Card stand

Abstract

This card stand provides a visual way for players who cannot reach out and touch the cards themselves to communicate to other players which card they want to play. It also allows both the player who cannot reach out and touch the cards, and the other players who receive the instruction, to easily see which card is being selected. [Solution] The card stand is equipped with a light source unit corresponding to the card to be held. It is also equipped with an operating unit that allows the illumination state of the light source unit to be controlled. The light source units are arranged in pairs that sandwich the card from the front and back, or placed directly below the card holding part, or placed in both positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stand for stably holding one's own hand cards used in board games and card games, which stands the cards with the back side facing other players and the pattern side facing the player themselves. Background Art

[0002] In board games and card games, players sometimes wish to stand hand cards to hide them from other players while making them easy for the player themselves to see. For this reason, card stands made of wood or resin that stand and hold a plurality of cards are widely used (for example, see Patent Document 1). Prior Art Literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-032903 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional card stands have been a useful means for standing and holding a player's own hand cards to prevent other players from seeing them, for persons who have difficulty holding cards with their own hands, such as disabled players who have difficulty moving their hands and arms, and remote players who participate in a physically gathered game session through a screen utilizing two-way video and audio technology including Internet communication. However, they have had the following drawbacks.

[0005] When a player who cannot reach out and touch a card asks another player to play a card for them, and gives instructions such as "the second card from the left," it can be difficult to immediately determine whether "left" refers to the player's perspective or the other player's perspective, leading to repeated confirmations. As a result, the game's progress is slowed, the burden on other players increases, and the enjoyment and immersion of the game are diminished.

[0006] Furthermore, for physically disabled individuals who are unable to point to or play cards, and who also have difficulty speaking clearly, communicating the card they wish to choose to other players is extremely difficult.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a card stand that allows a player who cannot reach out and touch the cards themselves to visually communicate to other players which card they want to play, without having to speak. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The card stand according to claim 1 comprises a main body for holding n (n>1 and n: a natural number) hand cards upright, a light source unit installed corresponding to the position of each of the hand cards, and an operating unit for operating the illumination state of the light source unit corresponding to a desired hand card, and is characterized in that it has the function of visually indicating the card intended by the operator to other players by the illumination state of the light source unit corresponding to that card. The card stand according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, each of the light source units is installed so as to be visible to both other players who are in a position where only the back of the card is visible and the operator who is in a position where the pattern side of the card is visible. The card stand according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1 or claim 2, it has the function of visually indicating the card intended by the operator to other players by illuminating the light source unit corresponding to that card. The card stand according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1 or claim 2, it has the function of visually indicating the card intended by the operator to other players by flashing the light source unit corresponding to that card. The card stand according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1 or claim 2, it has the function of visually indicating to other players the card intended by the operator by changing the light emission color of the light source unit corresponding to that card. The card stand according to claim 6 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1 or claim 2, it comprises a main body that holds upright n (n>1 and n: a natural number) hand cards, a plurality of light source unit groups provided corresponding to the position of each of the hand cards, and an operating unit that operates the light emission state of the light source unit corresponding to a desired hand card, and has the function of visually indicating to other players the card intended by the operator by the light emission state of the light source unit group corresponding to that card. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the invention of claim 1, by manipulating the illumination state of light source units installed in relation to each card, it becomes possible to visually communicate the card selected by the operator to other players.

[0010] According to the invention of claim 2, by installing the light source unit in a position visible to both other players who can only see the back of the card and the operator who can see the patterned side of the card, the light source unit is not hidden by the shadow of the card, making it possible for both other players and the operator to easily see the selected card. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of Example 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the card stand shown in Figure 1, viewed from the opposite side. [Figure 3] This is a view from the right side showing the card being held in the card stand of Example 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows the card being held in the card stand of Example 1 and the external switch connected. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram and LED wiring diagram showing the overall configuration of the card stand in Example 1. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the card stands from Example 1 connected in a cascaded configuration. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the card stand in the cascaded configuration of Embodiment 1, and a wiring diagram of the terminal section for cascading connections. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the state of operating the card stands of Embodiment 1, which are connected in a cascaded configuration, as viewed from the operator's perspective. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the state of operating the card stand of Example 1, which is connected in a cascade configuration, as seen from the perspective of another player. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of Example 2. [Figure 11]FIG. 12 is a right side view showing a state where a card is held by the card stand of Example 2 [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state where a card is held by the card stand of Example 2 and an external switch is connected thereto. [Figure 13] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the card stand of Example 2 and a wiring diagram of LEDs. [Figure 14] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a cascade connection of the card stands of Example 2. [Figure 15] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the cascade-connected card stands of Example 2 and a wiring diagram of a cascade connection terminal portion. [Figure 16] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of Example 3. [Figure 17] FIG. 18 is a diagram in which the card holding portion of the card stand of FIG. 16 is lifted to make it easier to check the arrangement of internal LEDs. [Figure 18] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state where a card is held by the card stand of Example 3 and a USB cable is connected thereto. [Figure 19] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the card stand of Example 3 and a wiring diagram of LEDs. [Figure 20] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a state where the card stand of Example 3 is connected to a computer, and an operator operates the card stand with a trackball via an application executed on the computer. [Figure 21] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an operation screen of an application executed on a computer, where the card stands of Example 3 and Example 4 are both connected to the computer. [Figure 22] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state where the card stand of Example 3 is connected to a computer, and an operator operates the card stand with a gaze input device via an application executed on the computer. [Figure 23] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a cascade connection of the card stands of Example 3. [Figure 24]This is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the card stand in the cascaded configuration of Embodiment 3, and a wiring diagram of the terminal section for cascading connections. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of Example 4. [Figure 26] Figure 25 shows the card holder of the card stand lifted up to make it easier to see the arrangement of the LEDs inside. [Figure 27] This figure shows the card being held in the card stand of Example 4 and the USB cable connected. [Figure 28] This is a block diagram and LED wiring diagram showing the overall configuration of the card stand in Example 4. [Figure 29] This diagram shows the card stands of Example 4 connected in a cascaded configuration. [Figure 30] This is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the card stand in the cascaded configuration of Embodiment 4, and a wiring diagram of the terminal section for cascading connections. [Figure 31] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of Example 5. [Figure 32] Figure 31 shows the card in the card stand, viewed from the right side. [Figure 33] This figure shows the card being held in the card stand shown in Figure 31. [Figure 34] This is a block diagram and LED wiring diagram showing the overall configuration of the card stand in Example 5. [Figure 35] This diagram shows the card stands of Example 5 connected in a cascaded configuration. [Figure 36] This is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the card stand in the cascaded configuration of Embodiment 5, and a wiring diagram of the terminal section for cascading connections. [Figure 37] This diagram shows the state of remotely controlling the card stand in Example 5, as seen from the perspective of another player. [Figure 38] This diagram shows the state of remotely controlling the card stand of Example 5, as viewed from the operator's perspective. [Figure 39]Figure 38 shows the user interface of an application running on a computer. [Figure 40] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of Example 6. [Figure 41] Figure 40 shows the card being held in the card stand and the external switch connected. [Figure 42] Figure 41 shows the card stand in a state where the color of the selected LED has changed due to switch operation. [Figure 43] This is a block diagram and LED wiring diagram showing the overall configuration of the card stand in Example 6. [Figure 44] This diagram shows the card stands of Example 6 connected in a cascaded configuration. [Figure 45] This is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the card stand in the cascaded configuration of Embodiment 6, and a wiring diagram of the terminal section for cascading connections. [Figure 46] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of Example 7. [Figure 47] Figure 46 shows the card stand connected to a computer, and the operator controlling the card stand via a trackball through an application running on the computer. [Figure 48] Figure 47 is a diagram showing the user interface of an application running on a computer. [Figure 49] This figure shows the state when a card is selected in the application shown in Figure 48. [Figure 50] This figure shows the state in which the selected light source unit of the card stand in Example 7 has changed. [Figure 51] This is a block diagram and LED wiring diagram showing the overall configuration of the card stand in Example 7. [Figure 52] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of Example 8. [Figure 53] Figure 52 shows the card holder of the card stand lifted up to make it easier to see the arrangement of the LEDs inside. [Figure 54]This figure shows the card being held in the card stand shown in Figure 52. [Figure 55] Figure 54 shows the card stand being remotely controlled, as viewed from another player's perspective. [Figure 56] Figure 54 shows the card stand being remotely controlled, as viewed from the operator's perspective. [Figure 57] Figure 56 is a diagram showing the user interface of an application running on a computer. [Figure 58] This is a block diagram and LED wiring diagram showing the overall configuration of the card stand in Example 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Common reference numerals will be used for common parts throughout these drawings. While the light source unit of the present invention can take various configurations, an embodiment using a light-emitting diode (LED) will be described below as an example. [Examples]

[0013] Figures 1 to 9 show an embodiment 1 of a card stand to which the present invention is applied. The external configuration of the card stand will be explained based on Figure 1. 20 is a body formed in the shape of an elongated rectangular parallelepiped. On the upper surface of the body 20, a groove 11 for inserting and standing up a hand of cards is formed in the center of the upper surface, along the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped, from one side end to the other side end. The groove 11 is rectangular in shape, with a width of 1 mm to 3 mm and a depth of 5 mm to 15 mm. Pairs of LEDs (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10) are attached to both sides of the groove 11 on the upper surface. Multiple pairs of these LEDs (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10) are provided at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction. The number of pairs of these LEDs increases or decreases depending on the length of the body. Figures 3 and 4 show the state in which cards (48, 49, 50, 51, 52) are inserted into the groove 11. The groove dimensions shown are just an example; the size of the grooves that can hold cards is not limited to these.

