A method, system, or program that runs on a terminal to support TCG (Trading Card Game) matches between users.

Abstract

To provide a system capable of supporting progress of a TCG with a more simple configuration.SOLUTION: A method comprises a first step (S653, S605A, S605B) for associating, with each other, a first terminal (10A) associated with information on a first user (5A) and a second terminal (10B) associated with information on a second user (5B), which is an opponent of the first user. The first terminal is positioned, relatively to TCG equipment (30) for arranging cards used in a TCG battle, to be capable of sensing all of a range where the cards are arranged. The method also comprises a second step (S609B) for reporting information on progress of the TCG battle to the first user and the second user on the basis of a result of the sensing by the first terminal without requiring the second terminal to sense all the range sensed by the first terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method, a system, and a program executed on a terminal to support a TCG (Trading Card Game) battle between users.

Background Art

[0002] It is popular for users to build a deck using cards and play a TCG between users. A TCG uses real cards to conduct battles between users under predetermined rules.

[0003] By setting various constraint conditions when a user composes a deck, the user will be motivated to compose a deck under the constraints, and the interest of the TCG will increase. There are various constraint conditions. For example, when each card has a numerical concept of cost, the cards are composed so that the total value of the costs of each card for constructing the deck does not exceed a predetermined value.

[0004] Also, the number of cards that can be included in a deck may be limited to a predetermined number. Also, depending on the regulations of a TCG tournament, it may be stipulated that certain cards must not be used, or depending on the theme of the tournament, it may be stipulated that only cards of a specific attribute can be used.

[0005] Various technologies are being used to provide users with an even better TCG (Trading Card Game) experience. For example, in games for home consoles (see Patent Document 1 below), the user prepares a board for placing cards and a camera device for photographing the board, and the game progresses by connecting the camera device to the home console. In the technology of Patent Document 1, the camera is set up to photograph the board on which the user places the cards. Each card has a two-dimensional code printed on it to identify it. The image captured by the camera is displayed on the game screen, and when a card is placed on the board, a 3D model of the game object identified by the card is displayed superimposed on the card's position.

[0006] According to Patent Document 1, when a real card is placed on the board, game objects are arranged in the game space according to the position where the card is placed, and the game progresses, such as reducing the health gauge through attacks. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-079815 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, in the case of the game described in Patent Document 1, in addition to the home game console, a dedicated camera that can be connected to the game console is required to play the game, so the user's preparations before starting the game become extensive.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for technology that can support the progress of TCGs with a simpler configuration.

[0010] Therefore, this disclosure provides a system that can support the progress of TCGs with a simpler configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one embodiment, a method is provided to be performed on a terminal to support a TCG match between users. The method includes a first step of associating a first terminal, to which information of a first user is associated, with a second terminal, to which information of a second user, who will be the opponent of the first user, is associated. The first terminal is positioned on TCG equipment for placing cards used in a TCG match, in a position where it can sense the entire area in which the cards will be placed. The method includes a second step of the second terminal displaying information regarding the progress of the TCG match based on the sensing results of the first terminal, without requiring the second terminal to sense the entire area that the first terminal senses.

[0012] According to one embodiment, a method is provided to be executed by a terminal to support a TCG battle between users. The TCG battle is conducted using card members associated with information about characters appearing in the TCG, and TCG (Trading Card Game) equipment for each user to set up the card members during the battle. The first terminal is equipped with an imaging unit and is positioned to capture images of the card members being set up on the TCG equipment. This method includes the steps of: associating the first terminal with a second terminal when conducting a TCG battle; the first terminal generating video data by using its imaging unit to photograph the TCG equipment while the battle is in progress; and the second terminal displaying information regarding the progress of the battle based on the analysis results of the video data, without displaying the video data shown in the video data generated by the first terminal on the second terminal.

[0013] According to one embodiment, a system is provided to support trading card game (TCG) matches between users. In this system, a first terminal to which the information of a first user is associated and a second terminal to which the information of a second user who will be the opponent of the first user is associated are linked to each other. The first terminal is positioned on TCG equipment used to place cards used in TCG matches, in a location where it can sense the entire area where the cards are placed. The second terminal displays information regarding the progress of the TCG match based on the sensing results of the first terminal, without requiring it to sense the entire area sensed by the first terminal.

[0014] According to one embodiment, a program is provided for operating a terminal used by a user in a system for supporting TCG matches between users. In the system, a first terminal to which the information of a first user is associated and a second terminal to which the information of a second user who will be the opponent of the first user is associated are configured to communicate with each other. The first terminal is positioned on TCG equipment for placing cards used in TCG matches, in a position where it can sense the entire area in which the cards will be placed. The program causes the processor of the second terminal to perform the steps of associating the first terminal with the second terminal, and displaying information regarding the progress of the TCG match based on the sensing results of the first terminal, without requiring the second terminal to sense the entire area in which the first terminal senses. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to this disclosure, a system can be provided that can support the progress of TCG matches with a simpler configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the support system 1 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the current state of a TCG match as each user progresses using support system 1. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the support system 1. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of the terminal device 10 that constitutes the support system 1 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the data structures of the user information database 281, the matching history database 282, and the battle history database 283 stored in the server 20. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the process of analyzing a battle between users on a terminal and issuing a notification to support the progress of a TCG battle according to the analysis result. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing a situation where the terminal device 10B notifies the user that an action not conforming to the rules has been performed during a battle. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing another arrangement example of arranging the terminal device 10 with respect to the TCG supplies 30 to support the progress of a TCG battle. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the process of each user using a terminal to conduct a TCG battle.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0018] In the following embodiments, a technology will be described in which the system 1 supports the progress of a TCG (Trading Card Game) battle when a user conducts a TCG battle. Also, a technology will be described that facilitates the operation of a tournament (such as a convention) where multiple users conduct TCG battles by supporting the TCG battles between users in this way. To support the progress of the battle in this way, in the following embodiments, by using a mobile terminal held by the user to sense TCG items, identifying events occurring in the TCG battle between users, and notifying the user of predetermined information based on the identified content will be described.

