a ist storage arca Jn which wing of iinal data is restricted and a second storage area in which writing of addtional data is not rested {0015} The fit storage area may be a ead only ara ia ‘hich writing of data is resected but Irom which data ean be reid, andthe second storage area may he Welle area {nto which data canbe writen and fom which data can be read {0016] 4 character ID may be sored inthe fist store (0017) The electronic componeat may further include an auteana for Wwansmiting and reseiving a radio signal jvolved with contactless communication, and a mack ind cating a poston of the antenna may be represented at Peston wher the antennas aranged oma irice difleest Troma surface ofthe main porion where the ebaactr is represented [0018] The mark may incinde a east a por of an aumi- ‘um layer formed on the surface diferent from the surfoce ofthe main portion where the characteris represented and a Jogo mark formed onthe aluninu laser {0019} The antenna may be arange at a position other ‘han a cental portion of the main porto [0020] ‘The cir ante may be located above of blow 2 eenterine in a fongitinal droton of the trading ea {0021} AL leas a put oF te main porion may be formed oF yer of paper {0022} The suriace on which the characteris represented may be subjected to glossng treatment {0023s te wossng eaten resin material ia prt in its eotisy is formed on the surface on which the efiracter i represented. (0024) An exemplary embodiment provides tain card Set that includes a plraityof trading eas deserbed in ay paragraph described above, Bac of the plurality of tring ards may bave character cffrent atleast in par repr sented (0025) _An exemplary embodiment provides a trading cad Set that may include atleast one. of the teading cards described in any’ paragraph described above, a bag portion ‘which aecommedates the at least one trading car ad a Shiclding srctore which reduces electromagnetic waves avolved with the contatiess communication and preventsUS 2018/0078864 AI ‘contactless con fon by the electronic component ‘contained in 12 card accommodated in the bag, portion, [0026] The shickling structure may inchude at least two plate-shaped members provided with a conductive member ‘na surface ofthe plate-shaped member tat ae aang as ‘lianed in a diretion perpendicular fo the tading ear 10027] The shielding structure may bea card aecommo- dated in the bag portion together with the trading cad and having a metal layer 10028) The shielding stactore may be a metal layer pro- ‘ied on an inner surface of the bag portion. 10029) “The foregoing and eter objects, features, aspects anu alvantage of the exemplary embeuliments will become nore apparent om the following detailed deserpton ofthe ‘exemplary embodiments when taken in Conjunction withthe sccompanying drawings. BRIBE DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0030] FIGS, 14 to IC show exemplary illustrative non- Timiting drawings illustrating examples of trading cards socording to the present embodiment 10031] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary illustrative non-imit- ing drawing illustting @ configuration example of a rear surface of the tniding card aevording fo the present embodi- ment. 10032] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary illustrative non-Himit- ng drawing illustrating cross-sectional view ofthe trading ‘card along the line A-A shown in FIG. 2 10033] FIGS. 4A to 4C show exemplary illustrative non- Timiting drawings ilustaing arrangement examples of an RFID inlay in the trading card according to the present ‘embostiment. [0034] FIG. S shows an exemplary illustrative non-Himit- Jing drawing ilostrating one example of a form af use ofthe trading cand according to the present embodiment 10035] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary illustrative non-imit- fing drawing illustrating a circuit configuration of the RFID inlay contained in the trading eard according tothe present ‘embovliment. [0036] FIG. 7 shows un exemplary illustrative non Jing drawing illustrating one example of a data steeture of 2 storage portion built in a control circuit shown in FIG. 6 10037] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary illustrative non-imit- ing drawing illustrating 2 frst mount example ofa function to prevent unauthorized reading ofthe trading eard accord- ing o the present embodiment [0038] FIG. 9 shows an exemplany illustrative non-imit- ing drawing ilustrting a second mount example of the function to prevent unauthorized reading ofthe trading card acconting to the present embodiment [0039] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary ilasraive non-fim- ‘ting drawing illostating a erossstetional view ofa package shown in FIG. 9 [0040] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary ilustrative non iting drawing ilusiating a third mount example of the funetion to prevent unauthorized reading ofthe trading card acconting 0 the present embodiment {0041} FIG. 12 shows an exemplary illustrative non iting drawing ilusiating one example of a process for manufacturing trading cards according ta. the present ‘embodiment. Mar. 22, 2018 Dk RIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS, [0042] ‘The present embodiment will be described in detail ‘with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding lements inthe drasvings