[0014] When LED1 and LED2 light up simultaneously, it indicates that the card between LED1 and LED2 is selected. Similarly, LED3 and LED4, LED5 and LED6, LED7 and LED8, and LED9 and LED10 are paired. When a pair of LEDs lights up simultaneously, both other players who can only see the back of the card and the operator who is looking at the card's image can confirm that the card between the two LEDs is selected.

[0015] The front of the main unit 20 has holes 13 and 14 for 3.5mm mono jacks. By connecting an external switch with a 3.5mm plug to these jacks, the switch can be operated. Jack hole 13 is a switch for selecting which LED to illuminate. Jack hole 14 is a switch for making the illuminated LED blink and emitting an electronic sound.

[0016] Referring to Figure 4, the operation of the card stand's LEDs by an external switch will be described. First, the power switch (not shown) located on the main unit 20 is turned on. In this state, all LEDs are off. Pressing the push-button switch 21 connected to the jack hole 13 initially lights up LEDs 1-2. Pressing the push-button switch 21 again switches the lighting from LEDs 1-2 to LEDs 3-4. Each time the push-button switch 21 is pressed, the lit LEDs switch sequentially to LEDs 5-6, LEDs 7-8, and LEDs 9-10. If LEDs 9-10 are lit, pressing the switch 21 again turns off all LEDs, returning the device to the state immediately after turning on the power.

[0017] Pressing the push-button switch 22 connected to the jack hole 14 causes the lit LED to flash for 3 seconds. When the LED flashes, an electronic buzzer 18 mounted on the circuit board shown in Figure 5 sounds an alarm. This flashing LED and electronic sound allow the operator to communicate that they have decided which card they want other players to play.

[0018] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the present invention, illustrating the arrangement and connection relationships of the LEDs. The microcontroller 19 is provided with five output pins for LED control, and a total of 10 LEDs are connected to these output pins. Each LED is paired, such as LED1-2, LED3-4, and each pair of LEDs is connected in parallel and controlled by each output pin. The input pin connected to jack hole 13 reads the operation of an external switch and controls the switching of the LEDs to be lit. The input pin connected to jack hole 14 reads the operation of an external switch and causes the lit LED to blink for 3 seconds.

[0019] The cascading terminals 12 and 15 are described below. In this specification, "cascading connection" refers to a state in which multiple card stands are connected in a chain, and the output of the first card stand is connected to the input of the second card stand.

[0020] Cascade connection terminals 12 and 15 are provided on both sides of the main unit 20. These terminals can accommodate cables with at least four wires, and have a structure for connecting these wires between terminals. The shape and specifications of the connected cables can accommodate various types, including USB Type-A, USB Type-C, and Micro-USB. The cable with four wires is used to connect multiple card stands and expand the number of cards that can be held.

[0021] Figure 6 shows two card stands, each capable of holding five cards, connected by a cable 17, allowing them to hold a total of ten cards. When the switch 21 connected to the card stand on the upper left of the figure (the first card stand) is pressed, the LED2 on the first card stand and the paired LED1 on the back of the card light up first. At this time, the leftmost card 48 (the 4 of diamonds) on the first card stand is selected. Subsequently, when LED4, LED6, LED8, and LED10 light up, their respective paired LED3, LED5, LED7, and LED9 on the back of the cards are also assumed to be lit. After that, each time the switch 21 is pressed, the lit LED switches sequentially from LED2, LED4, LED6, and LED8. After the lighting moves to the rightmost LED10, when the switch 21 is pressed again, all the LEDs on the first card stand turn off, and the leftmost LED2 on the card stand on the right side of the figure (the second card stand), connected by cable 17, lights up. If you continue to press switch 21, the LEDs on the second card stand will switch sequentially from LED4, LED6, and LED8. The LEDs will then light up all the way to LED10 on the right end of the second card stand, and when switch 21 is pressed again, all the LEDs on the second card stand will turn off. If switch 21 is pressed again, LED2 on the first card stand will light up, and the leftmost card 48 (Diamond 4) will be selected again.

[0022] Furthermore, operating switch 22 sends a signal to all cascaded card stands to blink the currently lit LED. This mechanism allows the operation of the switch on the first card stand to change the LED lighting and blinking of the LEDs on other card stands connected by cables, thereby increasing the number of cards that can be held.

[0023] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the cascaded card stand of Embodiment 1 and a wiring diagram showing the connection relationships of the cascaded terminal section. The internal configuration of the cascaded terminal section and its connection relationships with the conductors are shown. The cascaded terminal section 12 of the first card stand is a terminal section for connecting to the second card stand and consists of terminals (260, 261, 262, 267) and is connected to the cascaded terminal section 15 of the second card stand by four conductors (280, 281, 282, 287) in the cable 17. Conductor 280 is a conductor that transmits a signal to check whether the next connected card stand exists. Terminal 260 is a terminal that receives an input signal from the second card stand via conductor 280 and is connected to the input pin of the microcontroller 19 of the first card stand. Conductor 281 is a conductor that transmits a signal for selecting the LED to light up. Terminal 261 is a terminal that sends a signal to the second card stand via wire 281 to select which LED to light up, and is connected to the output pin of the microcontroller 19 of the first card stand. Wire 282 is a wire that transmits a signal to make the lit LED blink for a certain period of time. Terminal 262 is a terminal that sends a signal to the second card stand via wire 282 to make the lit LED blink for a certain period of time, and is connected to the output pin of the microcontroller 19 of the first card stand. Wire 287 is a GND wire for connecting the common ground (GND) of the cascaded card stands. Terminal 267 is a terminal that connects the GNDs of the cascaded card stands via wire 287, and is connected to the GND of the microcontroller 19 of the first card stand.

[0024] The cascade connection terminal section 15 of the second card stand is a terminal section for connecting to the first card stand, and is composed of terminals (250, 251, 252, 257) and is connected to the cascade connection terminal section 12 of the first card stand by four conductors (280, 281, 282, 287) in the cable 17. Terminal 250 is a terminal that sends a signal to the first card stand via conductor 280 to convey the status of the second card stand, and is connected to the output pin of the microcontroller 19 of the second card stand. Terminal 251 is a terminal that receives a signal from the first card stand via conductor 281 to switch the LEDs that light up on the second card stand, and is connected to the input pin of the microcontroller 19 of the second card stand. Upon receiving this signal, the microcontroller 19 of the second card stand controls the LED section to switch the LEDs that light up on the second card stand. Terminal 252 receives a signal from the first card stand via wire 282 to cause the lit LED to blink for a certain period of time, and is connected to the input pin of the microcontroller 19 of the second card stand. Upon receiving this signal, the microcontroller 19 of the second card stand controls the LED and buzzer to cause the lit LED of the second card stand to blink for a certain period of time and to sound the buzzer. At the same time, it also outputs the same signal to terminal 262 of the second cascade connection terminal section 12, and if there is another card stand connected, it transmits the blinking signal to that card stand as well. Terminal 257 connects the GNDs of the cascade-connected card stands via wire 287 and is connected to the GND of the microcontroller 19 of the second card stand.

[0025] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate how a person with a disability who has difficulty reaching for or pointing to a card stand can participate in a card game (e.g., Daifugo) by pressing push-button switches 21 and 22 connected to the card stand of the present invention. During their turn, the operator intends to play their hand card 49, "7 of Diamonds," in response to the card 41, "3 of Spades," played on the table, and presses push-button switch 21 to select the LED to light up. Both the operator's LED and the other players' LEDs light up, allowing the other players to see the selection process of the card the operator is about to play, although they can only see the back of the card. When the operator presses push-button switch 22 with the LED 4 corresponding to their hand card 49 lit, LED 4 flashes and an electronic sound is emitted. In addition, the other player's LED 3 also flashes, allowing the other player 42, who can only see the back of the card, to understand which card the operator is about to play through the flashing LED 3 and the electronic sound, and to play card 49 on their behalf. This allows people with disabilities who have difficulty reaching for and picking up cards to visually and easily communicate to other players, who can only see the back of the cards, which card they intend to play. This reduces the burden on other players to confirm the intentions of the person with a disability, facilitating the smooth progress of the game and enhancing the sense of immersion for all players. [Examples]

[0026] Figures 10 to 15 show Embodiment 2 of the card stand of the present invention. The external configuration of the card stand will be described based on Figures 10 to 12. In this embodiment, the card stand has a rectangular parallelepiped body 44, and the external shape of the body, excluding the card holding part and LED, is the same as in Embodiment 1. The cascade connection terminals 310 and 311 are in the same position and shape as the cascade connection terminals 12 and 15 in Embodiment 1. The jack hole 162 for external switch input is for changing the LED lighting location, as in Embodiment 1, but the jack hole 163 is for changing the LED brightness.

