Programs, methods, information processing devices, and systems

Abstract

To increase the diversity of cards. [Solution] This is a program to be executed by a computer equipped with a processor and memory. The program causes the processor to perform the following steps: obtain information from a printing device about trading cards used in a TCG (Trading Card Game), which are physical cards available from card packs, and which may include cards that can have additional text printed on them in addition to regular cards, or in place of regular cards; determine, based on the obtained information, whether or not the trading card is a card that can have additional text printed on it; and, if it is determined that the trading card is a card that can have additional text printed on it, output information about the additional text to be printed in a predetermined area of ​​the card to the printing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, a method, an information processing apparatus, and a system.

Background Art

[0002] A TCG (Trading Card Game) in which users build a deck using real cards and play against each other has become popular. In a TCG, real cards are used and a battle is advanced between users based on predetermined rules.

[0003] If the real cards used in a TCG can be compatible with a printing machine, users can print their favorite cards and use them in the game, thus expanding the range of gameplay. On the other hand, it is difficult to achieve printing with the quality of existing TCGs using a printing device that can be installed in a retail store or the like. Note that an invention in which the cards used in a card game machine have a printing area for printing additional information is described in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] There is a difference in the quality of the cards between the cards printed by a printing device that can be installed in a retail store or the like and the cards sold in packs. Therefore, it is not possible to construct one deck by mixing the cards printed by the printing device and the cards discharged from the packs. For this reason, the diversity of the cards is restricted.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to enhance the diversity of cards.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] This is a program to be executed by a computer equipped with a processor and memory. The program causes the processor to perform the following steps: obtain information from a printing device about trading cards used in TCGs, which are physical cards available from card packs, and which may include cards that can have additional text printed on them in addition to regular cards, or in place of regular cards; determine, based on the obtained information, whether or not the trading card is a card that can have additional text printed on it; and, if it is determined that the trading card is a card that can have additional text printed on it, output information about the additional text to be printed in a predetermined area of ​​the card to the printing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the disclosure, this can increase the diversity of cards. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows the phase in which a TCG match is being prepared according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the state at which a TCG match is about to begin according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the current state of each user's TCG match. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of System 1. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the terminal device 10. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of server 20. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the printing device 300. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the data structure of the user information table 2021. [Figure 9]It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the card master table 2022. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the text master table 2023. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the print management table 2024. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining the operations of the server 20 and the printing device 300 when the printing device 300 prints additional text on printable data. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printable card. [Figure 14] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display on the display 341 of the printing device 300. [Figure 15] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a selection screen for print content in the printing device 300. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printable card after printing. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a card on which additional text can be printed for "characteristics". [Figure 18] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a card on which additional text can be printed for "rules". [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining the operations of the terminal device 10 and the server 20 when determining additional text to be printed on printable data. [Figure 20] It is a schematic diagram showing other examples of printable cards. [Figure 21] It is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of the computer 90.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] <Schematic> The trading cards according to this embodiment are physical cards (analog cards) that exist and are used in a Trading Card Game (TCG). The trading cards according to this embodiment include trading cards that include an area on which additional text can be printed, and trading cards that do not allow for the printing of additional text. Trading cards that include an area on which additional text can be printed will be referred to below, for example, as "printable cards," and trading cards that do not allow for the printing of additional text will be referred to below, for example, as "regular cards."

[0012] Printable cards have additional text printed on them using a printing device installed in a designated location, such as a retail store. This additional text may be, for example, text relating to the characteristics, abilities, or rules of the character described on the printable card. The additional text may consist of any one of these, or a combination of two or more. The additional text may also include a designated mark. Note that the additional text consists of text, or text and a designated mark, and does not include illustrations representing the character.

[0013] First, an overview of the TCG according to this embodiment will be described. Next, the program according to this embodiment will be described. In the overview of the TCG, regular cards and printable cards with predetermined additional text printed on them will be used for TCG matches.

[0014] <0 Overview of TCGs> Figure 1 shows the state in which preparations are being made for a TCG match according to this embodiment. Figure 2 shows the state in which a TCG match is about to begin according to this embodiment. Figure 3 shows the state in which each user is progressing through a TCG match.

[0015] Users place a Playmat 30 and use a deck constructed from cards used in TCG battles to play TCG matches.

[0016] <0.1 Playmat 30 Composition> Referring to Figure 1, the various items used by each user in a TCG match will be explained. As shown in Figure 1, when User 5A (First User) and User 5B (Second User) begin a TCG match, a playmat 30 is placed between User 5A and User 5B. The playmat 30 is for placing the cards included in the deck. Each user places cards on the playmat 30 as a deck, etc., and proceeds with the TCG match by adding cards from the deck to their hand.

[0017] The configuration of the playmat 30 will now be described. The playmat 30 includes, for example, a mat showing the positions for placing cards. The playmat 30 includes, for example, a deck placement section 31A and a deck placement section 31B (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the "deck placement section 31"), a preparation card placement section 32A and a preparation card placement section 32B (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the "preparation card placement section 32"), a win / loss condition card placement section 33A and a win / loss condition card placement section 33B (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the "win / loss condition card placement section 33"), a battle card placement section 34A and a battle card placement section 34B (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the "battle card placement section 34"), and a consumption card placement section 35A and a consumption card placement section 35B (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the "consumption card placement section 35"). The playmat 30 may be placed for each user. In this case, for example, the playmat 30 includes an area related to one user. Specifically, for example, the playmat 30 includes a deck placement section 31A, a preparation card placement section 32A, a win / loss condition card placement section 33A, a battle card placement section 34A, and a consumption card placement section 35A.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, in a TCG match, each user replenishes their hand with cards from the deck while battling cards against each other. In the example in Figure 3, user 5A has hand 93A (two cards in this example). User 5B has hand 93B (three cards in this example).

[0019] The deck placement area 31 is an area for each user to place one of the cards that make up their deck as a deck. The deck placement area 31A is an area for user 5A to place cards as a deck. The deck placement area 31B is an area for user 5B to place cards as a deck.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, when each user starts a TCG match, each user shuffles the cards that make up their deck and places the cards face down in the deck placement section 31. User 5A places the cards in the deck placement section 31A as deck 91A. User 5B places the cards in the deck placement section 31B as deck 91B.

[0021] The preparation card placement area 32 is an area for preparing cards that can battle against the opponent's cards. Each user swaps cards placed in the preparation card placement area 32 with cards placed in the battle card placement area 34, and battles cards placed in the battle card placement area 34 against each other.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, before a TCG match begins, no cards are placed in the preparation card placement section 32 or the battle card placement section 34. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, as a TCG match progresses, each user places cards in the preparation card placement section 32 and the battle card placement section 34, and the cards battle each other in the battle card placement section 34. Each user replenishes their hand from the deck and places cards from their hand to be used in battle in the preparation card placement section 32 and the battle card placement section 34. User 5A places a card in the preparation card placement section 32A. User 5B places a card in the preparation card placement section 32B.

[0023] The win / loss condition card placement area 33 is an area that indicates the extent to which each player has met the victory conditions. In this embodiment, each player places a predetermined number of cards face down in the win / loss condition card placement area 33 from the deck. As shown in Figure 2, user 5A places cards in the win / loss condition card placement area 33A. User 5B places cards in the win / loss condition card placement area 33B. The cards placed in the win / loss condition card placement area 33 may also be called sides.

[0024] The battle card placement area 34 is an area for placing cards to battle against the opponent's cards. User 5A places cards in the battle card placement area 34A. User 5B places cards in the battle card placement area 34B. In this embodiment, basically, the cards placed in the battle card placement area 34A and the cards placed in the battle card placement area 34B fight based on the health (HP), attack power, characteristics, character attributes shown on the card, weakness attributes, and other parameters set for each card. Cards placed in the battle card placement area 34 take damage according to their attack power, card attributes, weaknesses, etc., and the damage taken is deducted from their health. Cards placed in the battle card placement area 34 or the preparation card placement area 32 have their characteristics activated at predetermined timings, affecting the course of the battle. When a card's health is lost due to an attack or other reason, the card is removed from the battle card placement area 34 and placed in the consumption card placement area 35.

[0025] The card placement area 35 is an area for placing cards consumed in a TCG battle. For example, cards that have lost health in battle, cards that have activated effects, etc., are placed in the card placement area 35. As shown in Figure 3, user 5A places the cards consumed in the battle as card 92A in the card placement area 35A. User 5B places the cards consumed in the battle as card 92B in the card placement area 35B.

[0026] Cards placed in the card placement section 35 can be moved to the deck placement section 31, the preparation card placement section 32, or the player's hand by activating the effect of a predetermined card. In addition to the card placement section 35, the playmat 30 may have further areas for placing cards consumed during a match. These areas may be referred to as, for example, the second card placement section. Cards placed in the second card placement section will not return to the field even if the effect of a predetermined card is activated. Furthermore, the activation of predetermined effects may depend on the number of cards placed in the second card placement section.

[0027] <0.2 Types of cards used in TCGs> In the TCG of this embodiment, the types of cards include (i) character cards that can be used in battle, (ii) action point cards (energy cards) that are used in conjunction with character cards, and (iii) effect cards (support cards, item cards, stadium cards, etc.) that produce specific effects during a match.

[0028] (i) Character cards include cards that can be placed in the preparation card placement section 32 or the battle card placement section 34 when the user draws a card from the deck and adds it to their hand (also called "unconditional cards"), and cards that can be placed in the preparation card placement section 32 or the battle card placement section 34 when certain conditions are met (also called "conditional cards").

[0029] (iA) For example, a conditional card can be placed on the condition that an unconditional card related to the conditional card is also placed. For example, analogous to character evolution, an unconditional card is first presented to the opponent user by placing it on playmat 30, and then a conditional card related to that unconditional card is placed on playmat 30. Such conditional cards are sometimes called "evolved characters" as they are evolved from unconditional cards. Also, since unconditional cards can be considered the base characters for placing "evolved characters," they are sometimes called "seed characters."