have the same reference characters allotted and description thereof will not be repeated. [0043] [A Front Surface of Trading Cant] [044] 4 trading card according to the present embocl- at will initially be desribed with reference to FIGS. 1A to IC. FIGS. LA‘o 1C schematically show a Iron surface of three trading cards 100A, 100B, and 100C (hereinalte also collectively referred to as # “trading card 100") A surface on Which a main picture is depieted is defined as a “iront surface” and a surface opposite to the “front surface” is referred to s.2 “rea surface” for the sake of convenience of Seseripion herein, [0045] Trading card 100 includes a main portion in a plate shape, which has any character of a plurality of characters represented on at least one surface. More speciially, ia tmaing card 100A, a character 102A is depicted on a fst surface member 101, corresponding othe font surface In trading card 100B, a character 102B is depicted on a fst surface member 1011 corresponding to the font surface In trading card 100C, a character 102C is depicted on a fist surface member 101 corresponding to the front surface. Namely, in trading card 100 according to the present embodiment, characters 102A 10 102C- hereinafter also collectively referred tous “character 102") are represented as pictures creating values thereof. Character names 104A, 1048, and 104C of characters 102A. 1028, aad 102C are also depicted. in correspondence with characters 102A, 102B, und 102C, respectively. 0046} Actually, not only three characters exemplified in FIGS, 1Ato IC but also more ebaracters are prepared, The charactors are printed in accordance with a probability of ‘appearance (a ratio of generation) set in advance foreach of the plurality of characters and trading cards 100 are man acted. Here, the probability of appearance set in alvance for each characteris not the same among characters but set in consideration of individuality (a nature, 2 characteristic, for charocterization in a story) sct for each character Tor cexaiiple, a specific character of the plurality of characters can significantly be lower in probability of appearance in ‘wading cards 100 than other characters. Such trading ard 100 having @ character low in probability of appearance ‘depicted that is, of which produetion number is smal, is called a “premium card," a “rare card," or a “treasure card," and may be traded at a price higher than other trading cards 100, [0047] For example, itis assumed that character 102C ‘depicted on trading card 100C among ting cards 100A 10 100C shown in FIGS. TA to IC is low in probability of | appearance. Namely, rading card 100C is @ premium card fn such a premium card has been subjected to treatment for ‘making a surface threo! glttr(alossng teatment 120) By providing sch glossing treatment 120 to the surface, a user ‘who obtains trading card 100 can be given “premium feeling 0048} Such glossing treatment 120 should only be per= Tormed with various methods, and in the present embodi- ‘ment, a lame process is adopted in which vamish i applied ‘nto first surface member 101 and the varnish is decreased fn thickness in part so as to parilly differ an index of refraction so thata glittering appearance is realized, Namely,US 2018/0078864 AI in fist suriee member 101 having spesifc character 102 mg a plurality of characters 102 represeate, ares material formed on the surface where character 102 is represented is subjected to uate in puto nis entirety $01 ast cif a reflaciance. Glossing Meatment 120 is thus realized. As anther mod of such glossing tcatment, method of realizing poss (litering appearance) by apply- {ng areflstive materi such at «smal metalic pice onto firs surface member 101 so as to dis light (50 Tong as contaclest communication is interfered) or a method of providing what is alld hologram printing on fist surlace ‘ember 101 is also avelable. With uch glosting treatment ‘what called premium fling (raeness) can be provided 4 user oF omamental appearance can be eahanced. and ‘exchange and collection of cards among sees ein be promoted 10049] Furthermore, on the font sueface of trang card 100, in alin to character 102, character numbers 106A 106, die pictures 108A to 108; and rock, paper, and scissors pictures HOA to HOC are depicted. In adition, ia 4 lower portion of the font surface of ading card 100, himecter specifying information IZA ta 1120 is alo ‘epicted. 10050) Character numbers 1064 to 106C and characte Specifying information 1128 (0 H12C ore information for "civ corresponding characters 102.16 102C, respoc- vel. In other Words, comesponting character 102 tnigicly be specified by designating character umber: 1064 6 106C ora number in character specifying informs tion H2A to 112C. Namely, on the front surface of trading ed 100, oyeer with character 102, information assoc tod with character 102 (charter numbers 1064 to 106C and character spovtying information IZA w 112C) is represen. Namely, on the front surface of trading card 100, together with character 102, dentition information forspciving character 102 is eprescated.Altematively on the font surface of wang card 100, information for seasing ‘errno recognition x repescitd tether with character 102. More detailed contents and applications of character specilying information 112A 16 112C will be desi ate {0084} Die pictues 