[0027] In this embodiment, the portion that holds the card differs from the groove 11 used in Embodiment 1. Instead, the card is held by two rows of protrusions 43 and 45 formed along the longitudinal direction of a rectangular parallelepiped in the center of the upper surface of the main body 44. The way the card 52 is held upright is shown in Figure 11, which shows the main body 44 from the right side, and in Figure 12, which is a perspective view of the main body 44 with the card standing upright. The height of the protrusions 43 and 45 is formed in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm, and the width is in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm. However, these dimensions are just examples, and the dimensions are not limited to these as long as the shape can hold the card upright.

[0028] In this embodiment, unlike in Embodiment 1, the LEDs indicating the selected card are arranged in rows on both sides of the card holder, sandwiching it along its longitudinal direction. LED row 46 is the LED row visible from the operator's side, and LED row 47 is the LED row visible from the other players' side. The number of LEDs in these rows increases or decreases depending on the length of the card stand body.

[0029] Referring to Figure 12, the actual usage method of this embodiment will be explained. In this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the selected card is visually indicated using multiple LEDs arranged in a row. First, the power supply (not shown) provided in the main unit 44 is turned on. In this state, all LEDs are off. When the LED illumination location switching switch 58 connected to the jack hole 162 is pressed, the LEDs in range 53 of the LED row light up to indicate that the "4 of Diamonds" on the leftmost card 48 is selected. Hereafter, when the LED on the operator's side lights up, it is assumed that the corresponding LED hidden in the shadow of the card also lights up at the same time. When the switch 58 is pressed again, the LEDs that light up switch to range 54, and each time the switch 58 is pressed, it switches sequentially to range 55, range 56, and range 57. For example, when the six LEDs in range 57 are lit and card 52 "Jack of Diamonds" is selected, pressing the LED brightness change switch 59 connected to the jack hole 163 will cause the six LEDs in range 57 to brighten for 3 seconds, simultaneously emitting an electronic sound, allowing the player to communicate their intention to play card 52 "Jack of Diamonds" to other players. After 3 seconds, the LEDs in range 57 will return to their original brightness, and the electronic sound will stop. Pulse width modulation (PWM) control is used to change the brightness of the LEDs when a decision is made.

[0030] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the present invention, illustrating the arrangement and connection relationships of the LEDs. The shift register 60 is connected to the microcontroller 270 of the card stand via the power supply 290, latch lock terminal 291, shift clock terminal 292, and serial data input terminal 293, and controls LED rows 46 and 47. The input pin of the microcontroller 270 connected to jack hole 162 reads the operation of an external switch and controls the switching of the LEDs to be lit. The input pin connected to jack hole 163 reads the operation of an external switch and increases the brightness of the lit LED for 3 seconds. Control of the row of LEDs can be achieved using the shift register 60. However, this block diagram is merely an example, and other means capable of controlling a row of LEDs can also be used. For example, it is not particularly limited as long as it is a configuration capable of controlling multiple LEDs in a row, including the use of a microcontroller with a large number of pins.

[0031] The operation of the card stands when connected in cascade mode will be explained. Figure 14 shows two card stands of this embodiment, each capable of holding 5 cards, connected by cable 322, allowing them to hold a total of 10 cards. When switch 58 connected to the card stand on the upper left of the figure (the first card stand) is pressed, the LED in range 53 of the LED row of the first card stand lights up first. Hereafter, when the LED on the operator's side lights up, it is assumed that the corresponding LED hidden in the shadow of the card also lights up at the same time. Each time switch 58 is pressed, the lights switch sequentially to ranges 54, 55, 56, and 57. After the lights have moved to the rightmost range 57, when switch 58 is pressed again, all the LEDs on the first card stand turn off, and the leftmost range 53 lights up on the card stand on the right side of the figure (the second card stand) connected by cable 322. If the switch 58 is held down, the row of LEDs that light up on the second card stand will switch sequentially through ranges 54, 55, 56, and 57. The lights will then illuminate up to range 57, the rightmost range of the second card stand, and when the switch 58 is pressed again, all the LEDs on the second card stand will turn off. If the switch 58 is pressed again, range 53 of the first card stand will light up, and the leftmost card 48 (the 4 of diamonds) will be selected again.

[0032] Furthermore, operating switch 59 sends a signal to all cascaded card stands, increasing the brightness of the currently lit LED for 3 seconds. This mechanism allows the operation of the switch on the first card stand to change the LED locations and brightness of other connected card stands, thereby increasing the number of cards that can be held.

[0033] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the cascaded card stand of Embodiment 2 and a wiring diagram showing the connection relationships of the cascaded connection terminals. The cascaded connection terminal section 310 of the first card stand is a terminal section for connecting to the second card stand and consists of terminals (260, 261, 263, 267) and is connected to the cascaded terminal section 311 of the second card stand by four conductors (280, 281, 283, 287) in cable 322. Conductor 280 is a conductor that transmits a signal to check whether the next connected card stand exists. Terminal 260 is a terminal that receives an input signal from the next card stand via conductor 280 and is connected to the input pin of the microcontroller 270 of the first card stand. Conductor 281 is a conductor that transmits a signal for selecting the LED to light up. Terminal 261 is a terminal that sends a signal to the second card stand via wire 281 to select which LED to light up, and is connected to the output pin of the microcontroller 270 of the first card stand. Wire 283 is a wire that transmits a signal to make the brightness of the lit LED brighter for a certain period of time. Terminal 263 is a terminal that sends a signal to the second card stand via wire 283 to make the brightness of the lit LED brighter for a certain period of time, and is connected to the output pin of the microcontroller 270 of the first card stand. Wire 287 is a GND wire for connecting the common ground (GND) of the cascaded card stands. Terminal 267 is a terminal that connects the GNDs of the cascaded card stands via wire 287, and is connected to the GND of the microcontroller 270 of this card stand.

[0034] The cascade connection terminal section 311 of the second card stand is a terminal section for connecting to the first card stand, and is composed of terminals (250, 251, 253, 257) and is connected to the cascade connection terminal section 310 of the first card stand by four conductors (280, 281, 283, 287) in the cable 322. Terminal 250 is a terminal that sends a signal to the first card stand via conductor 280 to convey the status of the second card stand, and is connected to the output pin of the microcontroller 270 of the second card stand. Terminal 251 is a terminal that receives a signal from the first card stand via conductor 281 to switch the LEDs that light up on the second card stand, and is connected to the input pin of the microcontroller 270 of the second card stand. The microcontroller 19 of the second card stand, upon receiving the signal, controls the LED section to switch the LEDs that light up on the second card stand. Terminal 253 receives a signal from the first card stand via wire 283 to increase the brightness of the lit LED for a certain period of time, and is connected to the input pin of the microcontroller 270 of the second card stand. Upon receiving this signal, the microcontroller 19 of the second card stand controls the LED section and buzzer to change the brightness of the lit LED of the second card stand for a certain period of time and sound the buzzer. When the microcontroller 270 of the second card stand receives a signal to change the brightness of the lit LED, it also outputs a signal to terminal 263 of the cascade connection terminal section 310, and if there is another connected card stand, it transmits the signal to change the brightness of the lit LED to that card stand as well. Terminal 257 connects the GNDs of the cascade-connected card stands via wire 287 and is connected to the GND of the microcontroller 270 of this card stand. [Examples]