[0030] (iB) For example, conditional cards can be placed in the preparation card placement section 32 or the battle card placement section 34 by consuming a specific card and moving it to the consumption card placement section 35. Specifically, the specific card may be an unconditional card placed on the playmat 30 that can be consumed (moved to the consumption card placement section 35) to place a conditional card in the preparation card placement section 32 or the battle card placement section 34.

[0031] For example, a conditional card can be placed in the preparation card placement area 32 or the battle card placement area 34 in exchange for one or more character cards placed by the user on the playmat 30. For example, if each character card has a parameter indicating the overall performance of the character (e.g., evolution level) in addition to the individual parameters such as the character's attack power shown on the card, a conditional card with an evolution level corresponding to the evolution level of the character card placed by the user may be placed. For example, with a character with evolution level 1 and a character with evolution level 2 placed on the playmat 30, a conditional card with evolution level 3 can be placed on top of these character cards (or in exchange for these character cards).

[0032] In addition, it may be possible to allow a conditional card to participate in a battle in exchange for several character cards specified by the conditional card. In this case, it may also be possible to allow a conditional card to participate in a battle by consuming a support card, which is different from a character card and will be described later. For example, the effect of a support card may be that a specific conditional card can be allowed to participate in a battle in exchange for a specific unconditional card located in the battle card placement area 34, the consumption card placement area 35, etc., of the playmat 30.

[0033] (iC) These cards include those that serve multiple purposes from the above-mentioned character cards, action point cards (described later), and support cards. For example, there may be special cards that can be used as both character cards and support cards. If a user places such a special card in a location where character cards should be placed (for example, the preparation card placement section 32 or the battle card placement section 34), it can be used as a character card.

[0034] (ii) Action Point Cards (Energy Cards) allow the user to perform a predetermined action shown on a character card by drawing a card from the deck, adding it to their hand, and then associating it with a character card and placing it on the playmat 30. The operation of associating an Action Point Card with a character card may be performed, for example, during the user's turn. For example, an Action Point Card may be associated with a character card by placing it near a character card that is already on the playmat 30. There may also be a limit on the number of times an Action Point Card can be associated with a character card during a turn. For example, once during a user's turn, they may place an Action Point Card from their hand to associate with any of the character cards on the playmat 30. For example, suppose a character card has a first attack action and a second attack action. The first attack action may be usable when one Action Point Card is associated with the character card, and the second attack action may be usable when one Action Point Card is insufficient and two Action Point Cards are associated with the character card.

[0035] If a character card is removed from the battle card placement section 34 due to its health being depleted during a battle, the action point card associated with that character card may be made unusable during that battle. Alternatively, the action point card associated with that character card may be moved to the consumption card placement section 35.

[0036] (iii) Support cards that assist in the game include card types that the user can use any number of during a turn as long as they are in their hand, and card types that can only be used once during a turn. These support cards also include those that activate when the user declares that they will use the effect of the support card.

[0037] Furthermore, auxiliary cards may also be included that are placed face down in a predetermined location on the playmat 30 (in this embodiment, the predetermined location is not shown), and whose effect is activated when the user declares their intention to use the auxiliary card by voice or other means.

[0038] <0.3 Overview of TCG Battle Rules> The above explains the playmats used in TCG matches and the types of cards. Next, we will explain the rules of TCG matches in detail.

[0039] In the TCG shown in this embodiment, as described above, each user attacks or defends (battles) based on the cards they have placed in the battle card placement section 34A and the battle card placement section 34B to advance the TCG match. The TCG match progresses with users taking turns acting alternately. For example, after the first user has acted and finished their turn, it becomes the second user's turn. The second user acts during their turn, and once their actions are complete, it becomes the first user's turn again.

[0040] Each user draws a predetermined number of cards from the deck and adds them to their hand at the start of each turn.

[0041] Each user places cards from their hand that they intend to use to attack or defend against their opponent's cards (character cards) into the preparation card placement section 32.

[0042] User 5A can swap the cards arranged in the preparation card placement section 32A with the cards arranged in the battle card placement section 34A during User 5A's turn. Similarly, User 5B can swap the cards arranged in the preparation card placement section 32A with the cards arranged in the battle card placement section 34A during User 5B's turn.

[0043] The win / loss condition card placement section 33A and the win / loss condition card placement section 33B are areas for notifying each user of their progress toward the conditions for winning the match, as described above. Here, the conditions for a user to win the match may be, for example, that all cards placed in the win / loss condition card placement section 33A or the win / loss condition card placement section 33B are collected. In other words, the win or loss may be determined when all cards are collected in either the win / loss condition card placement section 33A or the win / loss condition card placement section 33B.

[0044] For example, prior to a TCG match, each user places a predetermined number of cards from their deck into the win / loss condition card placement section 33. That is, user 5A draws a predetermined number of cards from deck 91A and places them into the win / loss condition card placement section 33A. User 5B draws a predetermined number of cards from deck 91B and places them into the win / loss condition card placement section 33B. Users 5A and 5B have their character cards, placed in the battle card placement section 34A and the character cards, placed in the battle card placement section 34B, play against each other. When the exit conditions set for a character card are met (for example, when the health value set for a character card is depleted based on the attack power set for the opponent's character card), the character on that character card is considered to have fainted, and the character card is moved to the consumption card placement section 35 (also called the "trash").

[0045] As a result, a user who wins a battle and removes an opponent's character card adds cards placed in the win / loss condition card placement section 33A or 33B to their hand. For example, if user 5B removes a card placed in the battle card placement section 34A by attacking user 5A's character card during their turn, they take a predetermined number of cards from the cards placed in the win / loss condition card placement section 33B and add them to their hand. On the other hand, if user 5A removes a card placed in the battle card placement section 34B by attacking user 5B's character card during their turn, they take a predetermined number of cards from the cards placed in the win / loss condition card placement section 33A and add them to their hand. Some character cards have a "rule" that states the number of cards that can be added to the hand when removed. If a rule is written on the removed card, the user adds the number of cards specified in the rule to their hand from the win / loss condition card placement section. These operations may be repeated until user 5B has collected all the cards to be placed in the win / loss condition card placement section 33B, or until user 5A has collected all the cards to be placed in the win / loss condition card placement section 33A. The user who has collected all the cards will be determined to be the user who won the TCG match.

[0046] In addition, a victory condition for a match may also be that a player loses if there are no character cards in either the battle card placement section 34 or the preparation card placement section 32. Alternatively, a victory condition for a match may be that a player loses if they are unable to draw a card from the deck placement section 31 during their turn.

[0047] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate an example of users playing a TCG face-to-face. However, TCG matches are not limited to face-to-face play. Users can also play matches by connecting via the internet and obtaining information such as the opponent's voice and card placement via the internet. Specifically, for example, a user can play a match while taking pictures of their own area on the playmat 30 with a camera. The captured images are transmitted to the opponent in real time. The terminal device held by the user receives the images of the opponent's area sent from the opponent and displays the received images on the display. This allows the user to check the opponent's cards in real time on the screen while handling their own physical cards. In this way, users can play TCG matches using analog cards online.

[0048] If there are multiple cameras, or if there is a device that allows for adjustment of the camera's field of view, the user's face may be photographed and the captured image sent to the opponent. This allows players to see their opponent's facial expressions during a match, thus providing a level of satisfaction similar to face-to-face matches in online TCG games.

[0049] <1 System Configuration Diagram> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of System 1. System 1 shown in Figure 4 includes, for example, a terminal device 10, a server 20, and a printing device 300. The terminal device 10, the server 20, and the printing device 300 are connected to each other via, for example, a network 80.

[0050] Figure 4 shows an example where System 1 includes one terminal device 10, but the number of terminal devices 10 included in System 1 is not limited to one. System 1 may include two or more terminal devices 10.

[0051] Figure 4 shows an example where System 1 includes one Server 20, but the number of Servers 20 included in System 1 is not limited to one. Server 20 may consist of multiple servers depending on the functions they have. Also, Server 20 may be, for example, a collection of multiple devices. The way in which the multiple functions required to implement Server 20 according to this embodiment are distributed to one or more hardware can be appropriately determined in consideration of the processing capacity of each hardware and / or the specifications required for Server 20.

[0052] The terminal device 10 shown in Figure 4 is an information processing device operated by a user who wants to print additional text on a printable card using, for example, a printer 300. Printing additional text on a printable card can be done by operating the printer 300, but the printable card to be printed and the content to be printed may be registered in advance via the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 can be implemented by, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. Alternatively, the terminal device 10 may be implemented by a stationary PC (Personal Computer), a laptop PC, or a wearable device such as an HMD (Head Mount Display).

[0053] The terminal device 10 includes, for example, a communication interface 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, memory 15, storage 16, and a processor 19. The input device 13 is a device for receiving input operations from the user (e.g., a touch panel, touchpad, etc.). The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to the user (e.g., a display, speaker, etc.).

[0054] Server 20 is, for example, an information processing device that manages the printing of additional text onto printable cards.

[0055] The server 20 is implemented, for example, by a computer connected to the network 80. As shown in Figure 4, the server 20 includes, for example, a communication IF 22, an I / O IF 23, memory 25, storage 26, and a processor 29. The I / O IF 23 functions as an interface for an input device to receive input operations from the user and an output device to present information to the user.

[0056] The printing device 300 is an information processing device that prints additional text on, for example, a printable card. The printing device 300 may be installed in, for example, a specialty store for trading card characters, an electronics retailer, a toy store, a card shop, and a convenience store. The printing device 300 takes a printable card or a regular card as input and prints additional text on the printable card.

[0057] The printing device 300 is implemented, for example, by a computer connected to the network 80. The printing device 300 includes, for example, a communication interface, an input device, an output device, memory, storage, a processor, and a printing unit. The input device is a device for receiving input operations from the user (e.g., a touch panel, a touchpad, etc.). The output device is a device for presenting information to the user (e.g., a display, a speaker, etc.).