1084 to 108C canbe used for such an pplication as play of some kid of game by a plurality of Payers with the wse ofa plurality of wading ends 100, Similar, rock, paper, and scissors pictures 108 to LOC ‘ea be used for such an application a plying rock, paper fnd scissors among a phiality of persons withthe use of ray’ of trang cars 100, Namely. te Font strface ‘fteading car! 100, together with character 102, information for plying (ie pictues 108A to 108C and sock, paper. and scissors pictures IVA to H10C) is represented, {Wis2] For such information foe. playing. physical strength gauge valve oF an offensveldefensive stenath ‘ale of ach character 102 may’ be used 10083] (8. Contsetless-Contact Communication Funston} [00$8) Trading card 100 according to the present embod rent incorporates a contactless communication Fanci This contactless communication fanetion provides tang «ard 100 with values roma new point o view nthe present embodiment, by way of example of eontetess commun ‘ation, communication nader what i called near eld com munication (NFC) specifications is exblishod botweon trading cand 100 and an NFC readeesiter.Contaetess ‘communication herein refers tos communication seme which aio waves (forexample, electromagnet induction) Mar. 22, 2018 from one apparatus locate in the NFC readerwriter gen- crite electromotive force in the other apparatus located on Side of trading card 100 by way of example, The apparatus located oa the side of tring card 100 can operate With generated electromotive force (basically it does not have a power supply however, a case tha it has a power supply ea Also be assumed), [0085] In contactless communication, eon be established when trading card 100 and writer are proximate t0 each other (ypically, 2 distance therebetween is not greater than several centimeters oe not areater than several dozen centimeters, In contactless com- ‘munication, sending of radio waves continues while com ‘munication boon them is maintained (while some trading card 100 is proximate to the NFC readeravriter). Though ‘Scheme of communication through radio waves is desribed by way of example, limitation thereto is not particularly intended. Optical communication or communication via other media may be applicable anda scheme is not limite. [0086] A configuration for this contactless communication js arranged in trading card 100. Namely, an electronic component for contactless communication is contained in the main portion of trading ear! 100, [0087] With incorporation of contactless communication, by holding trading card 100 over the NPC reader-writer information stored in trading card 100 can be read and information stored in trading eaed 100 can be updated (or fev information can be writen). [0058] More specifically, trading card 100 contains a stor- ‘age portion which stores data related to character 102 représented on the main portion and a circuit which writes data received from an external apparatus through contactless communication info the storage portion. By way of one ‘mount example, an eleetronic component including 2 stor ‘age portion and a writing circuit is ueranged in trading card 100 in a form of a radio frequency identification (RFID) inlay. A configuration of the electronic component will be scribed below in association with a rear surface of trading card 100, [0059] [C. Rear Surface of Tring Card] [0060] Referring to FIG. 2, a presentation picture 130 indicating a position of an antenna used for contactless ‘communication is depicted on a second surface memiber 103 sorresponding 10 the rear surface of trading cant 100, Namely, a mark (presentation picture 130) indicating. a positon ofthe antenna is represented ata position where the antonna is arranged, on a surface (rear surface) different from the surlsee (front surlace) where character 102 is represented. With the presence of the mark, a user can ‘understand at a glance which part of trading card 100 should be Brought closer to the NPC readersvriter for contactless ‘communication, and convenience in contactless communi- ‘ation with the use ofthe card is immproves. By providing the ‘mark on the surface dillerent from the surface where char- acter 102 is represented, a position of the antenna ean be confirmed without impairing quality of design of the depicted character (in addition, variety is also improved). [0061] Though FIG, 2 shows an example in which a ‘design on the rear surface is common without depending on charter 102 depieted oa the front surface of trading card 100; limitation thereto isnot intended. Pach diffrent pcre or design may be provided also on the rear surface and for ‘cxample, a picture ora design associated with character 102 ‘depicted on the front surface may be provided.US 2018/0078864 AI 10062] |More specifically, presentation picture 130 is made up ofan aluminum layer 132 and a printed layer 134 formed ‘on aluminum layer 192 10063] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of trading card 100 slong the line A-A showi in FIG. 2. thickness of each layer shown in FIG. 3 does not necessarily correspond to an seta vale, bt is depicted to be langer or smaller than an actual thickness for he sake of convenience of desription, By way ‘of example, the total thickness of trading card 100 is, ‘designed approximately to 0.3 mm t© 1.0 mm. 10068] Referring to FIG. 3, trading card 100 includes, as 8 main portion, first surface member 101 comesponding to the fromt surface and second stfice member 103 corre- sponding to the rear surface, The main portion of trading ‘card 100 substantially corresponds to first surface member 4101 an second surface member 103, Printing paper can be used for fist surfice member 101 and second surface member 103 in order to provide various designs to the surfaces thereot: Namely, at least a part of the main portion ‘of trading card 100 is made of layers of paper. 