[0035] Figures 16-24 show Embodiment 3 of the card stand of the present invention, in which the LEDs are positioned at the bottom of the card holding section. The external configuration of the card stand will be described based on Figures 16 and 17. 61 is a body formed in the shape of an elongated rectangular parallelepiped, and is equipped with cascade connection terminals 312 and 313 in the same positions as the cascade connection terminals in the card stands of Embodiments 1 and 2. The card holding section 62 provided at the top of the body 61 has grooves 11 for holding cards, similar to Embodiment 1, and is made of a translucent or transparent material. This configuration has the function of efficiently transmitting light from the LEDs positioned at the bottom. An LED row 64 is arranged at the bottom of the card holding section 62. Two-color LEDs are used for the LEDs in the LED row 64. The number of these LEDs can be increased or decreased depending on the length of the body. The control section for controlling the lit LEDs has a terminal hole 65 that allows for USB connection, unlike the 3.5mm jack hole in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0036] Figure 18 shows the card stand of Example 3 with a card held in place. The main unit 61 is connected to the computer via a USB cable 76. When the microcontroller inside the card stand is connected to the computer, it enters a state of waiting to receive a signal from the computer. When the character "A" is transmitted from the computer via serial communication, the LEDs on the main unit 61 are switched on, similar to when a signal for selecting the LED lighting location is input in the card stands of Examples 1 and 2. When the character "B" is transmitted from the computer, the color of the lit LEDs is changed and an electronic sound is generated. Note that the type of character to be received is not particularly limited and can be applied to other characters as well. As shown in the LED wiring 84 in the block diagram of Figure 19, Example 3 uses a two-color LED with two input terminals, and is configured to change the color of the LEDs. Specifically, first, the power supply (not shown) provided on the main unit 61 is turned on. In this state, all LEDs are off. When the main unit 61 and the computer are connected with a USB cable and the character "A" is transmitted from the computer, the six LEDs in range 71 light up red. The light from the LEDs shines through the card holder 62, which is made of a transparent material. When the letter "A" is transmitted again, the LEDs in range 71 turn off, and the LEDs in range 72 light up red. This operation is repeated thereafter, and each time the letter "A" is transmitted, the illuminated LEDs switch to ranges 73, 74, and 75. For example, to select card 49, "7 of Diamonds," the LED in range 72 is lit, and the letter "B" is transmitted from the computer. At this time, the current supplied to the two-color LED is switched, causing the LED in range 72 to change to blue, and the blue light is maintained for 3 seconds, while an electronic sound is emitted. After 3 seconds, the LED returns to red, and the electronic sound stops. This makes it possible to visually communicate to other players that the card the operator wants to play is card 49, "7 of Diamonds." When the letter "A" is transmitted while the LED in range 75, which is at the far right of the main unit, is lit, all LEDs turn off, returning the device to the state immediately after power-on.

[0037] Figure 20 shows the card stand shown in Figure 18 being operated using a computer 78. The card stand body 61 is connected to the computer 78 via a cable 76, and the operator controls the card stand 61 using a trackball 79 via an application 80 running on the computer 78.

[0038] Figure 21 shows the operation screen of application 80. This application supports cursor and click operations using a mouse and trackball. For example, when the "Right" button 82 is clicked, the letter "A" is sent from the computer 78 to the USB-connected card stand via serial communication. Similarly, when the "OK" button 81 is clicked, the letter "B" is sent. By using this application, even people with disabilities who have difficulty pressing push-button switches can operate the card stand using a trackball. Note that the specific specifications of application 80 are just an example, and it is not limited to this, as long as it is possible to connect to the computer 78 and control the illumination state of the card stand's LEDs.

[0039] Figure 22 shows a state where a computer connected to the card stand shown in Figure 18 is being operated using an eye-tracking device 83 instead of a trackball. Eye-tracking allows for cursor movement and clicking operations. Therefore, even people with disabilities who have limitations in manual operation can operate the card stand through eye-tracking guidance.

[0040] Figure 19 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the present invention, illustrating the arrangement and connection relationships of the LEDs. The shift register 60 is connected to the microcontroller 271 of the card stand via the power supply 290, latch lock terminal 291, shift clock terminal 292, and serial data input terminal 293, and controls the LED array 64. Figure 19 shows the wiring of the LEDs in Embodiment 3, but this block diagram and wiring diagram are just examples, and the circuit configuration is not limited to this figure as long as it switches the illuminated position of the LEDs and changes the color of the LEDs when a decision operation is performed.

[0041] The operation of the card stands when connected in cascade mode is described below. Figure 23 shows two card stands of this embodiment, each capable of holding 5 cards, connected by cable 323, allowing them to hold a total of 10 cards. When button 82 in application 80 on computer 78 connected to the card stand on the upper left of the figure (the first card stand) is clicked, the LED in range 71 of the LED row on the first card stand lights up red first. With each click of button 82, the red LED lights up sequentially, switching between ranges 72, 73, 74, and 75. After the red light moves to the rightmost range 75, when button 82 is clicked again, all the LEDs on the first card stand turn off, and the leftmost range 71 lights up on the card stand on the right side of the figure (the second card stand), which is connected by cable 323. Subsequently, if button 82 is continued to be clicked, the red LEDs on the second card stand will switch sequentially between ranges 72, 73, and 74. Then, the red light illuminates up to range 75 on the right edge of the second card stand, and when button 82 is clicked, all the LEDs on the second card stand turn off. After that, when button 82 is clicked again, range 71 of the first card stand lights up, and the leftmost card 48 (the 4 of diamonds) is selected again.

[0042] Additionally, clicking button 81 sends a signal to all cascaded card stands, causing the currently lit LED to turn blue for 3 seconds. This mechanism allows the operation of the switch on the first card stand to change the LED illumination and color of the other connected card stands, thereby increasing the number of cards that can be held.

[0043] Figure 24 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the cascaded card stand of Embodiment 3 and a wiring diagram showing the connection relationships of the cascaded terminal section. The cascaded terminal section 312 of the first card stand is a terminal section for connecting to the second card stand and consists of terminals (260, 261, 264, 267) and is connected to the cascaded terminal section 313 of the second card stand by four conductors (280, 281, 284, 287) in cable 323. Conductor 280 is a conductor that transmits a signal to check whether the next connected card stand exists. Terminal 260 is a terminal that receives an input signal from the second card stand via conductor 280 and is connected to the input pin of the microcontroller 271 of the first card stand. Conductor 281 is a conductor that transmits a signal for selecting the LED to light up. Terminal 261 is a terminal that sends a signal to the second card stand via wire 281 to select which LED to light up, and is connected to the output pin of the microcontroller 271 of the first card stand. Wire 284 is a wire that transmits a signal to change the light color of the lit LED for a certain period of time. Terminal 264 is a terminal that sends a signal to the second card stand via wire 284 to change the light color of the lit LED for a certain period of time, and is connected to the output pin of the microcontroller 271 of the first card stand. The fourth wire 287 is a GND wire for connecting the common ground (GND) of the cascaded card stands. Terminal 267 is a terminal that connects the GNDs of the cascaded card stands via wire 287, and is connected to the GND of the microcontroller 271 of the first card stand.

[0044] The cascade connection terminal section 313 of the second card stand is a terminal section for connecting to the first card stand, and is composed of terminals (250, 251, 254, 257) and is connected to the cascade connection terminal section 312 of the first card stand via four conductors (280, 281, 284, 287) in the cable 323. Terminal 250 is a terminal that sends a signal to the first card stand via conductor 280 to convey the status of the second card stand, and is connected to the output pin of the microcontroller 271 of the second card stand. Terminal 251 is a terminal that receives a signal from the first card stand via conductor 281 to switch the LEDs that light up on the second card stand, and is connected to the input pin of the microcontroller 271 of the second card stand. The microcontroller 271 of the second card stand, upon receiving the signal, controls the LED section to switch the LEDs that light up on the second card stand. Terminal 254 receives a signal from the first card stand via wire 284 to change the color of the lit LED for a certain period of time, and is connected to the input pin of the microcontroller 271 of the second card stand. Upon receiving this signal, the microcontroller 271 of the second card stand controls the LED section and the buzzer to change the color of the lit LED of the second card stand for a certain period of time and sound the buzzer. It also outputs a signal to terminal 264 of the cascading connection terminal section 312 of the second card stand, and if there is another card stand connected, it transmits the signal to change the color of the LED to that card stand as well. Terminal 257 connects the GNDs of the cascaded card stands via wire 287 and is connected to the GND of the microcontroller 271 of the second card stand. [Examples]

[0045] Figures 25 to 30 show Embodiment 4 of the card stand of the present invention, which differs from Embodiment 3 in that the LEDs are arranged at the bottom of the card holding section. The external configuration of the card stand will be described based on Figures 25 and 26. 85 is a body formed in the shape of an elongated rectangular parallelepiped, and like the card stand of Embodiment 3, it has a USB terminal section 65 for connecting to a computer and a card holding section 62 made of a material that transmits LED light and has grooves 11 for holding cards. It also has cascade connection sections 314 and 315 in the same position and shape as the cascade connection terminal sections in Embodiments 1, 2, and 3. Unlike Embodiment 3, where the LEDs were arranged in a row at the bottom of the card holding section, the LEDs are arranged in a planar manner at the bottom of the card holding section. The number of LEDs in this planar LED 86 can be increased or decreased depending on the size of the body.