[0058] Each information processing device consists of a computer equipped with an arithmetic unit and a memory device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by said hardware configuration will be described later. For each of the terminal device 10, server 20, and printing device 300, explanations that overlap with the basic hardware configuration and basic functional configuration of the computer described later will be omitted.

[0059] <1.1 Terminal Device Configuration> Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the terminal device 10 shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 5, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 120, an input device 13, an output device 14, an audio processing unit 17, a microphone 171, a speaker 172, a camera 160, a location information sensor 150, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. Each block included in the terminal device 10 is electrically connected, for example, by a bus.

[0060] The communication unit 120 performs processing such as modulation and demodulation processing for the terminal device 10 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 120 performs transmission processing on the signal generated by the control unit 190 and transmits it to an external device (for example, the server 20 or the printing device 300). The communication unit 120 performs reception processing on the signal received from an external device and outputs it to the control unit 190.

[0061] The input device 13 is a device for a user operating the terminal device 10 to input instructions or information. The input device 13 can be implemented, for example, by a touch-sensitive device 131 on which instructions are input by touching the operating surface. If the terminal device 10 is a PC, the input device 13 may be implemented by a reader, keyboard, mouse, etc. The input device 13 converts the instructions input by the user into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the control unit 190. The input device 13 may also include, for example, a receiving port that accepts electrical signals input from an external input device.

[0062] The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to the user operating the terminal device 10. The output device 14 is implemented, for example, by a display 141. The display 141 displays data according to the control of the control unit 190. The display 141 is implemented, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0063] The audio processing unit 17 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of the audio signal. The audio processing unit 17 converts the signal received from the microphone 171 into a digital signal and provides the converted signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 17 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 172. The audio processing unit 17 is implemented, for example, by an audio processing processor. The microphone 171 receives an audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to that audio input to the audio processing unit 17. The speaker 172 converts the audio signal received from the audio processing unit 17 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 10.

[0064] Camera 160 is a device that receives light using a photodetector and outputs it as a shooting signal.

[0065] The location information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the terminal device 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. A GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In a satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current position of the terminal device 10, which is equipped with a GPS module, is detected based on the received signals. The location information sensor 150 may also detect the current position of the terminal device 10 from the position of the wireless base station to which the terminal device 10 is connected.

[0066] The storage unit 180 is implemented by, for example, memory 15 and storage 16, and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 10. The storage unit 180 stores, for example, user information 181.

[0067] User information 181 includes, for example, information about the user. This information includes, for example, the user ID, the user's name, age, address, date of birth, registration date, etc.

[0068] The control unit 190 is realized when the processor 19 reads a program stored in the memory unit 180 and executes instructions contained in the program. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the terminal device 10. By operating according to the program, the control unit 190 performs the functions of an operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, a management unit 193, and a display control unit 194.

[0069] The operation reception unit 191 processes instructions or information input from the input device 13. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives instructions or information input from a touch-sensitive device 131 or the like.

[0070] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 191 receives images input from the camera 160. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives the image data captured by the camera 160.

[0071] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 191 receives audio information input from the microphone 171. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives audio data input from the microphone 171 and converted into digital data by the audio processing unit 17.

[0072] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 performs processing to enable the terminal device 10 to send and receive data with an external device such as a server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits instructions input by the user or various information acquired to the server 20. The information transmitted to the server 20 includes, for example, information about a printable card on which additional text is printed, and information about the additional text to be printed on the printable card. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 also receives information provided by the server 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 may also perform processing to transmit data to the printing device 300 using, for example, Bluetooth® or NFC or other short-range wireless communication.

[0073] The management unit 193 manages the user information 181 stored in the storage unit 180. For example, when user information is edited, the management unit 193 stores the edited information in the user information 181.

[0074] The display control unit 194 controls the output device 14 to display a predetermined image to the user. For example, the display control unit 194 controls the display 141 to display a printable card to be printed by the printer 300, and a registration image for pre-registering additional text.

[0075] <1.2 Functional Configuration of the Server> Figure 6 shows an example of the functional configuration of server 20. As shown in Figure 6, server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0076] The communications unit 201 performs processing to enable the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0077] The storage unit 202 includes, for example, a user information table 2021, a card master table 2022, a text master table 2023, and a print management table 2024.

[0078] User Information Table 2021 is a table that stores information about users who have registered for services related to trading card games (TCGs), for example. Further details will be provided later.

[0079] The Card Master Table 2022 is, for example, a table that stores information about cards available to a user. More details will follow.

[0080] The Text Master Table 2023 is a table that stores information about text that can be printed on, for example, a printable card. More details will follow.

[0081] The print management table 2024 is a table that stores information about printable cards, for example, those on which additional text has been printed. More details will be provided later.

[0082] The control unit 203 is realized when the processor 29 reads a program stored in the memory unit 202 and executes instructions contained in the program. By operating according to the program, the control unit 203 performs functions as a receive control module 2031, a transmit control module 2032, a management module 2033, a decision module 2034, a setting module 2035, and a presentation module 2036.

[0083] The receive control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices according to a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the receive control module 2031 receives signals transmitted from the terminal device 10.

[0084] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process by which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices according to a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmission control module 2032 transmits a predetermined signal to the terminal device 10.

[0085] The management module 2033 manages the tables stored in the storage unit 202. Specifically, for example, the management module 2033 updates the card master table 2022 and the text master table 2023 based on the latest information. In addition, the management module 2033 updates the print management table 2024 when additional text is printed on printable cards.

[0086] The decision module 2034 controls the process by which the printing device 300 determines whether or not additional text can be printed on a trading card whose card information has been read. Specifically, for example, the decision module 2034 determines whether or not the trading card can be printed based on the card information read by the printing device 300. The card information read by the printing device 300 is, for example, as follows: • Illustrations drawn on the surface of trading cards • The name of the character listed on the trading card • Card ID printed on the trading card • Unique ID printed on the trading card • The designated mark printed on the trading card

[0087] A card ID is, for example, an identifier used to uniquely identify a card. A card ID may include, for example, letters, numbers, or a combination thereof that represent the card's regulations, and letters, numbers, or a combination thereof that represent which series of products the card was included in.

[0088] A unique ID is an identifier used to uniquely identify a card. While a unique ID may normally be printed on the card, in this embodiment it is assumed to be printed on a printable card. The unique ID may be printed in a way that is visible to the user, or it may be printed with ink in a frequency band that is not visible to the user. If the unique ID is printed with ink in a frequency band that is not visible to the user, it is possible to attach the unique ID to the card without compromising the card's appearance.

[0089] The determination module 2034 determines, for example, that a trading card is printable if the illustration drawn on the surface of the trading card is an illustration related to a pre-set card. The determination module 2034 also determines that a trading card is printable if, for example, the name of the character written on the trading card is a name related to a pre-set card. Furthermore, the determination module 2034 determines that a trading card is printable if, for example, the card ID written on the trading card is the card ID of a pre-set card. Finally, the determination module 2034 determines that a trading card is printable if, for example, a predetermined mark indicating printability is printed on the trading card.

[0090] Furthermore, the decision module 2034 determines that a trading card is not printable if, for example, the unique ID printed on the trading card is the same as the unique ID registered for a printed trading card. Also, the decision module 2034 determines that a trading card is not printable if, for example, a predetermined mark indicating that it is a printed trading card is printed on the trading card. Note that the predetermined mark may be, for example, a mark separate from the additional text, or it may be the additional text itself. In other words, the decision module 2034 may treat the fact that the additional text has already been printed as the presence of the predetermined mark. Note that printable cards are not limited to being printed only once, and printing may be performed repeatedly. This makes it possible to switch the performance of cards depending on the deck being built.

[0091] The configuration module 2035 controls the process of setting additional text to be printed on the printable card for the printer 300. Specifically, for example, the configuration module 2035 extracts information about printable content from the printable card from which information has been read. The configuration module 2035 accepts a selection from the user regarding the information about the printable content and sets the printable content selected by the user as additional text to be printed on the printable card.

[0092] The presentation module 2036 provides users who request to print additional text on trading cards with information related to the printing process. Specifically, for example, the presentation module 2036 presents the user with the result of the determination of whether the trading card whose card information has been read by the printing device 300 is printable or not. In other words, if the trading card whose card information has been read by the printing device 300 is printable, the presentation module 2036 will inform the user that it is printable. If the trading card whose card information has been read by the printing device 300 is not printable, the presentation module 2036 will display an error message to the user.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, the presentation module 2036 presents the user with printable content for the printable card. The printable content presented to the user may be singular or plural. Also, for example, the presentation module 2036 presents the user with additional text set for the printable card.

[0094] <1.3 Functional Configuration of Printing Devices> Figure 7 shows an example of the functional configuration of the printing apparatus 300. As shown in Figure 7, the printing apparatus 300 comprises a communication unit 320, an input device 330, an output device 340, an audio processing unit 370, a microphone 371, a speaker 372, a reading unit 360, a printing unit 350, a storage unit 380, and a control unit 390. Each block included in the printing apparatus 300 is electrically connected, for example, by a bus.

[0095] The communication unit 320 performs processing such as modulation and demodulation processing for the printing device 300 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 320 performs transmission processing on the signal generated by the control unit 390 and transmits it to an external source (e.g., server 20). The communication unit 320 performs reception processing on the signal received from an external source (e.g., terminal device 10 or server 20) and outputs it to the control unit 390. The communication unit 320 may communicate with the terminal device 10 using, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth or NFC.

[0096] The input device 330 is a device for a user operating the printing device 300 to input instructions or information. The input device 330 can be implemented, for example, by a touch-sensitive device 331 on which instructions are input by touching the operating surface. The input device 330 converts the instructions input by the user into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the control unit 390. The input device 330 may also include, for example, a receiving port that accepts electrical signals input from an external input device.