10065] Aa RFID inlay 140 is arranged between first sur- Jace member 101 and second surface member 103. RFID inlay 140 is an electronic component in which a circuit necessary for contactless communication and an antenna have been inteprated. More specifically, RFID inlay 140 mainly includes a buffering film 142, an antenna 144, and an IC chip 146 10066] A resin in accordance with a withstand load is ‘employed for bulering fli 142, and for example, a poly ‘ethylene terephifialate (PET) resin may be employed. Antenna 144 trinsmits and receives a ratio signal involved ‘with contactless communication. More specifically, antenns 144 is made of a lead Wound & plurality of times along @ surface of buffering film 142 ad electrically connected to IC chip 146, As will he described late, IC chip 146 includes transmission and reception eireit receiving radio waves (including a command) through antenna 144 and transmit- fing radio waves (inclading a command response) from ‘antenna 144 and a control circ 10067] Presentation picture 130 is provided on the reae surface in correspondence with a position where antenna 1.44 is arranged, Though FIG. 2 shows presentation picture 130 substantially ina square shape, any shape can be adopted. For example, presentation picttre 130 may be formed in such a shape as a circle, a peatogon, a hexagon. ‘or an octagon. As described above, presentation picture 130, js made up of aluminum layer 132 and printed layer 134 Jormed on aluminum layer 132. Aluminum layer 132 is ‘ypically formed through vapor deposition of aluminum, and printed layer 134 js formed by printing (application of ink) ‘Net vapor deposition of aluminum, A logo mark which is 3 mark symbolizing trading card 100 or symbolizing a manu facture or a distributor of trading card 100 can also be ‘employed as a mark depicted on printed layer 134 10068) Thus, a mark indicating a postion of antenna 144 Includes a part of alaminum layer 132 formed on the surface (tear surface) diffrent from the surface (front surface) having character 102 represented and logo mark formed on sluminum layer 132 (a pat of the mark depicted on printed layer 134), [0069] Though FIG. 3 shows a configuration example in Which IC chip 1463s aranged on the side of the front surface and antenna 144 is arranged on the sie ofthe rear surface, Positional relation between IC chip 146 aod antenna 144 Mar. 22, 2018 may be reverse (that is, when viewed from the side of the rear surface, IC chip 146, antenna 144, and bulfering film 142 may be arranged in this order, and in that case, bullering lm 142 is ranged on an ine surface ofthe font surface). As will be described later, however, in such a form of use ‘that communication with the NEC reader-wrter is eslab- lished while eharacter 102 depicted on the front surface of trading card 100 is shown, antenna 144 may be closer to the reat surface in order to ensure intensity of radio waves jncident on antenna 144 [0070] Though FIG. 3 shows a configuration example in Which IC chip 146 is arranged in correspondence with a substantially central position of antenna 144, positional relation between antenna 144 and 1C chip 146 in a surface can be designe as appropriate. Namely: IC chip 146 may be anranged at a postion decentered from antenna 144, [0071] As shown in FIGS, 410 4C, RFID inlay 140 ise can also be arranged at any position 0072] FIG. 44 shows an example in which RFID inlay 140 including antenna 144 and IC chip 146 is arranged in & substantially central portion of trading card 100. According to the arangement example shown in FIG. 4A, singe REID inlay 140 including antenaa 144 is arranged in the substan- tially central portion of trading card 100, possibility of perplexity of user at the ime when he/she hols trading card 100 over the NFC reader-writer can be lowered, [0073] FIG. 4B shows an example in which RFID inlay 140 incloding antenna 144 and IC chip 146 is arranged in the evater ina lateral direction of trading card 100 and on an end side (an outer side) ina vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 43, by amanging RFID inlay 140 as being displaced from the central portion of trading card 100, displacement (or stress) caused in RFID inlay 140 atthe time when trading card 100 is beat (or flexed) can further he lessened. There- ore, possibility of breakage of RFID inlay 140 by extemal {orce involved with deformation of trading card 100 can be lowered [0074] FIG. 4C shows an example in whieh RFID inlay 140 including antenna 144 and IC chip 146 is arranged on ‘anend side (an outer side) in both of he lateral direction and the vertical direction of trading eard 100 In the arrangement ‘example shown in FIG. 4C, magnitude of external force ‘genemited in RFID inlay 140 involved with deformation of trading card 100 can be lower than in the arrangement ‘example show in FIG. 42, Therefore, possibility of break- age of RFID inlay 140 by external foree can further be lowered, [0075] As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, from a point of view of lowering in possibility of breakage of RFID inlay 140 (antenna 144 and IC chip 146), the RFID inlay may also be arranged ata position displaced from the central portion in the min surface of tading card 100, For example, the entire antenna 144 may be located above or below a cen- terline in a longitudinal dirsetion of trading card 100, [0076] [D. One Example of Form of Use] [0077] One example ofa form of use of trading card 100 According tothe present embodiment will naw be deseribed with reference to FIG. 5 [0078] FIG. 8 shows an example in which a porable game ‘vice 1 is used a the NFC reader-wrter. Portable game vice 1 adopts a foldable configuration having two seroens, ‘and has an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio ‘waves tse for contactless communication built in 8 lower splay 2. Typically, the user holds portable game device 1US 2018/0078864 AI ith one hand and holds trading card 100 over lower display 2 with the other hand, so that information is exchanged between trading card 100 and portable game device 1. With ‘data read from trading card 100, a game can proceed ia portable game device 1, or as the game proceeds in portable fame device 1, «result thereof ean he writen ita trading ‘card 100, 10079] The data read from trading card 100 may be made use of in any manner, and data written into trading card 100 may be obiained or generated in any manner Namely, data ‘exchanged with trding curl 100 ean be associated with any information processing performed in portable game device 1 [0080] Though FIG. $ exemplifies a configuration ia Which portable game device 1 is employed as the NFC reader-writer lor the sake of convenience of description, any device capable of coatgetless communication (NEC) may ‘exchange data with trading eard 100, [0081] [E. Circuit Configuration) [0082] A circuit configuration of RFID inlay 140 con- tained in the main portion (fist surface member 101 and second surface member 103)of trading card 100 will now be described, 10083] Referring to FIG. 6, RFID inlay 140 representing the electronic component includes antenna 14 for trans- miting and receiving a radio signal involved with contac\- Jess communication and IC chip 146 eleceieally connect to antenna 144, 1C chip 146 includes a transmission and reception circuit 147 and a control ciruit 148 eleczieally ‘connected fo transmission and reception eireuit 147. Control circuit 148 includes a storge portion 149. Storage portion 149 stores data related to character 102 represented on the main portion of trading card 100, Control ciruit 148 includes circuit which writes data received from an exter= nal apparatus through contaeless communication ino stor ‘ge portion 149, 10084) Referring to FIG. 7, storage portion 149 includes 2 shared area 149A and a writable area 149B. Shared! area LI9A is a ciruit in which writing of additional data is restricted and writable area 149B is a storage area in which Writing of additional data is not restricted. For example shared area 149A is an area (a read only area) from which data is only wad, and restriction for not allowing weting of data (overwrite of data) is set for the shared area. No restriction is set for writable area 14912, and data can be ‘writen therein. Even in the writable area, however, before data is writen, simple checking such as checking as t0 ‘whether or nota format of data to be written i appropriate ‘or checking as to whether or not an onder of writing of & _eroup of data to be written is correct may be made, [0085] Shared area 149A includes a character ID and a Series ID which represent data related to ebargeter 102. Namely, a character ID is stored in shared area 149A. 10086] A character ID is identification information for Speciving character 102 depicted on each trading card 100. Achuaracter ID is sot so as to be able to uniquely specify ‘character 102 in a specific application (for example, game application). In this ease, each application includes corre spondence between a character ID and character 102, When some character ID is read from tang card 100 while some pplication is exccuted, information on a character (such as ‘9 character image) corresponding. tthe character ID is, ‘determined by referring to correspondence held in advance. Even though the same character is depicted on cards, @ Mar. 22, 2018 ileeat character 1D muy beset for cach in depending on afc in pose or appearance, sd diferent core Sponding character nse may also be dtemnined [0087] Alternatively, setting may be made such that char- feter 102 can uniquely be specified among a plialty of anplications fn this ese, comenpondence Between a chat- ater ID an caracer 102 may commonly be hel aon the phirality of apniatins.Afematively, when network an be made se ofa server which can commonly be made of by aplication may he accesso that information ona character (or example,» charter ime) corespond- ing to character ID red fom rang cand 100 i eter. mst {WOR series 1D represents one example of denies tim information indcstng an applies in which career 102 depicted on each rang card 100 avaiable ora seis Gf appticatons in which the character fy availabe, More