[0046] Figure 27 shows the state in which the card stand in this embodiment is holding a card. In this embodiment, when the selected card is indicated, only some of the LEDs located directly below the card are lit. For example, when card 48 "Four of Diamonds" is selected, only the two LEDs 92 directly below card 48 are lit. Next, similar to the third embodiment, when a signal for selecting the LED lighting position is received from a computer connected to the USB terminal 65 via a USB cable 76, only the two LEDs 93 located directly below card 49 are lit to indicate card 49 "Seven of Diamonds". Subsequently, each time an operation to select the LED lighting position is performed, the lighting switches sequentially to LED 94, LED 95, LED 96, and so on, so that only some of the LEDs directly below the corresponding card are lit. Furthermore, when a signal is received from the computer indicating that the operator has decided which card to present, all the LEDs located below the corresponding card light up for 3 seconds and simultaneously emit an electronic sound. After 3 seconds, the LEDs turn off except for the two LEDs directly below the card, and the electronic sound stops. For example, if you want to play card 48, "Four of Diamonds," first, you switch the illuminated LEDs to illuminate LED 92, and then send a card selection signal from the computer. This causes all 18 LEDs (specifically, 6 in 3 rows) located within range 170 to light up for 3 seconds, and an electronic sound is emitted. After 3 seconds, only LED 92 remains lit, the other LEDs turn off, and the electronic sound stops. In this way, by changing the number of illuminated LEDs, it becomes possible to communicate your intention to play card 48 to other players. When sending the LED illumination position selection signal and the card selection signal from the computer, application 80 is used, as in Example 3.

[0047] Figure 28 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the present invention, illustrating the arrangement and connection relationships of the LEDs. The shift register 60 is connected to the microcontroller 272 of the card stand via the power supply 290, latch lock terminal 291, shift clock terminal 292, and serial data input terminal 293, and controls the LEDs 86 which are arranged in a planar manner.

[0048] The operation of the card stands when connected in cascade mode is described below. Figure 29 shows two card stands of this embodiment, each capable of holding five cards, connected by a cable 324 to hold a total of ten cards. When button 82 in application 80 on a computer connected to the card stand on the upper left of the figure (the first card stand) via a USB cable 76 is clicked, the two LEDs 92 on the first card stand light up first. This indicates that card 48, "Four of Diamonds," is selected. With each click of button 82, the LEDs switch sequentially to LED 93, LED 94, LED 95, and LED 96. When the rightmost LED 96 is lit, and button 82 is clicked again, all the LEDs on the first card stand turn off, and LED 92 lights up on the card stand on the right side of the figure (the second card stand), which is connected by cable 324. If you continue clicking button 82, the LEDs on the second card stand will switch sequentially from LED 93, LED 94, LED 95, and LED 96. Then, when button 82 is clicked again while LED 96 on the right end of the second card stand is lit, all the LEDs on the second card stand will turn off. After that, if button 82 is clicked again, LED 92 on the first card stand will light up, and the leftmost card 48 (the 4 of diamonds) will be selected again.

[0049] Furthermore, clicking button 81 sends a signal to all cascaded card stands, causing the planar LEDs in the range corresponding to the card indicated by the two lit LEDs to light up for 3 seconds. For example, when the two LEDs 93 of the second card stand are lit, indicating that card 301 "Two of Diamonds" is selected, clicking button 81 will cause all LEDs in range 171 of the second card stand to light up for 3 seconds, and after 3 seconds, all LEDs in range 171 will turn off except for the two LEDs 93 of the second card stand. This mechanism allows the application of the first card stand to be used to change the location of the lit LEDs and the number of lit LEDs in other card stands connected by cable 324, thereby increasing the number of cards that can be held.

[0050] Figure 30 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the cascaded card stand of Embodiment 4 and a wiring diagram showing the connection relationships of the cascaded connection terminals. The cascaded connection terminal 314 of the first card stand is a terminal for connecting to the second card stand and consists of terminals (260, 261, 265, 267) and is connected to the cascaded terminal 315 of the second card stand by four conductors (280, 281, 285, 287) in cable 324. Conductor 280 is a conductor that transmits a signal to check whether the next connected card stand exists. Terminal 260 is a terminal that receives an input signal from the next card stand via conductor 280 and is connected to the input pin of the microcontroller 272 of the first card stand. Conductor 281 is a conductor that transmits a signal for selecting which LED to light up. Terminal 261 is a terminal that sends a signal to the second card stand via wire 281 to select which LED to light up, and is connected to the output pin of the microcontroller 272 of the first card stand. Wire 285 is a wire that transmits a signal to light up the planar LEDs in the range corresponding to the cards indicated by the two lit LEDs for a certain period of time. Terminal 265 is a terminal that sends a signal to the second card stand via wire 285 to light up the planar LEDs in the range corresponding to the cards indicated by the two lit LEDs for a certain period of time, and is connected to the output pin of the microcontroller 272 of the first card stand. Wire 287 is a GND wire for connecting the common ground (GND) of the cascaded card stands. Terminal 267 is a terminal that connects the GNDs of the cascaded card stands via wire 287, and is connected to the GND of the microcontroller 272 of the first card stand.

[0051] The cascade connection terminal section 315 of the second card stand is a terminal section for connecting to the first card stand, and is composed of terminals (250, 251, 255, 257) and is connected to the cascade connection terminal section 314 of the first card stand via four conductors (280, 281, 285, 287) in the cable 324. Terminal 250 is a terminal that sends a signal to the first card stand via conductor 280 to convey the status of the second card stand, and is connected to the output pin of the microcontroller 272 of the second card stand. Terminal 251 is a terminal that receives a signal from the first card stand via conductor 281 to switch the LEDs that light up on the second card stand, and is connected to the input pin of the microcontroller 272 of the second card stand. The microcontroller 272 of the second card stand, upon receiving the signal, controls the LED section to switch the LEDs that light up on the second card stand. Terminal 255 receives a signal from the first card stand via the wire 285 to illuminate the planar LEDs corresponding to the cards indicated by the two lit LEDs for a certain period of time, and is connected to the input pin of the microcontroller 272 of the second card stand. Upon receiving this signal, the microcontroller 272 of the second card stand controls the LED section and buzzer to illuminate the planar LEDs corresponding to the cards indicated by the two lit LEDs of the second card stand for a certain period of time and sound the buzzer. It also outputs a signal to terminal 265 of the cascading connection terminal section 314 of the second card stand, and transmits the signal to the next connected card stand if there is one. Terminal 257 connects the GNDs of the cascaded card stands via the wire 287 and is connected to the GND of the microcontroller 272 of this card stand. [Examples]

[0052] Figures 31 to 39 show Embodiment 5 of the card stand of the present invention, which has a configuration different from Embodiments 3 and 4, in which the LEDs are arranged at the bottom of the card holding part. The external configuration of the card stand will be described based on Figures 31, 32 and 33. 98 is a body formed in the shape of an elongated rectangular parallelepiped, and has LEDs 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction on the upper surface of the body, corresponding to each of the cards to be held. Also, similar to Embodiment 1, it has terminals 12 and 15 for cascade connection. In this embodiment, columnar parts 100 that support the card holding part are provided at both ends of the body 98, and the card holding part 101 is arranged in a manner supported by these. The card holding part 101 has a structure having two protrusions 166 and 167 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the body, and a groove 168 formed by them. The groove is formed with a width of 1 mm to 3 mm and a depth of 5 mm to 15 mm, but these dimensions are just examples and are not particularly limited as long as the groove is large enough to hold a card. Figure 32 shows the main body 98 viewed from the right side with a card 52 placed upright in the card holder 101. In this embodiment, a microcontroller equipped with a communication module is used, and this microcontroller is configured to function as a web server. Therefore, it is possible to operate it using an application on a browser from a remote computer or smartphone via the internet. Accordingly, the external switch connection terminal and the USB terminal hole for computer connection that were used in Embodiments 1 to 4 are unnecessary in this embodiment.

[0053] Figure 33 is a perspective view showing this embodiment holding cards 48-52. In this embodiment, as in Embodiment 1, the selection of a card is communicated to other players by the lighting and flashing of LEDs corresponding to the cards, and by an electronic sound from a buzzer. When the power (not shown) is turned on, all LEDs are off, and each time the LED lighting location is changed, the lit LED switches sequentially from LED 102, 103, 104, 105, to 106. If the LED lighting location is changed while LED 106 is lit, all LEDs turn off, returning to the state immediately after the power was turned on. When the LED flashing operation is performed, the lit LED flashes for 3 seconds and a buzzer sounds. For example, when you want to play card 50, "8 of Diamonds," you change the LED lighting location to light up LED 104 directly below card 50, and then perform the LED flashing operation to make LED 104 flash and generate a buzzer sound, informing other players that the card you want to play is card 50, "8 of Diamonds." The card holder 101 is supported by the columnar part 100 and positioned above the LED, so that the LED lights up and flashes can be seen from both the operator's side and other players' sides.

[0054] Figure 34 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of this embodiment. The microcontroller 273 of this embodiment is equipped with a communication module 164 and incorporates a program that implements a web server function. As a result, the microcontroller 273 operates as a server that can communicate over a network. The web server built into this card stand provides a card stand operation application 117 that functions on a browser. This application 117 is provided in response to an HTTP request and can be accessed from a browser on a remote PC or smartphone. Buttons 118 and 119 for sending commands to specify the operation of the card stand are displayed on the browser. When an operator remotely clicks either button on the browser to send a command, the command is sent to the card stand's web server based on the HTTP protocol. The microcontroller 273 analyzes the command and executes the corresponding operation. For example, if button 119 "Right" is clicked, it controls the output pin that changes the LED lighting location, and if button 118 "OK" is clicked, it controls the pin that makes the currently lit LED blink. With this configuration, the operator can operate the card stand remotely without physically touching it. However, this method of using the microcontroller 273 as a web server is just one example; it is not limited to any method as long as it allows remote control via a browser using a computer or smartphone. For example, it is possible to control the system over the internet by using a cloud system. A system can be built in which users operate the device through an application via a cloud server, and those commands are sent to the device over the internet. Remote control using a cloud system is also an effective method of realizing the device.