[0097] The output device 340 is a device for presenting information to the user operating the printing device 300. The output device 340 is implemented, for example, by a display 341. The display 341 displays data according to the control of the control unit 390. The display 341 is implemented, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0098] The audio processing unit 370 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of the audio signal. The audio processing unit 370 converts the signal provided from the microphone 371 into a digital signal and provides the converted signal to the control unit 390. The audio processing unit 370 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 372. The audio processing unit 370 is implemented, for example, by an audio processing processor. The microphone 371 receives an audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to that audio input to the audio processing unit 370. The speaker 372 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 370 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the printing device 300.

[0099] The reading unit 360 is a device for reading card information from trading cards. The reading unit 360 is implemented by a camera that photographs the trading card. Alternatively, the reading unit 360 may be implemented by an optical reader that reads barcodes or two-dimensional codes.

[0100] The printing unit 350 is a device for printing additional text onto a printable card. Any method may be used to print the additional text onto the printable card. The printing unit 350 is composed of components capable of printing additional text onto the printable card. The printing unit 350 may also have a function to delete the additional text printed on the printable card. Any method may be used to delete the additional text printed on the printable card. By having a function to delete the additional text, the printing unit 350 can repeatedly print additional text onto the printable card. A reading unit 360 may be installed in the printing unit 350. For example, the reading unit 360 may be positioned so that it can read card information from a trading card inserted into the printing unit 350 when a user inserts the trading card into the printing unit 350.

[0101] The storage unit 380 is implemented, for example, by memory and storage, and stores data and programs used by the printing device 300. The storage unit 380 stores, for example, store information 381.

[0102] Store information 381 includes, for example, information about the store where the printing device 300 is installed. Store information includes, for example, store ID, store name, manager name, address, and print content.

[0103] The control unit 390 is realized when the processor reads a program stored in the memory unit 380 and executes instructions contained in the program. The control unit 390 controls the operation of the printing device 300. By operating according to the program, the control unit 390 performs the functions of an operation reception unit 391, a transmission / reception unit 392, an analysis unit 393, a printing control unit 394, and a display control unit 395.

[0104] The operation reception unit 391 processes instructions or information input from the input device 330. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 391 receives instructions or information input from a touch-sensitive device 331, etc. The operation reception unit 391 receives, for example, a user ID. The operation reception unit 391 may also receive, for example, the name of a character, card ID, unique ID, or a combination thereof, written on a trading card.

[0105] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 391 receives voice information input from the microphone 371. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 391 receives voice data input from the microphone 371 and converted into digital data by the voice processing unit 370.

[0106] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 391 receives the information read by the reading unit 360. Specifically, for example, if the reading unit 360 is a reader, the operation reception unit 391 acquires the information read by the reading unit 360.

[0107] The transmitting / receiving unit 392 performs processing to enable the printing device 300 to send and receive data with an external device such as the server 20 according to a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmitting / receiving unit 392 transmits instructions input by the user or various information acquired to the server 20. The information transmitted to the server 20 is, for example, information about printable cards for printing additional text. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 also receives information provided by the server 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 392 may also perform processing to receive data from the terminal device 10 using, for example, Bluetooth or NFC or other short-range wireless communication.

[0108] The analysis unit 393 analyzes the image captured by the reading unit 360 and obtains information about the card (card information). Specifically, for example, the analysis unit 393 performs image analysis on the image information captured by the reading unit 360 and detects the illustration drawn on the surface of the trading card, the name of the character written on the trading card, the card ID written on the trading card, the unique ID written on the trading card, a predetermined mark printed on the trading card, or a combination thereof.

[0109] The print control unit 394 controls the printing unit 350 to print additional text onto the printable card. For example, the print control unit 394 controls the printing unit 350 to print additional text set on the server 20 onto the printable card.

[0110] The display control unit 395 controls the output device 340 to display a predetermined image to the user. For example, the display control unit 395 controls the display 341 to display an operation image of the printing device 300.

[0111] <2 Data Structure> Figures 8 to 11 show examples of the data structure of information stored by server 20. Note that Figures 8 to 11 are just examples and do not exclude data that is not shown.

[0112] Figure 8 shows an example of the data structure of User Information Table 2021. The User Information Table 2021 shown in Figure 8 is a table with User ID as the key and columns such as Name, Age, Address, Date of Birth, and Registration Date. The columns included in User Information Table 2021 are not limited to these. For example, User Information Table 2021 may have a column to store previously registered print content. Furthermore, User Information Table 2021 may have columns to store, for example, the user's skill level, battle history, etc.

[0113] The User ID is an item that stores an identifier to uniquely identify the user. The Name is an item that stores the user's name. The Age is an item that stores the user's age. The Address is an item that stores the user's place of residence. The Date of Birth is an item that stores the date the user was born. The Registration Date is an item that stores the date the user started using TCG-related services.

[0114] Records in the User Information Table 2021 are added whenever a new user is registered.

[0115] Figure 9 shows an example of the data structure of the card master table 2022. The card master table 2022 shown in Figure 9 is a table that uses card ID as the key and has columns such as name, type, attributes, card information, target, print area, and image data. The columns included in the card master table 2022 are not limited to these.

[0116] The Card ID is an item that stores an identifier to uniquely identify a card. The Card ID may include, for example, letters, numbers, or a combination thereof that represent the card's regulations, and letters, numbers, or a combination thereof that represent which series of products the card was included in. The Name is an item that stores the name of the card. The Type is an item that stores the type of card. Card types include, for example, character cards, energy cards, effect cards (support cards, item cards, stadium cards, etc.). The "Type" item may store, for example, character, energy, support, item, or stadium.

[0117] Attributes are items that store the properties to which a character belongs. For example, properties such as lightning and fire are stored in the "Attributes" item. Card information is an item that stores information that describes the contents of a card. For example, health (HP), attack power, characteristics, weakness attributes, and other information are stored in the "Card Information" item. Target is an item that stores whether or not a card is printable. For example, if a card is printable, a circle is stored in the "Target" item, and if it is not printable, an "X" is stored. Note that the information stored in the "Target" item only needs to be able to determine whether or not a card is printable, and is not limited to a circle or an "X". Print area is an item that stores the area where additional text is printed. For example, information about the position where additional text is printed is stored in the "Print area" item. Also, for example, information about the printable type may be stored in the "Print area" item. Image data is an item that stores an image. Image data may store reference information (path) to a data file stored in another location.

[0118] There may be cards with the same content but different images. In this case, cards with the same content but different images may each be assigned a different card ID. For example, the card ID may include letters, numbers, or a combination thereof representing the card's rarity. Printable cards may also be assigned a unique ID. In this case, the card master table 2022 may have a column for storing the unique ID, for example.

[0119] Records in the Card Master Table 2022 are added, for example, when a new card is issued.

[0120] Figure 10 shows an example of the data structure of Text Master Table 2023. The Text Master Table 2023 shown in Figure 10 is a table with columns such as Name, Effect, Type, and Release Condition, with Text ID as the key. The columns included in Text Master Table 2023 are not limited to these.

[0121] The Text ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying text that can be printed as additional text. The Name is an item that stores the name of the text. The "Name" item stores, for example, the name of a technique, the name of a characteristic, the name of a rule, etc., that can be printed as additional text. The "Name" item may also store, for example, the name of the location related to the printing device 300 that prints the additional text. The name of the location related to the printing device 300 includes, for example, the name of a store, the name of a building, the name of a region, etc. The name of the location related to the printing device 300 may be the name of an actual store, the name of a building, the name of a region, etc., or it may be a variable for reading information stored in the printing device 300. The Effect is an item that stores the effect of the text that can be printed as additional text. The "Effect" item stores, for example, the effect of a technique, the effect of a characteristic, the content of a rule, etc., that can be printed as additional text. If the type of text is a technique, the "Effect" item may include the energy required to perform the technique.

[0122] The "Type" field stores the type of text. For example, the "Type" field may store techniques, characteristics, rules, etc. The "Type" field may also store "Other," for example. The "Type" field: Other is set, for example, for the name of a location related to the printing device 300. The "Release Condition" field stores the conditions under which additional text options are presented to the user. For example, the following may be stored in the "Release Condition" field. • Detection of the card ID of a designated standard card • Detection of the card ID of a specified printable card • Detection of a unique ID on a designated printable card • Detection of a specified code • The user's skill level has reached a predetermined threshold. • The user's battle record has reached a certain level (for example, defeating a certain player, achieving a certain result in a certain tournament, etc.) • The printing device 300 installed in the designated location was used. • Use of specified consumer goods (points, giveaways, items, etc.) The "Release Conditions" field may contain, for example, a combination of at least two of the above conditions. Items can be acquired, for example, as follows: • Purchase online from the designated website. • Obtained by fulfilling pre-set conditions in a designated game. • Distributed by purchasing cards

[0123] Points may also be awarded in the following cases, for example: • Awarded based on skill level, battle record, tournament participation, etc. • Awarded by purchasing designated products at designated stores (websites). • Granted in a designated game by fulfilling pre-set conditions.

[0124] Figure 11 shows an example of the data structure of the print management table 2024. The print management table 2024 shown in Figure 11 is a table that has columns such as date and time and content, with a unique ID as the key. The columns included in the print management table 2024 are not limited to these.

[0125] The Unique ID field stores an identifier to uniquely identify the card. The Date and Time field stores the date and time when additional text was printed on the printable card with the Unique ID. The Content field stores the content of the printed additional text. For example, the Text ID might be stored in the "Content" field.

[0126] <3 operations> This section explains how to print additional text to printable data.

[0127] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation between the server 20 and the printing device 300 when the printing device 300 prints additional text to printable data.

[0128] First, the user prepares the trading cards. In this embodiment, the trading cards are enclosed in a card pack. The card pack contains, for example, several regular cards. The card pack may also contain one or more printable cards in place of or in addition to the regular cards. The card pack can be purchased, for example, at specialty stores for trading card characters, consumer electronics stores, toy stores, card shops, and convenience stores. In this embodiment, the printable cards may be distributed for a fee or free of charge. The printable cards may also be distributed as a predetermined prize.

[0129] The trading cards used in the printing device 300 may be printable cards or regular cards.