Spectcaly dhe seres ID is ienifcaton information specie {Sing one application ora purliyof applications in which 2 wer can play wih character 102 dpited on cach tains ard 100. Whon there is only one eplcation in which & certin character i avaiable, the ses ID sbstantially species one application. In conta, when there ae phuity of appicaions in which eens choroter is Ivailable the sens ID species a saris of relevant appl [0089] The character ID and the series ID are protected or Encrypted such that writing or updating i mot allowed ‘eapomse 1 noma commana fom the NEC renderer (peviabie game device Tin the presen! emboimen) Names, waiting of or updstiog with aditionl dita is fesicted such that coespomenge with character 102 depicted on each trading card 100 is maintained, {0990} In conrost, writabie area 1498 san asin which napplicaton using charter 12 depicted on adn cad Tho can write or update Data generated through processing ty an application te weten in writable area 1490 as appo= Prite, When a platy of applications wrt dat no Siable area 1481, there isa possibilty of ale de Presence of data ay mined. and bence only ial appl Caton devant though specific peraton by super may beable o acces writable ara 1493 An aplication wich an acess writable area 1498 can he changed later. (0091) Cont cireit 148 is uniquely allocated to an REID inlay (or IC chip 146) fering apn to FIG. 6 Control cnet 148 has seal mamiber HB sored therein ad retusa vale for stored serial umber 18a in response iSanistmcton fom the NEC render. Namely. RED inlay 140 representing the eleciroic component inches ‘enifcaton information specific wo REID ily 140, Such ‘denifaton infomation ean be wl fr various types of authentication processing {0092] [F. Trading Card Set and Function to Prevent Iinmthoszed eating) [0093] A form of sale of trading card 100 according to the present embodiment as dexcrbed above will now be Aserbed. Normal wading cad sso in such a ate that one trading card or a ply of trading cand are cked in a single package and a pctore depicted on Ftriace thoref i not seen. In gene, since aloe of & trang canis dtermied ha pit there.» praser in look forward ip which pice ts depicted na tang card ina package which hse has purchased.US 2018/0078864 AI 10094] In selling eading card 100 acconting othe present ‘embodiment, a plurality of trading cards 100 are selected suel that there is no overlap in character 102 in the same package. Namely a trding card set according to the present ‘embodiment (a state atthe time point of sale) includes a plurality of trading cars 100 and atleast two of the plurality ‘of trading cards 100 have characters 102 different fom each cther represented. 10095] "As described above, wading card 100 according 10 the present embodiment incorporates « contactless eomm- nication funetion. Even though the tring cards are sold in 1 package a character of tring car! 100 contained therein ‘canbe specified if stored information ean be read with some kind of an NPC readerwriter. When information is read hile the raging cards resold ina package, the information ‘can be used for play on at application without purchasing ‘cards. In order to prevent such unauthorized reading, access by radio waves to trading card 100 contained in the package from the outside of the package may be blocked [0096] Namely, the trading cand set acconting to the present embodiment includes not only at least one tading ‘card 100 and a package (a bag portion) secommodating a Teast one trading card 100 but also a shielding’ function preventing electromagnetic waves from the outside of the package (bag. portion) fom reaching trading cand 100 ocommodated in the package (bag, portion). Namely. the Shielding function reduces electromagnetic waves involved ‘with contactless communication and prevents contactless ‘communication by the electronic component contained in teading card 100 accommodated in the package (baw por tion). Some mount examples of such a shielding function ‘vill be described below: [0097] (1: Fist Mount Example) [0098] Referring to FIG. 8, ina first mount example of the shielding fanetion, a conductive ear! is mixed in Between @ plurality’ of tading cards 100. Namely, a trading card sot in ‘which a plurity of trading cards 100 (i the example showa in FIG. 8, three trading cards 1004 to 100C) are enclosed in ‘package 200 is shown, Package 200 is sale! ikea pillow. 10099] An alueninum card 210 is arranged between trading cards 100 and L002 oF between 1002 and 1000. Namely. the trading cand set may be sold with « set 220 of trading ‘eras 100A to 100C and aluminum eard 210 being enclosed in package 200, Namely, a plate-shaped member (aluminum ‘card 210) arranged a aligned ina direction perpendicular to the main surface of at least one trading card 100 and provided with a conductive member (for example, lumi- rum) on its surface is incinded as a member exhibiting the shielding fintion [0100] Forexample, aluminum cant 240 has an aluminum layer formed on its opposing surfces with such a technique ‘38 vapor deposition of aluminum onto printing paper. An sluminum layer may be formed over the entre atleast one surface of aluminum card 210. Any electrode pattem may be ormed on a surface. For example, electromagnetic waves ‘can mor efliiently be prevented from resching trang card 100 by emplaying a spiral