[0055] Figure 37 shows the view from another player's perspective of a player participating in a game by remotely controlling the card stand shown in Figure 33. The card stand body 98 is positioned with the back of the cards facing the other players, and the front of the cards (the picture side) is facing the camera of a smartphone 112 positioned in front of the card stand. The smartphone 112 is connected via video call to a smartphone 115 held by a remote operator 120 who is trying to participate in the game from a remote location, and transmits to the remote operator 120 the state of the picture side of the card stand 98, the status of the cards 41 placed on the table, and the sound of the game venue.

[0056] Figure 38 shows the view from the operator's perspective of participating in a game by remotely controlling the card stand of this embodiment shown in Figure 33. The remote operator 120 checks their hand and the card 41 on the table based on the image displayed on the screen of their smartphone 115. At this time, the remote operator 120 decides to play the leftmost card 48 "Four of Diamonds" from their hand as the card corresponding to the card 41 "Three of Spades" on the table. The remote operator operates the application 117 on the browser via a computer 78 connected to the web server of the card stand 98 to light up and blink the LED 102 corresponding to card 48. This blinking of LED 102 allows other players 113 to understand the remote operator's intention even if they can only see the back of the card. As a result, other players 113 can take out card 48 and play it on the table instead. In this way, in this embodiment, an operator in a remote location can accurately communicate the card they want to play to other players and participate in the game. Note that the application 117 is merely an example, and is not limited to this, as long as it can be connected to the computer 78 and the illumination state of the card stand's LED can be controlled.

[0057] The operation of the card stands when connected in cascade mode will be explained. Figure 35 shows two card stands of this embodiment, each capable of holding 5 cards, connected by a cable 17, allowing them to hold a total of 10 cards. When button 119 is clicked in application 117 on computer 78 connected to the card stand on the upper left of the figure (the first card stand), the LED 102 of the first card stand lights up first. At this time, the leftmost card 48 (the 4 of diamonds) on the first card stand is selected. Subsequently, each time button 119 is clicked, the LEDs that light up switch sequentially from LED 103, LED 104, LED 105, and LED 106. After the lights move to the rightmost LED 106, when button 119 is clicked again, all the LEDs on the first card stand turn off, and the leftmost LED 102 of the card stand on the right side of the figure (the second card stand), connected by cable 17, lights up. If you continue clicking button 119, the LEDs on the second card stand will switch sequentially from LED 103, LED 104, LED 105, to LED 106. Once the LEDs on the second card stand reach LED 106 on the far right, and button 119 is clicked again, all the LEDs on the second card stand will turn off. If button 119 is clicked again, LED 102 on the first card stand will light up, and the leftmost card 48 (Diamond 4) will be selected again.

[0058] Additionally, clicking button 118 sends a signal to all cascaded card stands to blink the currently lit LED. This mechanism allows the application operation on the first card stand to change the LED lighting and blinking of other cable-connected card stands, thereby increasing the number of cards that can be held.

[0059] Figure 34 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the present invention, illustrating the arrangement and connection relationships of the LEDs. The microcontroller 273 is provided with five output pins for LED control, and a total of five LEDs are connected to these output pins. Figure 36 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the card stand of Embodiment 5 with cascaded connections, and a wiring diagram showing the connection relationships of the cascaded connection terminals. The configuration of the cascaded connection sections 12 and 15 is the same as in Embodiment 1. [Examples]

[0060] Figures 40-45 show Embodiment 6, a card stand to which the present invention is applied, which has a different LED lighting pattern from Embodiments 1 to 5 shown so far. The external configuration of the card stand of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 40. The main body 121 is formed in the shape of an elongated rectangular parallelepiped and employs a structure that holds cards with two protrusions 43 and 45, similar to Embodiment 2. Pairs of two-color LEDs (130-180, 131-181, 132-182, 133-183, 134-184) are attached on both sides of the protrusions 43 and 45, and multiple pairs of these two-color LEDs (130-180, 131-181, 132-182, 133-183, 134-184) are provided at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction. The number of pairs of these LEDs increases or decreases depending on the length of the main body. Cascade connection terminals 316 and 317 are provided at both ends of the main body 121 in the same positions as the cascade connection terminals in Examples 1 to 5. 3.5 mm jack holes 190 and 191 for connecting an external switch are formed on the front of the main body 121 in the same positions as the jack holes in Examples 1 and 2.

[0061] Figure 43 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of this embodiment, illustrating the arrangement and connection relationships of the LEDs. As shown in wiring diagram 123, the LEDs in this embodiment are two-color LEDs connected to the microcontroller 274 by two current input lines. Switch 190 is for switching which LEDs are lit. Switch 191 is an LED color change switch. This allows the operator to switch which LEDs are lit and change the LED color by operating the switches. In this embodiment, the LED color change can be maintained until all the cards to be played have been decided. This feature provides a lighting pattern suitable for games such as poker, where multiple cards must be exchanged or played at once.

[0062] The actual usage of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 41 and 42. Figure 41 shows the card stand 121 with an external switch connected and the cards standing upright. Assume the operator is playing poker and wants to keep the pair of cards 49 "7 of Diamonds" and 127 "7 of Clubs" and exchange the other cards. When the power (not shown) is turned on, all LEDs are off. When the operator presses the LED switching switch 135 connected to the jack hole 190 once, the leftmost LED 130 lights up red. Subsequently, when the LEDs (130, 131, 132, 133, 134) light up and change color, the corresponding pair of LEDs on the back of the cards (180, 181, 182, 183, 184) also change in the same way. When the operator intends to exchange this card, they press the LED color change switch 136 connected to the jack hole 191, and the color of LED 130 changes from red to blue. Next, when the operator presses the LED switching switch 135, the blue-lit LED 130 remains lit, and the next LED 131 lights up red. If the operator wants to keep the "7 of Diamonds" card 49, pressing switch 135 again will turn off LED 131, and the next LED 132 will light up red. Similarly, to keep the "7 of Clubs" card 127, pressing switch 135 again will turn off LED 132, and LED 133 will light up red. Card 50, the "8 of Diamonds," is a card to be swapped, so the operator presses switch 136 to turn LED 133 blue. Pressing switch 135 again will turn LED 134 red, indicating that it is selected. Card 129 is also a card to be swapped, so the operator presses switch 136 to change LED 134 from red to blue.

[0063] Figure 37 shows the state where the LED indicating the card to be exchanged has changed to blue. LEDs 130, 133, and 134 remain lit blue. When the LED switching switch 135 is pressed after the selected LED is the rightmost LED 134, LEDs 130, 133, and 134, which were lit blue, flash for 3 seconds and emit an electronic sound. This action allows the operator to communicate to other players their intention to exchange cards 125, 50, and 129. After flashing for 3 seconds, all LEDs turn off and return to the initial state. The lighting pattern in this embodiment reduces the burden on the operator and other players when playing games such as poker where multiple cards are played simultaneously, and enhances immersion in the game.

[0064] The operation of the card stands when connected in cascade mode will be explained. Figure 44 shows two card stands of this embodiment, each capable of holding 5 cards, connected by cable 326, allowing them to hold a total of 10 cards. We will assume a scenario where card 50, "8 of Diamonds," is taken from the card stand on the upper left of the figure (first card stand), and card 301, "2 of Diamonds," is taken from the card stand on the upper right of the figure (second card stand). When the switch 135 connected to the first card stand is pressed, the LED 130 of the first card stand lights up red first. Subsequently, when the LEDs (130, 131, 132, 133, 134) light up and change color, the corresponding pair of LEDs (180, 181, 182, 183, 184) on the back of the cards will also change in the same way. Each time the switch 135 is pressed, the red LED will sequentially switch to LED 131, LED 132, and LED 133. LED133 indicates card 50, "Diamond 8," so press switch 136 to change the color of LED133 to blue. Pressing switch 135 again causes LED133 to remain blue while LED134 lights up red. With LED134 on the far right lit, when switch 135 is pressed again, all the red LEDs on the first card stand turn off, and on the second card stand connected by cable 326, LED130 on the far left lights up red. Pressing switch 135 again causes LED130 on the second card stand to turn off, and LED131 lights up red. LED131 indicates card 301, "Diamond 2," so press switch 136 to change the color of LED131 to blue. Pressing switch 135 again causes LED131 to remain blue while LED132 lights up red. If switch 135 is held down, the red LED will sequentially switch to LED 133, then LED 134. The LEDs will light up all the way to LED 134 on the right end of the second card stand, and when switch 135 is pressed again, LED 133 on the first card stand and LED 131 on the second card stand, which were lit blue, will flash for 3 seconds while emitting an electronic sound. After flashing for 3 seconds, all LEDs will turn off, returning to the initial state.