[0130] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printable card. The printable card C1 shown in Figure 13 contains a printable area C11, a card name C12, a card image C13, and a card IDC14. The card IDC14 includes, for example, text C141 indicating which series of products the card was included in, text C142 indicating the card's regulations, text C143 indicating its series number, and text C144 indicating the card's rarity.

[0131] In step S11, the printing device 300 acquires card information and user information related to trading cards. Specifically, the display control unit 395 displays a screen on the display 341 for receiving card information from the user. The user enters card information according to the operation screen. The operation reception unit 391 acquires the card information entered by the user. The display control unit 395 also displays a screen on the display 341 for receiving user information from the user. The user enters user information according to the operation screen. The operation reception unit 391 acquires the user information entered by the user. The transmitting / receiving unit 392 transmits the acquired card information and user information to the server 20.

[0132] The acquisition of card information and user information is not limited to input from the user. For example, card information may be read by the reading unit 360. The reading unit 360 is, for example, a reader that reads card information from a trading card placed in a predetermined position. Alternatively, the reading unit 360 may be installed inside the printing unit 350 and read card information from a trading card inserted into the printing unit 350. The operation reception unit 391 acquires the information read by the reading unit 360. The transmission / reception unit 392 transmits the acquired card information to the server 20.

[0133] Furthermore, for example, the reading unit 360 is, for example, a camera and takes a photograph of a trading card placed in a predetermined position. The reading unit 360 is also installed inside the printing unit 350 and takes a photograph of a trading card inserted into the printing unit 350. The analysis unit 393 analyzes the captured image. By analyzing the image, the analysis unit 393 detects, for example, the illustration drawn on the surface of the trading card, the name of the card written on the trading card, the card ID written on the trading card, the unique ID written on the trading card, a predetermined mark printed on the trading card, or a combination thereof. The transmitting / receiving unit 392 transmits the acquired card information to the server 20.

[0134] Furthermore, user information may also be read by the reading unit 360, for example. The terminal device 10 has a function to encode user information and display it on the display 141. The reading unit 360 is, for example, a reader and acquires user information by reading the code displayed on the display 141 of the terminal device 10. The operation reception unit 391 acquires the information read by the reading unit 360. The transmission / reception unit 392 transmits the acquired card information to the server 20.

[0135] User information may also be acquired by the communication unit 320. The terminal device 10 has a function to transmit user information, for example, using short-range wireless communication. The communication unit 320 receives user information transmitted from the terminal device 10, for example. The transmitting / receiving unit 392 acquires the information received by the communication unit 320. The transmitting / receiving unit 392 transmits the received user information to the server 20.

[0136] In step S12, the server 20 receives card information and user information. Specifically, the receiving control module 2031 receives, for example, card information and user information transmitted from the printing device 300.

[0137] In step S13, the server 20 determines whether the trading card whose card information has been acquired by the printing device 300 is a printable card. Specifically, for example, the determination module 2034 compares the acquired card information with the card master table 2022 to determine whether the trading card is printable. More specifically, for example, the determination module 2034 identifies the card based on the illustration drawn on the surface of the trading card and determines whether the trading card is printable. Alternatively, for example, the determination module 2034 identifies the card based on the name of the card written on the trading card and determines whether the trading card is printable. Alternatively, for example, the determination module 2034 identifies the card based on the card ID written on the trading card and determines whether the trading card is printable. Alternatively, for example, the determination module 2034 identifies the card based on the unique ID written on the trading card and determines whether the trading card is printable. Furthermore, if a predetermined mark printed on the trading card is detected, the determination module 2034 determines that the trading card is printable.

[0138] Furthermore, for example, the decision module 2034 may refer to the acquired user information and determine whether or not the user is able to print on trading cards. For example, the storage unit 202 stores the conditions under which printing on trading cards becomes possible. The conditions under which printing on trading cards becomes possible are, for example, the following: • The user's skill level has reached a predetermined threshold. • The user's battle record has reached a certain level (for example, defeating a certain player, achieving a certain result in a certain tournament, etc.) • Use of designated consumer goods (points, giveaways, items, etc.) The decision module 2034, for example, determines, based on user information, that printing on trading cards is possible if the user meets the above conditions.

[0139] Furthermore, for example, the decision module 2034 refers to the print management table 2024 to determine whether or not the trading card is printable. Specifically, for example, if the unique ID recognized based on the card information is included in the print management table 2024, the decision module 2034 determines that the trading card is not printable.

[0140] The presentation module 2036 will inform the user that the trading card is not a printable card if it is not. However, even if the trading card is not a printable card, reading the trading card may be a condition for unlocking predetermined printable content. The presentation module 2036 may also inform the user that new printable content has become available through the trading card. In this case, the user will load the card information of a new trading card into the printer 300 in place of the trading card in question.

[0141] In step S14, the server 20 extracts the print content. Specifically, for example, the configuration module 2035 refers to the text master table 2023 and extracts the print content. More specifically, for example, the configuration module 2035 extracts text that satisfies the "release condition" item in the text master table 2023 based on the card information. For example, the configuration module 2035 extracts text as print content where the card ID of a given regular card is included in the "release condition" item. Also, the configuration module 2035 extracts text as print content where the card ID of a given printable card is included in the "release condition" item. Also, the configuration module 2035 extracts text as print content where the unique ID of a given printable card is included in the "release condition" item. Also, the configuration module 2035 extracts text as print content where a given code is included in the "release condition" item.

[0142] Furthermore, for example, the configuration module 2035 extracts text from the text master table 2023 that satisfies the "unlock condition" item based on user information. For example, the configuration module 2035 extracts text to be printed that includes the item "unlock condition" where the user's proficiency has reached a predetermined threshold. Also, the configuration module 2035 extracts text to be printed that includes the item "unlock condition" where the user's battle record has reached a predetermined level (for example, defeating a predetermined player, achieving a predetermined result in a predetermined tournament, etc.). Furthermore, the configuration module 2035 extracts text to be printed that includes the item "unlock condition" where the user has used a predetermined printing device 300. Also, the configuration module 2035 extracts text to be printed that includes the item "unlock condition" where the user has used a predetermined consumable (points, distributed items, etc.).

[0143] The presentation module 2036 presents the extracted print content to the user. The transmission control module 2032 sends data to the printing device 300 to display the extracted print content on the printing device 300.

[0144] In step S15, the printing device 300 displays the print content sent from the server 20. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 395 causes the print content sent from the server 20 to be displayed on the display 341. The display control unit 395, for example, displays the print content on the display 341 so that the user can select it.

[0145] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display on the display 341 of the printing device 300. In Figure 14, the display control unit 395 causes the display area 3411 to display on the display 341. The display control unit 395 displays multiple print contents in the display area 3411 for selection. In the example shown in Figure 14, the display control unit 395 displays three techniques in the display area 3411 for selection. The display control unit 395 displays the numerical values ​​and activation conditions related to each print content. In other words, the display control unit 395 displays the energy required to perform each technique and the attack power. For each technique, the display control unit 395 displays a description (effect) of the technique below the name of the technique.

[0146] Figure 14 shows an example where the display control unit 395 displays techniques in a selectable format, but the content displayed in the display area 3411 is not limited to this. If the printable area of ​​the printable card includes an area where characteristics or rules can be printed, the display control unit 395 may display printable content related to characteristics or rules in the display area 3411 in a selectable format. Furthermore, if the printable area of ​​the printable card includes at least two of the areas of techniques, characteristics, and rules, the display control unit 395 may display printable content related to multiple types in the display area 3411 in a selectable format.

[0147] In step S16, the printer 300 accepts the user's selection of print content. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 391 receives user instructions regarding the options displayed on the display 341 via the input device 330. The user selects at least one print content from the available options. For example, if multiple print contents of the same type are displayed in the display area 3411, the user selects one print content. If multiple print contents can be selected, the user selects multiple print contents from the multiple print contents displayed.

[0148] Furthermore, for example, if multiple types of print content are displayed in the display area 3411, the user may select one or more print content from one type, or select multiple print content from multiple types. The transmitting / receiving unit 392 transmits information about the print content selected by the user to the server 20.

[0149] The display control unit 395 may create a hypothetical image in which the print content selected by the user is fitted into the print area and display it on the display 341. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a print content selection screen in the printing device 300. The display control unit 395 pastes the print content selected by the user onto the print area C11 of the printable card recognized based on the card information. By displaying the image of the printable card including the selected print content on the display 341, the user can select the print content while imagining the card after printing.

[0150] In step S17, the server 20 determines the additional text. Specifically, the configuration module 2035 determines the print content specified by the user as the additional text to be printed on the printable card. The presentation module 2036 presents the determined additional text to the user. The presentation module 2036 also presents the user with an estimated image of what the additional text will look like when printed on the printable card. The transmission control module 2032 sends data to the printing device 300 to display the additional text to the user.

[0151] In step S18, the printer 300 displays the additional text sent from the server 20. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 395 displays the additional text sent from the server 20 on the display 341. The display control unit 395 also displays, for example, an estimated image on the display 341 of what the additional text would look like if it were printed on a printable card. The user checks the estimated image and decides whether or not to proceed with printing. If the user cancels the print, for example, the printer 300 repeats the process in step S15.

[0152] In step S19, the printing device 300 prints additional text onto the printable card. Specifically, when printing is performed, the user inserts a printable card into the printing unit 350, for example, and inputs a print command via the input device 330. Note that if a trading card has already been inserted into the printing unit 350 when inputting card information, it is not necessary to insert the card into the printing unit 350 again. The print control unit 394 prints additional text onto the printable card in response to the print command from the user.

[0153] The print control unit 394 may print a mark on the printable card to indicate that printing has been performed when it prints additional text on the printable card. This mark can be rephrased as a flag indicating that the trading card has already had additional text printed on it. When this mark is printed, the server 20 can determine that the card in question is a printed card when the printing device 300 reads the mark.