electrode patern so as to generate ‘an eddy current in the electrode pater. The aluminum Layer ‘does not have to cover the entire surface ofthe card but may ‘cover only a part ofthe ead, for example, only around an fnienna portion. From a point of view of manufacturing ‘ost, aluminum may be employed, however, a surface ayer should only be formed with any conductive material (for ‘example, ay’ metal), Thus, & card (altninum card 210) Mar. 22, 2018 ‘accommodated in the package (bag portion) together with trading card 100 and having # metal layer is ineludd as ‘member exhibiting the shielding fanetio [0101] For example, one aluminum card 210 may be Aanranged every three trading cards 100, When more trading ‘ards 100 are enclose in packuge 200, wo or more alumi- ‘num cards 210 ean also he mixod every preseribed number of carts [0102] surface of aluminum card 240 may be used as 2 space for # manval of trading card 100 of asa space for ‘manual or an advertisement of trading card 100 ora product relating thereto, [0103] In order to exhibit the shielding function in set 220 (Geading eas 1004 to 100C aad aluminum eard 210) shown in FIG. 8, cards should be in intimate contact with exch other: Therefore, an inner erosssectional shape of package 200 canbe designed such that» gap (a margin) from an outer cross-sectional shape of set 220 is small [104] (22: Second Mount Example) [10s] _ Revers layer 252 for exhibiting the shielding function is Formed on the entre inner surlace of a package 250. For example, a layer of a resin or the like is formed on an outer side of conductive member layer 282, In order to exhibit the shield ing function, conductive member layer 252 is formed 10 have a proseribed thickness, Namely, package 250 (hag portion) according to the present embodiment includes a ‘metal layer provided on an inner surface thereof as & shielding structure. [0106] In the second mount example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10,a plurality of wading cards 100 do not have tobe intimate ccontaet with each other. Therefore, the inner cross-sectional shape of package 250 may be formed with a slightly more ‘margin with respect tothe outer erost-sectional shape of the plurality of wading cards 100, [0107] (13: Third Mount Example) [0108] Referring 1 FIG. 11, three wading cards 100A to 100C may be enclosed as a set, in a conductive mesh bag portion 270, In this case, three trading cards 100A to 100 fnelosed in mesh hag portion 270 are further enclosed in an ‘opaque outer bag. [0109] (14: Fourth Mount Example) [0110] metal fl Hike a seal may divetly be stuck wo the entire trading card 100 or around antenna 144. [O11] [G. Manufacturing Process] To112] A process for manufacturing trading cards 100 cording to the present embodiment will now be described [0113] | Referring to FIG. 12, the process for manufacturing ‘wading cards 100 includes a printing step, a cutting step, an ‘mage recognition step, and an information writing stp. [o114) In the printing step, typically, print patterns ran- domly selected from a plurality in accordance with a pre- {termined probability of appearance are printed on printing paper. Fach pint patter corresponds toa design onthe front surface of the rear surface of fading card 100. Namely, a plurality of trading cards 100 are randomly imposed. Exel sion processing is performed such that the same trading card 100 is not impose on the same printing paper. phucliy fof RFID inlays 140 are regularly aranged in advance in correspondence with imposition positions, A set oF sheets of print paper corresponding tothe front surface and the rear surface, respectively, may be prepared, RFID inlay 140 may regulary be arranged therebetween, and then they may be bonded! t eaeh other,US 2018/0078864 AI [0115] In succession, the printed paper is eut in a pre- scribed size to thereby generste trading cards 100, Since no ‘data as yet been written ia RFID inlay 140 contained in, ‘each trading card 100 in this slat, character specifying information 112 (see FIGS. 1A 10 1C) printed on the front surfaces optically read so as to write information associated ‘with character 102 depicted on each trading eard 100, [0116] Specifically, in the image recognition step, charac- ter specifying information 112 (see FIGS. 1A to 1C) present ‘on the oat surface of cut trading card 100 is read, and a value thereof (a letter or a numeric value) is recognized. ‘Then, based on the recognized information, comesponding ‘identification information (a character ID and a series ID) is Written in shared area 149A (see FIG. 7) of storage portion 149, Through this information writing step, trading cards 100 according to the present embodiment are completed [0117] Character specifying information 112 (see FIGS. LA to 1C) used in this image recognition step may include ditional information for preventing eoneous recognition in addition to identification information for specifying char- scter 102 depicted on the front surface ofeach trading card 4100. Namely, character specifying information 112 which is 1 par of information associated with character 102 may Jnclude identification information for specifying character 102 and information for sensing emoneous recognition. By including such information for sensing erroneots recopni- tion, information different from the information comrespond- Jing