[0065] Figure 45 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the cascaded card stand of Embodiment 6 and a wiring diagram showing the connection relationships of the cascaded terminal section. The cascaded terminal section 316 of the first card stand is a terminal section for connecting to the next card stand and consists of terminals (260, 261, 266, 267) and is connected to the cascaded terminal section 317 of the second card stand by four conductors (280, 281, 286, 287) in cable 326. Conductor 280 is a conductor that transmits a signal to check the status of the next connected card stand. Terminal 260 is a terminal that receives an input signal from the next card stand via conductor 280 and is connected to the input pin of the microcontroller 274 of the first card stand. Conductor 281 is a conductor that transmits a signal to select an LED to light up red. Terminal 261 sends a signal to the second card stand via wire 281 to select an LED to light up red, and is connected to the output pin of the microcontroller 274 of the first card stand. Wire 286 transmits a signal to change the color of the red LED to blue. Terminal 266 sends a signal to the second card stand via wire 286 to change the color of the red LED to blue, and is connected to the output pin of the microcontroller 274 of the first card stand. Wire 287 is a GND wire for connecting the common ground (GND) of the cascaded card stands. Terminal 267 connects the GNDs of the cascaded card stands via wire 287 and is connected to the GND of the microcontroller 274 of this card stand.

[0066] The cascade connection terminal section 317 of the second card stand is a terminal section for connecting to the first card stand, and is composed of terminals (250, 251, 256, 257) and is connected to the cascade connection terminal section 316 of the first card stand by four conductors (280, 281, 286, 287) in the cable 326. Terminal 250 is a terminal that sends a signal to the first card stand via conductor 280 to convey the status of the second card stand, and is connected to the output pin of the microcontroller 274 of the second card stand. Terminal 251 of the second card stand is a terminal that receives a signal from the first card stand via conductor 281 to select an LED to light up red, and is connected to the input pin of the microcontroller 274 of the second card stand. Upon receiving this signal, the microcontroller 274 of the second card stand controls the LED section to switch the red LED of the second card stand. Furthermore, when the microcontroller 274 of the second card stand receives the signal from the first card stand, if the LED at the right end of the second card stand is already selected, it controls the LED section and the buzzer to make the blue LED of the second card stand blink for a certain period of time and emit an electronic sound. After the blinking of the blue LED and the electronic sound stop, all LEDs turn off, returning to the state immediately after power-on. Simultaneously with this operation, the microcontroller 274 of the second card stand, having received a signal for further LED selection after the selected LED reached the right end, blinks the selected LED, emits a buzzer sound, and transmits a signal to the first card stand via terminal 250 indicating that it has entered the process of returning the second card stand to the state immediately after power-on. The microcontroller 274 of the first card stand receives the signal from terminal 260 of the first card stand via wire 280 and controls the LED section and buzzer, causing the blue LED of the first card stand to blink for a certain period of time and sounding the buzzer. After the LED blinking and buzzer sound stop, all LEDs on the first card stand turn off, returning to the state immediately after power-on. Terminal 256 is a terminal that receives a signal from the first card stand via wire 286 to change the color of the red LED to blue, and is connected to the input pin of the microcontroller 274 of the second card stand.Upon receiving this signal, the microcontroller 274 of the second card stand controls the LED section to change the color of the lit LED on the second card stand to blue. It also outputs a signal to terminal 266 of the cascading connection terminal section 316 of the second card stand, and if there is another card stand connected, it transmits the signal to change the color of the lit LED on that card stand as well. Terminal 257 is a terminal that connects the GNDs of the cascaded card stands via the conductor 287 and is connected to the GND of the microcontroller 274 of this card stand. [Examples]

[0067] Figures 46 to 51 show Embodiment 7, which implements a card stand that communicates the intention to have other players play multiple cards simultaneously, by connecting it to a computer and using an application. The external configuration of the card stand will be described based on Figure 46. 137 is the main body, which is formed in the shape of an elongated rectangular parallelepiped. Similar to the card stand in Embodiment 1, the main body 137 has grooves 11 for holding cards that are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body, and a pair of LEDs (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10) arranged at equal intervals next to the grooves. Also, similar to Embodiments 2 and 3, it is equipped with a USB terminal 65 that enables connection to a computer, and is configured to perform serial communication via this terminal.

[0068] Figure 47 shows the card stand of Embodiment 7 connected to a computer and being operated. The operator uses the application 139 with a trackball 79 on a computer 78 connected to the main unit 137 via USB to operate the card stand.

[0069] Figures 48 and 49 are enlarged views of the operation screen of application 139. On the operation screen, buttons 140 to 144 are arranged, corresponding to the number of cards held by the USB-connected card stand. For example, if the operator wants to swap the second card from the left and the rightmost card in the card stand, they click the corresponding buttons 141 and 144, respectively. At this time, as shown in Figure 49, the color of the selected button changes, visually indicating the selection status. After the selection is complete, clicking the OK button 145 causes the corresponding LEDs 3-4 and 9-10 on the card stand to light up, as shown in Figure 50. This illumination visually communicates to other players which cards the operator wants to swap.

[0070] Figure 50 shows a poker game in which the operator attempts to achieve a "diamond flush" and passes unwanted cards to other players. In this way, by controlling the main unit 137 via an application 139 on a computer 78 connected to the main unit 137 and simultaneously lighting up multiple LEDs, it is possible to smoothly proceed with games that often involve exchanging multiple cards at once. Note that the application 139 is just one example, and is not limited to this, as long as it can be connected to the computer 78 and control the illumination state of the LEDs on the card stand.

[0071] Figure 51 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of this embodiment, illustrating the arrangement and connection relationships of the LEDs. [Examples]

[0072] Figures 52 to 58 show Embodiment 8, which allows the card stand to be controlled remotely by operating the application shown in Embodiment 7, which simultaneously selects and lights up multiple cards, on a browser. The external configuration of the card stand will be described based on Figures 52, 53, and 54. 149 is the main body, formed in the shape of an elongated rectangular parallelepiped. Similar to the card stand in Embodiment 2, two rows of protrusions 210 and 211 are formed along the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped in the center of the top surface, thereby holding the cards. The card holding part 147 is made of a material that transmits LED light, similar to the card stand in Embodiment 4. Furthermore, LEDs 86 are arranged planarly at the bottom of the card holding part. Also, as shown in Figure 58, a microcontroller 276 equipped with a communication module 164 is used, similar to Embodiment 5, and this microcontroller 276 functions as a web server. This makes it possible to operate it remotely from a computer or smartphone via the internet using an application on a browser. Therefore, terminals for connecting an external switch and USB terminal holes for connecting a computer are not necessary in this embodiment.

[0073] Figure 54 shows the cards in a card stand. In this embodiment, the planarly arranged LEDs 86 are normally off, and when information about a selected card is received through the application, the LEDs at the bottom of the corresponding card light up. For example, if card 125 "Four of Hearts" is selected, all the LEDs in the corresponding range 170 (specifically, 18 LEDs in total across 6x3 rows) light up. Similarly, if card 50 "Eight of Diamonds" is selected, all the LEDs in range 173 light up.

[0074] Figure 55 shows the card stand in this embodiment being remotely controlled and a player participating in the game, from the perspective of another player. Figure 56 shows the same scene from the perspective of the remote operator. The main unit 149 is placed in front of a smartphone 112 connected to the remote operator via video call, and is positioned so that the image side of the card held in the main unit 149 faces the camera of the smartphone 112. On the other hand, the back side of the card held in the main unit 149 is facing the other players, and they cannot see the contents of the card. The remote operator 120 understands the contents of the card through the screen of their smartphone 115, and then uses a computer 78 connected to the card stand 149 to operate the application 158 on a browser and select the card they want to change. Figure 57 shows the operation screen of the application 158. The remote operator clicks buttons 240 and 243 to select the card, and then clicks the confirm button 161. As a result of this operation, as shown in Figure 55, the card stand 149 receives the command and the LEDs located in ranges 170 and 173 light up. This allows the other player 113 to understand that the cards the remote operator wishes to change are cards 125 and 50, and to perform the card exchange. This type of LED lighting is a useful function that enables smooth gameplay in games such as poker, where multiple cards are often selected at once. Note that the application 158 is just one example and is not limited to this, as long as it is possible to control the illumination state of the LEDs on the card stand by connecting to the computer 78.