[0154] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printable card after printing. In Figure 16, the technique is printed in the printable area C11 as described in Figure 13. Figures 17 and 18 are schematic diagrams showing other examples of printable cards. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a card in which additional text can be printed for "Abilities". Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a card in which additional text can be printed for "Rules".

[0155] For example, when the transmitting / receiving unit 392 prints additional text on a printable card, it notifies the server 20 that additional text has been printed on the printable card. Specifically, for example, when the transmitting / receiving unit 392 prints additional text on a printable card, it sends the unique ID of the printable card and the text ID of the printed additional text to the server 20.

[0156] In step S110, the server 20 registers information about the printable cards printed by the printer 300. Specifically, for example, the management module 2033 stores the unique ID of the printable card printed by the printer 300, the date and time of printing, and the text ID of the additional text printed in the print management table 2024.

[0157] As described above, in this embodiment, the receiving control module 2031 obtains information from the printing device about trading cards used in TCGs, which are physical cards available from card packs, and which may include cards that can have additional text printed on them in addition to regular cards, or in place of regular cards. Based on the obtained information, the determination module 2034 determines whether or not the trading card is a card that can have additional text printed on it. If the setting module 2035 determines that the trading card is a card that can have additional text printed on it, it outputs information about the additional text to be printed in a predetermined area of ​​the card to the printing device 300. This enables the printing device 300 to print additional text on printable trading cards.

[0158] The illustrations on trading cards are printed in a factory using advanced techniques such as hologram processing. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve the same level of printing with printing equipment that may be installed in retail stores. According to the program of this embodiment, only the text on the trading cards is additionally printed by the printing device 300. Printing text is less difficult than printing illustrations. Therefore, even if the text is printed with printing equipment installed in retail stores, it can be used without significant differences from trading cards that are normally sold. In other words, it is possible to construct a single deck by mixing cards printed by the printing device 300 with cards dispensed from packs.

[0159] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the diversity of cards can be increased.

[0160] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the presentation module 2036 presents the user with multiple print options as additional text information, based on information about the trading card. This allows the user to select the desired print option from among multiple print options as additional text. Therefore, it becomes possible to flexibly print additional text according to the deck in which it is to be incorporated.

[0161] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the receiving control module 2031 receives information about additional text from the user in advance. The setting module 2035 acquires the information about the additional text received in advance based on user authentication required when operating the printer 300, and outputs the acquired information to the printer 300. This reduces the time it takes for the user to operate the printer 300, and makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of queues for using the printer 300. It also makes it possible to reduce the number of printers 300 that need to be installed.

[0162] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, user authentication includes verifying user information registered when the additional text was set in advance, or verifying a code issued when the additional text was set in advance. This enables the printing device 300 to quickly obtain the additional text set in advance by the user.

[0163] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the presentation module 2036 presents the user with print content corresponding to the achieved requirements as selectable information regarding additional text. As a result, the print content increases according to the achieved requirements, thus expanding the options for additional text. Specifically, for example, winning a predetermined match increases the print content, making it possible to feel the excitement of a game. Also, for example, obtaining predetermined rewards (points, items, giveaways) increases the print content, increasing the motivation to obtain those rewards. Also, for example, using a printing device 300 installed in a predetermined location increases the print content, increasing the motivation to go to a facility where the printing device 300 may be installed.

[0164] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the presentation module 2036 presents to the user, as selectable information regarding additional text, the printed content associated with the card ID (unique ID) printed on the trading card. This means, for example, that there will be trading cards for which special printed content can be selected, thereby increasing the interest and motivation for collecting trading cards.

[0165] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the setting module 2035 includes the printing location in the information for the additional text. This makes it possible to give the card the user possesses a more special feeling. It also allows for the preservation of memories as it serves as a memento of having visited that location. It also makes it possible to differentiate it from a regular card drawn from a card pack.

[0166] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the setting module 2035 includes techniques, characteristics, rules, or at least two combinations thereof in the information for additional text. This makes it possible to broaden the range of printable content that can be selected as additional text.

[0167] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the setting module 2035 is not a card that can print additional text, it outputs error information to the printing device 300. This allows the printing device 300 to inform the user that the trading card is not printable, even if the user selects a trading card that is not printable as the target for printing.

[0168] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the trading card is not a card that can print additional text, the setting module 2035 adds printable content associated with the identified trading card. This makes it possible to generate new printable content even if the card is not printable, thereby improving the interest and motivation for collecting trading cards.

[0169] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the receiving control module 2031 acquires the card ID printed on the trading card as information about the trading card. The decision module 2034 determines, based on the card ID, whether or not the trading card is a card on which additional text can be printed. This improves the accuracy of determining whether or not a card is printable.

[0170] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the receiving control module 2031 acquires a unique ID, which is printed on the trading card and uniquely identifies the trading card, as information about the trading card. The management module 2033 stores the unique ID of the card on which the additional text has been printed. The determination module 2034 determines, based on the unique ID, whether or not the trading card is a card on which the additional text has been printed. If the setting module 2035 determines that the trading card is a card on which the additional text has been printed, it does not output information about the additional text to the printing device 300. As a result, if a printable card has a unique ID, it is possible to determine that the additional text has been printed even if there is no mark on the card indicating that the additional text has been printed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the additional text from being printed again on a card that has already been printed.

[0171] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the receiving control module 2031 acquires a flag as information about the trading card, indicating that the trading card has already had additional text printed on it. Based on the flag, the determination module 2034 determines whether or not the trading card is a card with additional text already printed on it. If the setting module 2035 determines that the trading card is a card with additional text already printed on it, it does not output information about the additional text to the printing device 300. This makes it possible to quickly determine whether or not the additional text has already been printed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent additional text from being printed again on a card that has already been printed once.

[0172] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the determination module 2034 determines whether or not additional text can be printed based on conditions linked to user information. As a result, additional text can be printed on printable cards when predetermined conditions are met. Therefore, it becomes possible to set a goal of meeting the conditions for printing, which can increase motivation to play the TCG.

[0173] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the conditions linked to user information include the use of items or the use of points. This makes it possible, for example, to print techniques as additional text on cards by using a predetermined item. Therefore, it becomes possible to teach techniques using predetermined items, just like in the game, thereby improving the level of engagement. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cards on which additional text can be printed have different illustrations for the same character. This allows the user to print the desired additional text on the card with their preferred illustration.

[0174] <Variation> In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the user determines the additional text to be printed on the printable card by operating the printing device 300. However, the determination of the additional text to be printed is not limited to operations from the printing device 300. For example, the additional text may be determined by operations from the terminal device 10.

[0175] Figure 19 illustrates the operation of the terminal device 10 and the server 20 when determining additional text to be printed on printable data. First, the user operates the terminal device 10 to access the server 20 before visiting the store where the printer 300 is installed.

[0176] In step S21, the terminal device 10 acquires card information related to trading cards. Specifically, the display control unit 194 displays a screen on the display 141 for receiving card information from the user. The user enters the card information according to the operation screen. The operation reception unit 191 acquires the card information entered by the user. The transmission / reception unit 192 transmits the acquired card information and user information to the server 20.

[0177] Acquisition of card information is not limited to input from the user. For example, card information may be read by camera 160. Camera 160 takes a photograph of the trading card. An analysis unit (not shown) analyzes the captured image. By analyzing the image, the analysis unit detects, for example, the illustration drawn on the surface of the trading card, the name of the card written on the trading card, the card ID written on the trading card, the unique ID written on the trading card, a predetermined mark printed on the trading card, or a combination thereof. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 transmits the acquired card information to server 20.

[0178] In step S22, the server 20 receives card information and user information. Specifically, for example, the receiving control module 2031 receives card information and user information transmitted from the terminal device 10.

[0179] In step S23, the server 20 determines whether the trading card whose card information has been acquired by the terminal device 10 is a printable card. Specifically, for example, the determination module 2034 compares the acquired card information with the card master table 2022 to determine whether the trading card is printable.

[0180] Furthermore, for example, the decision module 2034 may refer to the acquired user information and determine whether the user is able to print on trading cards. Specifically, for example, the decision module 2034 may determine, based on the user information, whether the user meets the conditions for being able to print additional text.

[0181] Furthermore, for example, the decision module 2034 refers to the print management table 2024 to determine whether the trading card is printable or not. Specifically, for example, if the unique ID recognized based on the card information is included in the print management table 2024, the decision module 2034 determines that the trading card is not printable. If the trading card is not a printable card, the presentation module 2036 presents this information to the user.

[0182] In step S24, the server 20 extracts the print content. Specifically, for example, the configuration module 2035 extracts text from the text master table 2023 that satisfies the "release condition" item based on the card information and user information. The presentation module 2036 presents the extracted print content to the user. The transmission control module 2032 sends data to the terminal device 10 to display the extracted print content on the printing device 300.

[0183] In step S25, the terminal device 10 displays the print content sent from the server 20. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 194 displays the print content sent from the server 20 on the display 141. The display control unit 194 displays the print content on the display 141 so that the user can select it.

[0184] In step S26, the terminal device 10 receives a selection of print content from the user. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives instructions from the user regarding the options displayed on the display 141 via the input device 13. The user selects at least one print content from the selectable print content. The display control unit 194 may create a hypothetical image in which the print content selected by the user is fitted into the print area and display it on the display 141. The transmission / reception unit 192 transmits information regarding the print content selected by the user to the server 20.

[0185] In step S27, the server 20 determines the additional text. Specifically, the configuration module 2035 determines the print content specified by the user as the additional text to be printed on the printable card. The presentation module 2036 presents the determined additional text to the user. The presentation module 2036 also presents the user with an estimated image of what the additional text will look like when printed on the printable card. The transmission control module 2032 sends data to the terminal device 10 to display the additional text to the user.

[0186] In step S28, the terminal device 10 displays the additional text sent from the server 20. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 194 displays the additional text sent from the server 20 on the display 141. The display control unit 194 also displays, for example, an assumed image of what the additional text would look like if printed on a printable card on the display 141. The user checks the assumed image and decides whether or not to confirm the additional text. If the user cancels the additional text, for example, the terminal device 10 repeats the process in step S25. If the user approves the additional text, the transmission / reception unit 192 notifies the server 20 that the user has confirmed the additional text to be printed.