to depicted character 102 can be provented from eero- neously being written in trading card 100. [Os] [H1, Advantages} [0119] The present embodiment ean provide trading card ‘with values ftom a new point of view and enfance variety ‘ofa trading card 10120] | While certain example systems, methods, deviees, tnd apparatuses have been described herein, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not co be limited © the systems, methods, devices, and upparauses disclose, but on the contrary, ste intended 10 cover various modifi ‘cations and equivalent amangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. ‘What is elaimed is 1A trading card, comprising: ‘@ main portion having any character of a plurality of characers represented of at least one surface: and ‘an electtonie component for contaetless communication, ‘whieh is contained in the main portion, the electronic component including ‘storage portion which stores dat related to @ char- fcler represented on the main portion, and 4 circuit which writes data received from an external ‘apparatis through contactless commutication into the storage portion, wherein ‘identification information for specifying the character is represented on the atleast one surface. 2, The trading card acconding to claim 1, wherein information for sensing erroneous recognition is repre= ‘sented on the at Teast one surface 3. The trading card aeconding to claim 1, wherein information for playing is represented om the a last one suriace. 4. The trading card aeconting (o claim 1, wherein the data related 10 the character represented on the main ‘portion includes identification information for specify- ing the character Mar. 22, 2018 4, wherein the data related tothe character represented on the main ‘portion includes identification information representing fn application in which the ehurscter is avaiable or series of applications in which the character i avail able 6. The trading card according to elsim 1, wherein the storage portion includes a fist storage area in which ‘writing of additional data is resticted and a second Storage arca in which writing of additional data isnot restricted, 7. The trading card according to claim 6, wherein the first storage area isa read only area in which writing ‘of data is resiicted but from which data can be rea, and the second storage area is a writable are into which data ‘can be written and from which data ean be read. 8. The trading card according to elsim 1, wherein the electronic component further includes an antenna for ransmitting and receiving a radio signal involved with ‘ata position where the antenna is arranged, on a surface (of the main portion different from a surfiee ofthe main portion where the character is represented, 9. The trading card aeconding to claim 8, wherein the mark includes at least s part of an aluminum layer formed on the surface different feom the susfiee ofthe main portion where the character is represented and a ogo mark formed on the aluminum layer. 10, The trading card according to claim &, wherein the antenna is arranged ata positon other than a central portion of the main portion, 11. The trading card aecording to claim 1, wherein atleast a part ofthe main portion is formed of layers of paper 12, The trading card according to claim 1, wherein the surface on which the charter is represented bas been subjected to glossing treatment 13, The trading card according to claim 12, wherein as the glossing tratment, « resin material in part or ‘entirety is formed on the surlace on which the character is represented, 14, Atrading card set, comprising a pluratity ofthe trading cards according to claim 1, at least two of the plurality of trading cards having characters different from each other represented 15, A trading cand set, comprising: fone oF more trading cards, each of the trading cards ‘comprising ‘@ main portion having any character of a plurality of ‘characters represented on at least one surface, and ‘an electronic component for contactless communica- tion, which is contained ia the main portion, the electronic component includ '@ storage portion which stores data related wo a character represented on the main portion, and ‘cievit which writes data received from an exteral ‘apparatus through contactless communication into the storage portion, wherein ‘enilicaion information for specifying the character is represented on the at least one surface: 1 bag portion which accommodates the ‘wading card; and least oneUS 2018/0078864 AI ng structure which reduces electromagnetic jlved with the contactless communication and prevents contactless comimnnieation by the elee- ‘wonie component contained in the trading eard accom -modated in the bag portion, 16. The trading card set aocording to cluim 18, compris- ing, a the shielding structure, a plte-shaped member arranged as aligned in a direction perpendicular to the at least one trading card, wherein te plate-shape member has 1 conductive member on a surface of the plate-shaped member. 17. The trading card set aocording to claim 18, compris- ing, asthe shielding stricture, a card accommodated in the bag portion together withthe wading card and having a metal layer: 18. The trading card set aoconting to claim 18, compris- ing, asthe shielding structure, a meal layer provided on 29 Jinner suave of the bag portion Mar. 22, 2018