[0075] In the present invention, each configuration shown in Examples 1 to 8 includes the following features. The shape of the card holder portion may be a groove or two rows of protrusions. The material of the card holder portion can be transparent or translucent. The LED lighting operation section may be a 3.5 mm jack hole, a USB terminal, or an internet connection using a communication module. The LEDs can be arranged individually at equal intervals, in rows, or in a planar arrangement. Selectable LED lighting patterns include sequential lighting and simultaneous lighting of designated LEDs. Furthermore, LED lighting patterns indicating a decision may include blinking, increasing or decreasing the number of LEDs lit within a selected range, changing the color of a selected LED, or changing the brightness of a selected LED. The LEDs can be placed on the front, back, bottom, or both of these locations within the card holder portion. Based on these features, a variety of configurations are possible, and any combination of the elements disclosed herein can be applied.

[0076] In this invention, a contact-type push-button switch is shown as an example of an external switch, but the invention is not limited to this. Depending on the user's condition and application, other external switches such as electrostatic input devices, photoelectric input devices, exhalation or inhalation input devices, piezoelectric element input devices, pneumatic input devices, and electromyography input devices can also be connected. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1-10 LEDs 11 Groove 12. Cascade connection terminal section 13. Jack hole for LED illumination selection switch 14 jack holes for LED flashing switch 15 Cascade connection terminal section 17. Card stand connection cable 18 Electronic buzzer 19 Microcontroller of the card stand in Example 1 20 Main body of Example 1 21 Push button switch connected to the jack hole for the LED illumination location selection switch. Push button switch connected to jack hole for 22 LED flashing switch 41. The card played (3 of Spades) 42 Other players 43 Protrusion 44 Main body of Example 2 45 Protrusion 46. ​​Column-shaped arrangement of LEDs on the operator's side. 47. Column-shaped LEDs on the other player's side 48 Hand card (4 of Diamonds) 49. Hand card (7 of Diamonds) 50 Hand cards (8 of Diamonds) 51 Hand card (King of Diamonds) 52 Hand card (Jack of Diamonds) 53. Range of the row-arranged LEDs that designate the first card from the left. 54. Range of the row-arranged LEDs that designate the second card from the left. 55 Range of row-arranged LEDs to specify the third card from the left. 56. Range of the row-arranged LEDs that specify the fourth card from the left. 57. Range of the row-arranged LEDs that designate the 5th card from the left. 58 Push button switch connected to the jack hole for the LED illumination location selection switch. 59 Push button switch connected to the jack hole for the LED brightness change switch 60 Shift Register ICs 61 Main body of Example 3 62 Card holder 64 rows of two-color LEDs 65 USB port holes 71. Range of the row-arranged LEDs that designate the first card from the left. 72. Range of the row-arranged LEDs that specify the second card from the left. 73. Range of the row-arranged LEDs that specify the third card from the left. 74. Range of the row-arranged LEDs that specify the fourth card from the left. 75 Range of row-arranged LEDs to specify the 5th card from the left. 76 USB cables 78 Computers 79 Trackball 80 Applications 81. The "Confirm" button in the application 82. The "Right" button in the application 83 Eye-tracking devices 84 Two-color LED wiring 85 Main body of Example 4 86 Planar arrangement LED 92 Two LEDs indicate that the first card from the left is selected. 93 Two LEDs indicate that the second card from the left is selected. 94 Two LEDs indicate that the third card from the left is selected. 95 Two LEDs indicate that the fourth card from the left is selected. 96 Two LEDs indicate that the fifth card from the left is selected. 98 Main body of Example 5 100 Column 101 Card holder 102-106 LEDs 112 Smartphone placed on the other player's side 113 Other players 115. The remote operator's smartphone 117 applications 118. The "Confirm" button in the application 119 The "Right" button in the application 120 remote operators 121 Main body of Example 6 123 Two-color LED wiring 125 Hand card (4 of Hearts) 126 Hand card (3 of Clubs) 127 Hand card (7 of Clubs) 128 Hand card (7 of Hearts) 129 Hand card (King of Hearts) 130~134 2-color LED Push button switch connected to the jack hole for the 135 LED illumination location selection switch. 136 Push button switch connected to the jack hole for the LED color change switch 137 Main body of Example 7 139 Applications 140-144 Buttons on the application 145 The "Confirm" button on the application 147 Card holder 149 Main body of Example 8 158 applications 161 The "Confirm" button in the application 162 jack holes for LED illumination selection switch 163 Jack hole for LED brightness change switch 164 Communication Module 166 Protrusion 167 Protrusion 168 Groove 170 The range of the surface-arranged LEDs that light up when the first card from the left is selected. 171 The range of the surface-mounted LEDs that light up when the second card from the left is selected. 172 The range of the surface-mounted LEDs that light up when the third card from the left is selected. 173 The range of the surface-mounted LEDs that light up when the fourth card from the left is selected. 174 The range of the surface-mounted LEDs that light up when the 5th card from the left is selected. 180~184 2-color LED 190 jack holes for LED lighting selection switch 191 Jack hole for LED color change switch 200 Hand Card (9 of Hearts) 201 Hand card (10 of Hearts) 210 Protrusion 211 Protrusion 230 mice 240-244 Buttons on the application 250 A terminal that sends a signal to the previous card stand indicating the presence and status of a cascaded card stand. 251 Terminal that receives the signal for selecting which LED to light up. 252 Terminal that receives a signal to make a lit LED blink for a certain period of time. 253 Terminal that receives a signal to change the brightness of an lit LED for a certain period of time. 254 Terminal that receives a signal to change the color of the lit LED for a certain period of time. 255 A terminal that receives a signal to illuminate the planar LEDs corresponding to the card indicated by the two lit LEDs for a certain period of time. 256 Terminal that receives a signal to change the color of the lit LED. Terminal connected to 257 GND wire 260 Terminal that receives a signal indicating the presence and status of cascaded card stands. 261 Terminal that sends the signal for selecting which LED to light up. 262 Terminal that sends a signal to make a lit LED blink for a certain period of time. 263 Terminal that sends a signal to change the brightness of an lit LED for a certain period of time. 264 Terminal that sends a signal to change the color of the lit LED for a certain period of time. 265 A terminal that sends a signal to light up the planar LEDs corresponding to the card indicated by the two lit LEDs for a certain period of time. 266 Terminal that sends a signal to change the color of the lit LED. 270 Microcontroller of the card stand in Example 2 271 Microcontroller of the card stand in Example 3 272 Microcontroller of the card stand in Example 4 273 Microcontroller of the card stand in Example 5 274 Microcontroller of the card stand in Example 6 275 Microcontroller of the card stand in Example 7 276 Microcontroller of the card stand in Example 8 280 A wire that transmits a signal indicating the presence and status of cascaded card stands. 281 Wire that transmits the signal for selecting which LED to light up. 282 A wire that transmits a signal to make a lit LED blink for a certain period of time. 283 A wire that transmits a signal to change the brightness of an lit LED for a certain period of time. 284 A wire that transmits a signal to change the color of an lit LED for a certain period of time. 285 A wire that transmits a signal to illuminate the planar LEDs corresponding to the card indicated by the two lit LEDs for a certain period of time. 286 Wire that transmits a signal to change the color of the lit LED. 287 GND wire 290 Power supply 291 Latch lock terminal 292 Shift Clock Terminal 293 Serial data input terminal 300 Hand Card (10 of Diamonds) 301 Hand card (2 of Diamonds) 302 Hand card (3 of Diamonds) 303 Hand card (5 of Diamonds) 304 Hand card (9 of Diamonds) 310 Cascade connection terminal section 311 Cascade connection terminal section 312 Cascade connection terminal section 313 Cascade connection terminal section 314 Cascade connection terminal section 315 Cascade connection terminal section 316 Cascade connection terminal section 317 Cascade connection terminal section 322 Card stand connection cable 323 Card stand connection cable 324 Card stand connection cable 326 Card stand connection cable

Claims

1. A main body that holds n cards (n > 1 and n: a natural number) in a hand upright, A light source unit is installed corresponding to the position of each of the aforementioned hand cards, The system includes an operating unit for controlling the illumination state of the light source unit corresponding to a desired early hand card. A card stand that has the function of visually indicating to other players the card intended by the operator by the illumination state of the light source unit corresponding to that card.

2. The card stand according to claim 1, wherein each of the light source units is installed so as to be visible to both other players who are in a position where they can only see the back of the card and the operator who is in a position where they can see the patterned side of the card.

3. The card stand according to claim 1 or claim 2, which has the function of visually indicating to other players the card intended by the operator by illuminating the light source unit corresponding to that card.

4. The card stand according to claim 1 or claim 2, which has the function of visually indicating to other players the card intended by the operator by flashing the light source unit corresponding to the card.

5. The card stand according to claim 1 or claim 2, which has the function of visually indicating to other players the card intended by the operator by changing the light emission color of the light source unit corresponding to the card.

6. A main body that holds n cards (n > 1 and n: a natural number) in a hand upright, Multiple light source units are provided corresponding to the position of each of the aforementioned hand cards. The system includes an operating unit for controlling the illumination state of the light source unit corresponding to a desired early hand card. The card stand according to claim 1 or claim 2, which has the function of visually indicating to other players the card intended by the operator by the illumination state of the light source unit group corresponding to the card.

Images