[0187] In step S29, when the server 20 receives notification from the user that the additional text has been confirmed, it registers the printable card and the confirmed additional text in the user information table 2021.

[0188] Users who have confirmed the additional text will visit a store where the printing device 300 is installed at a time after confirmation, and the printing device 300 will print the additional text onto a printable card.

[0189] Specifically, the user enters their user information into the printer 300 (user authentication) and inserts a pre-registered printable card into the printer 350. The transmit / receive unit 392 transmits the entered user information to the server 20. The setting module 2035 refers to the user information and reads the pre-registered additional text. The presentation module 2036 presents the determined additional text to the user. The presentation module 2036 also presents the user with an estimated image of what the additional text would look like when printed on the printable card. The transmission control module 2032 transmits data to the printer 300 to display the additional text to the user. The printer 300 performs the processes of steps S18 and S19 as shown in Figure 12.

[0190] Furthermore, after receiving notification from the user that the additional text has been confirmed, the server 20 does not need to register the printable card and the confirmed additional text in the user information table 2021. The configuration module 2035 may create a predetermined code after receiving notification from the user that the additional text has been confirmed.

[0191] Specifically, the configuration module 2035 creates a QR code (registered trademark) based on, for example, user information, card information for a printable card, and confirmed additional text. The presentation module 2036 presents the created code to the user. The transmission control module 2032 sends data to the terminal device 10 for displaying the code to the user. The transmission control module 2032 may also send information about the code to the terminal device 10 in a predetermined file format. The transmission control module 2032 may also send a URL to the terminal device 10 for accessing the code. The configuration module 2035 may issue an identification number for the code, include it in the code, and store it in the storage unit 202. This makes it possible to prevent the code from being forged.

[0192] Users who have confirmed the additional text will visit a store where the printing device 300 is installed at a time after confirmation, and the printing device 300 will print the additional text onto a printable card.

[0193] Specifically, the user operates the terminal device 10 to display a pre-transmitted code on the display 141. The user has the reader 360 read the displayed code (user authentication). The transmitting / receiving unit 392 transmits the information read from the code, such as user information, card information, and information regarding additional text, to the server 20. The presentation module 2036 presents the read additional text to the user. The presentation module 2036 also presents the user with an image of what the additional text would look like if printed on a printable card. The transmission control module 2032 transmits data to the printing device 300 to display the additional text to the user. The printing device 300 performs the processing from step S18 as shown in Figure 12.

[0194] Furthermore, the above embodiment was described using the example of determining additional text by operating the terminal device 10 before visiting the store. However, it is also possible to input information to the server 20 via the terminal device 10 while operating the printing device 300 after visiting the store.

[0195] For example, the user has the reader 360 read the card information of a trading card. The printing device 300 transmits the card information to the server 20. The user accesses the server 20 by reading a QR code displayed on the display 341, for example. The user operates the input device 13 and transmits user information to the server 20.

[0196] Server 20 performs the processes shown in steps S12 to S14 in Figure 12. Presentation module 2036 presents the extracted print content to the user. Transmission control module 2032 sends data to terminal device 10 to display the extracted print content on terminal device 10.

[0197] The terminal device 10 displays the print content sent from the server 20. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 194 displays the print content sent from the server 20 on the display 141. The display control unit 194 displays the print content on the display 141 so that the user can select it. The terminal device 10 accepts the selection of print content from the user. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives instructions from the user regarding the options displayed on the display 141 via the input device 13. The user selects at least one print content from the selectable print content. The transmission / reception unit 192 transmits information about the print content selected by the user to the server 20.

[0198] The display control unit 194 may create a hypothetical image by fitting the print content selected by the user into the print area and display it on the display 141.

[0199] Server 20 determines the additional text. Specifically, the configuration module 2035 determines the print content specified by the user as the additional text to be printed on the printable card. The presentation module 2036 presents the determined additional text to the user. The presentation module 2036 also presents the user with an estimated image of what the additional text will look like when printed on the printable card. The transmission control module 2032 sends data to the printing device 300 to display the additional text to the user. The printing device 300 performs the processes of steps S18 and S19 as shown in Figure 12.

[0200] Furthermore, the above embodiment described an example where it is not possible to reprint additional text on a card that has already been printed with additional text. The printing device 300 may be configured to allow reprinting of additional text on a card that has already been printed with additional text.

[0201] Specifically, the decision module 2034 may, for example, refer to a mark indicating that a trading card has been printed to determine whether or not it is a printed card. The decision module 2034 may also refer to the print management table 2024 to determine whether or not it is a printed card.

[0202] If the target card is a pre-printed card, the presentation module 2036 presents the user with the option to delete the printed text. The presentation of deleting the text may, for example, be a presentation to confirm whether or not to delete the text. If the user agrees to delete the pre-printed text, the printer 300 deletes the pre-printed text from the print area and prints newly determined additional text in that print area. Specifically, for example, when a pre-printed trading card is inserted, the printer 300 erases the additional text by painting the area where the additional text is printed with the base color (for example, background color: white). After erasing the additional text, the printer 300 prints new additional text again.

[0203] Furthermore, if additional text is printed with ink that can be switched to an invisible state by a predetermined process, the printing device 300 performs the process on the inserted printed trading card to make the additional text invisible. After making the additional text invisible, the printing device 300 prints new additional text again with the same ink. By making it possible to print additional text repeatedly, the user can adjust the contents of the card each time according to the deck being built.

[0204] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the printing device 300 may perform at least a part of the operation of the server 20. For example, the printing device 300 may have a card master table 2022, a text master table 2023, and a print management table 2024, and may have the functions of a management module 2033, a decision module 2034, a setting module 2035, and a presentation module 2036. The printing device 300 updates necessary information, such as the card master table 2022 and the text master table 2023, at predetermined timings. The printing device 300 can print additional text to printable cards even if it is not connected to the server 20. In other words, the printing device 300 can print additional text to printable cards without communicating with an external device during printing.

[0205] Furthermore, the above embodiment was described using the example of a case where there is no limit to the number of times the print content can be selected. However, a limit may be placed on the number of times the print content can be selected. Specifically, for example, if the print content is released based on a predetermined card ID or unique ID, there may be a limit on the number of times that print content can be selected.

[0206] Furthermore, the above embodiment describes an example where the printed content includes numerical values ​​related to the printed content and activation conditions. In other words, for example, the description describes an example where the printed content of "technique" includes the energy required to perform the technique and the attack power of the technique. However, the numerical values ​​related to the printed content, activation conditions, or both of these do not have to be included in the printed content. For example, the numerical values ​​related to the printed content, activation conditions, or both of these may be pre-printed on the printable card. In other words, they may be pre-printed when the card is sealed in the card pack. This makes it possible to prevent the unnatural situation from occurring where a weak initial character possesses powerful techniques, etc.

[0207] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a printable card. In the printable card C1 shown in Figure 20, the printable area C11 is printable for the name of the technique and the effect of the technique. The energy required to activate the technique and the attack power of the technique are already printed.

[0208] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the server 20 was described as a case where it identifies the printing area by identifying a trading card. However, identifying the printing area is not limited to identifying a card. For example, the decision module 2034 may store in advance the correspondence between the type of trading card and the printing area, and identify the printing area based on the type of trading card acquired. Specifically, for example, the decision module 2034 may identify the printing area by identifying the rarity, regulation, or series of the trading card enclosed in the card pack. As a result, the printing area is identified on a rarity, regulation, or series basis, making it possible to reduce the amount of data that needs to be managed.

[0209] Furthermore, while the sharing of predetermined information via communication lines is mainly carried out via WANs such as the Internet, communication between information processing devices may be carried out only via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® and infrared communication, without using a WAN.

[0210] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes an example of how each function is provided by the terminal device 10 or the server 20, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and some or all of the functions may be provided by the terminal device 10, the server 20, or both the terminal device 10 and the server 20 in a configuration different from that of the above embodiment.

[0211] Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a program that causes an information processing device to execute the functions provided by the terminal device 10 or server 20 described above, or as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium that stores the program.

[0212] <4. Basic Hardware Configuration of a Computer> Figure 21 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of computer 90. Computer 90 includes at least a processor 94, main memory 95, auxiliary storage 96, and a communication interface 99. These are electrically connected to each other by a bus.

[0213] The processor 94 is hardware for executing the instruction set written in a program. The processor 94 consists of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0214] Main memory 95 is used to temporarily store programs and data processed by programs, etc. For example, it is volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0215] Auxiliary storage device 96 refers to a storage device for saving data and programs. Examples include flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and semiconductor memory.

[0216] A communication IF99 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communication with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards.

[0217] A network consists of various mobile communication systems built using the internet, LANs, wireless base stations, etc. For example, a network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks that can connect to the internet via designated access points (e.g., Wi-Fi®). When connecting wirelessly, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave®, ZigBee®, and Bluetooth®. When connecting via a wired connection, the network also includes connections made directly via USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables, etc.

[0218] Furthermore, by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and connecting them to each other via a network, a computer 90 can be virtually realized. Thus, the concept of computer 90 includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single enclosure or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0219] <Basic Functional Configuration of Computer 90> The functional configuration of the computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of the computer 90 shown in Figure 21 will be explained. The computer comprises at least one functional unit: a control unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit.

[0220] Furthermore, the functional units of computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of each functional unit across multiple computers 90 interconnected via a network. The concept of computer 90 includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0221] The control unit is realized when the processor 94 reads various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 96, loads them into the main memory device 95, and executes processing according to those programs. The control unit can realize various functional units that perform information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.

[0222] The memory unit is implemented by a main memory 95 and an auxiliary memory 96. The memory unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. The processor 94 can also reserve memory areas corresponding to the memory unit in the main memory 95 or the auxiliary memory 96 according to the program. The control unit can also cause the processor 94 to perform operations such as adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the memory unit according to the various programs.

[0223] A database, specifically a relational database, is used to manage and link data sets called tables, which are structurally defined by rows and columns. In a database, tables are called tables, the columns of a table are called columns, and the rows of a table are called records. In a relational database, relationships can be established and linked between tables.

[0224] Typically, each table has a key column to uniquely identify records, but setting a key on a column is not mandatory. The control unit can instruct the processor 94 to add, delete, or update records in specific tables stored in the memory unit according to various programs.

[0225] The communication unit is implemented by the communication IF99. The communication unit provides the functionality to communicate with other computers 90 via the network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input it to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 94 to perform information processing on the received information according to various programs. The communication unit can also transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

[0226] The functions realized by the components described herein may be implemented in a circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), CPUs (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to realize the functions described herein. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered a circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in memory. In this specification, circuitry, unit, and means are hardware programmed to perform or execute the functions described herein. Such hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein, or any hardware known to be programmed to perform or execute the functions described herein. If the hardware is a processor that is considered to be a type of circuitry, then the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software used to constitute the hardware and / or processor.

[0227] While several embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

[0228] <Note> The details described in each of the above embodiments are noted below. (Note 1) A program for execution on a computer having a processor and memory, the program causing the processor to perform the following steps: obtain information from a printing device about trading cards used in a TCG (Trading Card Game), which are physical cards available from card packs, and which may include cards that can have additional text printed on them along with regular cards; determine, based on the obtained information, whether or not the trading card is a card that can have additional text printed on it; and, if it is determined that the trading card is a card that can have additional text printed on it, output information about the additional text to be printed in a predetermined area of ​​the card to the printing device. (Note 2) The program described in (Appendix 1) causes the processor to perform the step of presenting to the user, as selectable additional text information, based on information about the trading card. (Note 3) The program described in (Appendix 1) or (Appendix 2) has the processor perform a step of receiving information about additional text from the user in advance, and in the output step, it obtains the information about the additional text received in advance based on user authentication required when operating the printing device, and outputs the obtained information to the printing device. (Note 4) In the output step, user authentication includes the program described in Appendix 3, which verifies the user information registered when the additional text was set in advance, or verifies the code issued when the additional text was set in advance. (Note 5) A program as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 4) that causes the processor to perform a step of presenting to the user, as selectable information regarding additional text, print content corresponding to the achieved requirements. (Note 6) A program as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 5) that causes a processor to perform a step of presenting to the user, as selectable information, the printed content associated with the card ID printed on the trading card, as additional text information. (Note 7) A program that includes the location where the printout was made in the output step, as described in any of the appendices (Appendix 1) through (Appendix 6). (Note 8) A program as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 7) that, in the output step, includes a technique, a characteristic, a rule, or at least two combinations thereof, in the information for additional text. (Note 9) In the output step, if the trading card is not a card that can print additional text, the program outputs error information to the printing device as described in any of the notes (1) to (8). (Note 10) A program as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 9) that causes the processor to perform a step of presenting to the user, as selectable information regarding additional text, the print content associated with the identified trading card, if the trading card is not a card on which additional text can be printed. (Note 11) A program as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 10), which, in the acquisition step, acquires the card ID printed on the trading card as information about the trading card, and in the determination step, determines whether or not the trading card is a card on which additional text can be printed based on the card ID. (Note 12) A program as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 11), which, in the acquisition step, acquires a unique ID printed on the trading card to uniquely identify the trading card as information about the trading card, causes the processor to perform the step of storing the unique ID of the card on which the additional text has been printed, determines, based on the unique ID, whether or not the trading card is a card on which the additional text has been printed, and in the output step, if the trading card is a card on which the additional text has been printed, does not output information about the additional text to the printing device. (Note 13) A program as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 12), which, in the acquisition step, acquires a flag as information about the trading card indicating that the trading card has had additional text printed on it, in the determination step, determines based on the flag whether or not the trading card is a card with additional text printed on it, and in the output step, if the trading card is a card with additional text printed on it, does not output information about the additional text to the printing device. (Note 14) A program described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 13) that determines whether or not additional text can be printed based on conditions linked to user information in the decision-making step. (Note 15) In the decision-making step, the conditions linked to user information include the use of items or the accumulation of points (as described in Appendix 14). (Note 16) A program as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 15), which, in the acquisition step, acquires the type of trading card as information about the trading card, and in the output step, determines a predetermined area of ​​the card based on the type of trading card. (Note 17) In cards for which additional text can be printed, the program described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 16) is pre-printed in the card pack, including any numerical values ​​related to the additional text and any indication of the activation conditions. (Note 18) The program described in any of the notes (Appendix 1) through (Appendix 17) includes cards for which additional text can be printed that have different illustrations for the same character. (Note 19) A method performed by a computer comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor performs all steps to be performed in any of the inventions described in (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 18). (Note 20) An information processing apparatus comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor performs all steps performed in any of the inventions described in (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 18). (Note 21) A system comprising means for performing all steps to be performed in any of the inventions described in (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 18). (Note 22) A program for execution on a computer having a processor and memory, the program causing the processor to perform the following steps: obtain information about trading cards used in a TCG (Trading Card Game), which are physical cards obtainable from card packs, and which may include cards that can have additional text printed on them in addition to regular cards, or in place of regular cards; determine, based on the obtained information, whether or not a trading card is a card that can have additional text printed on it; and, if it is determined that a trading card is a card that can have additional text printed on it, print additional text on the trading card. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0229] 1... System 10…Terminal device 12…Communication IF 120... Communications Department 13…Input device 131…Touch-sensitive devices 14…Output device 141…Display 15…Memory 150…Location information sensor 16…Storage 160... Camera 17…Sound Processing Unit 171... Mike 172...Speaker 180...Storage section 19… Processor 190... Control Unit 20... Server

Claims

1. A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and memory, wherein the program is to be executed by the processor, The process involves obtaining information about trading cards used in a TCG (Trading Card Game), which are physical cards obtainable from card packs, and which may include cards with additional text printed on them along with regular cards, from a printing device. Based on the acquired information, the step of determining whether the trading card is a card on which the additional text can be printed, If it is determined that the trading card is a card on which the additional text can be printed, the step of outputting information regarding the additional text to be printed in a predetermined area of ​​the card to a printing device. A program that executes the command.

2. The program according to claim 1, which causes the processor to perform the step of presenting to the user, in a selectable manner, a plurality of print contents as information regarding the additional text, based on the information regarding the trading card.

3. The processor is instructed to perform a step of receiving information about additional text from the user in advance. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the output step, information regarding the additional text received in advance is obtained based on user authentication required when operating the printing device, and the obtained information is output to the printing device.

4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the output step includes verifying the user information registered when the additional text was set in advance, or verifying the code issued when the additional text was set in advance.

5. The program according to claim 1, which causes the processor to perform the step of presenting to the user, in a selectable format, print content corresponding to the achieved requirements as information regarding the additional text.

6. The program according to claim 1, which causes the processor to perform the step of presenting to the user, in a selectable manner, the printed content associated with the card ID printed on the trading card as information regarding the additional text.

7. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the output step, the printed location is included in the information of the additional text.

8. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the output step, techniques, characteristics, rules, or at least two combinations thereof are included in the information of the additional text.

9. The program according to claim 1, wherein, in the output step, if the trading card is not a card on which the additional text can be printed, the program outputs error information to the printing device.

10. The program according to claim 1, which, if the trading card is not a card on which the additional text can be printed, causes the processor to perform the step of presenting to the user, in a selectable manner, the print content associated with the identified trading card as information regarding the additional text.

11. In the acquisition step described above, the card ID printed on the trading card is acquired as information about the trading card, The program according to claim 1, wherein in the step of making the determination, it determines, based on the card ID, whether the trading card is a card on which the additional text can be printed.

12. In the acquisition step described above, a unique ID printed on the trading card that uniquely identifies the trading card is acquired as information about the trading card. The processor is instructed to perform the step of storing the unique ID of the card on which the additional text is printed. In the aforementioned determination step, based on the unique ID, it is determined whether the trading card is a card with the additional text already printed on it. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the output step, if the trading card is a card on which the additional text has already been printed, the program does not output information regarding the additional text to the printing device.

13. In the acquisition step described above, a flag indicating that the trading card has the additional text printed on it is acquired as information about the trading card, In the step of making the determination, based on the flag, it is determined whether the trading card is a card that has the additional text printed on it. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the output step, if the trading card is a card on which the additional text has already been printed, the program does not output information regarding the additional text to the printing device.

14. The program according to claim 1, which determines whether or not the additional text can be printed based on conditions associated with user information in the aforementioned determination step.

15. In the step of making the determination, the conditions linked to the user information include the use of an item or the accumulation of points, as described in claim 14.

16. In the acquisition step described above, the type of trading card is acquired as information about the trading card, The program according to claim 1, wherein in the output step, a predetermined area of ​​the card is determined based on the type of trading card.

17. The program according to claim 1, wherein in a card on which the additional text can be printed, the description representing at least one of the numerical value and the activation condition related to the additional text is pre-printed when the card is enclosed in the card pack.

18. The program according to claim 1, wherein the card on which the additional text can be printed has different illustrations of the same character.

19. A method performed by a computer comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor performs all steps to be performed in any of the inventions according to claims 1 to 18.

20. An information processing apparatus comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor performs all steps to be performed in any of the inventions according to claims 1 to 18.

21. A system comprising means for performing all steps to be performed in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

22. A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and memory, wherein the program is to be executed by the processor, The steps include obtaining information about trading cards used in a TCG (Trading Card Game), which are physical cards obtainable from card packs, and which may include cards with additional text printed on them in addition to regular cards, or in place of regular cards, in addition to regular cards. Based on the acquired information, the step of determining whether the trading card is a card on which the additional text can be printed, If it is determined that the trading card is a card on which the additional text can be printed, the steps include printing the additional text on the trading card. A program that executes the command.

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