[0019] Specifically, the support for the progress of the TCG battle includes the following content.

[0020] (1) As a preparation stage before the battle, for example, (i) performing matching of users to battle, (ii) guiding each user to the opponent to battle and the location to conduct the battle, (iii) when conducting a battle using the system, notifying the user of the position of the user terminal suitable for sensing when sensing TCG items (for example, mats, sheet-like items are used) for placing cards, etc. are included.

[0021] (2) As stages during a match, for example, (i) notifying the user of the position where cards should be placed in the TCG equipment, (ii) notifying the user of the rules for playing the TCG, (iii) calculating and notifying the user of the changes in the card parameters when the user places each card and activates effects such as attacking or being attacked by the opponent's cards or increasing parameters, (iv) notifying the user of the progress of the TCG match (how close each user is to the victory conditions, etc.), (v) notifying each user of actions that do not conform to the rules of the TCG (for example, using a card at a time when a particular card cannot be used, using a card prohibited by the rules of the tournament, etc., or using a card that violates the rules of the tournament where it is required to register the cards to be used in advance) (vi) Notifying the user of actions such as using cards that have not been registered, and encouraging the user to adhere to the norms for playing TCGs, even if the actions do not necessarily violate the rules of the TCG (for example, encouraging the user not to haphazardly place cards in the designated positions on TCG equipment. For example, suppose the designated positions for cards are indicated by frames on TCG equipment. In this case, if the terminal analyzes the image of the TCG equipment and detects that the user has ignored these frames when placing cards, it may notify the user to be careful not to haphazardly place cards. At this time, the user may also be notified that their actions will be evaluated based on their adherence to the norms during TCG matches).

[0022] (3) Post-match stages include, for example, (i) matching the user with their next opponent, (ii) evaluating each user's play during the match and assessing their skill level (based on factors such as the time it takes for a user to complete a turn and their familiarity with the rules), (iii) recommending an opponent to the user and matching them with that opponent based on the contents of the deck (combination of cards used in TCG matches) registered by the user and the results of the user skill level assessment, and (iv) evaluating whether the user played in accordance with the standards for playing TCG matches and notifying the user (for example, the terminal evaluates whether the user properly placed cards in the frames for placing cards on TCG equipment by analyzing images of the TCG equipment. The terminal then notifies the user of the evaluation result, for example, as fair play points).

[0023] <1. Composition> Figure 1 shows the configuration of the support system 1 of Embodiment 1. Figure 2 shows a situation in which each user is playing a TCG match using the support system 1.

[0024] State (A) in Figure 1 shows the phase in which the user is preparing for a TCG match using System 1. State (B) in Figure 1 shows the phase in which the user is about to start a TCG match by placing their terminal and cards on the TCG equipment.

[0025] Figure 2, state (A) shows the state in which the user is playing a TCG match while adding cards to their hand from the deck. Figure 2, state (B) shows the state in which the terminal device 10B notifies the user of the progress of the TCG match. Figure 2, state (C) shows the state in which the user's terminal notifies the user of their next opponent and match location after the user has finished playing a TCG match.

[0026] <1.1 Composition of TCG Supplies 30> First, please refer to Figure 1 to explain the various items each user will use in a TCG match. As shown in state (A) of Figure 1, when the first user (user 5A) and the second user (user 5B) begin a TCG match, TCG items 30 are placed between user 5A and user 5B. TCG items 30 are for each user to place the cards they will use in the TCG match.

[0027] Each user places cards on the TCG equipment and adds cards from the deck to their hand while progressing through the TCG match. First, let's explain the composition of the TCG equipment 30. The TCG equipment 30 includes a deck placement section 31A and a deck placement section 31B (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "deck placement section 31"), a preparation card placement section 32A and a preparation card placement section 32B (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "preparation card placement section 32"), a win / loss condition card placement section 33A and a win / loss condition card placement section 33B (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "win / loss condition card placement section 33"), a battle card placement section 34A and a battle card placement section 34B (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "battle card placement section 34"), a consumption card placement section 35A and a consumption card placement section 35B (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "consumption card placement section 35"), and a two-dimensional code 36.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, in a TCG match, each user replenishes their hand from the deck while battling cards. In the example in Figure 2, the first user (User 5A) has a hand of 93A (2 cards in the example in Figure 2). The second user (User 5B) has a hand of 93B (3 cards in the example in Figure 2).

[0029] The deck placement area 31 is an area for each user to place their deck of cards. The deck placement area 31A is the area for user 5A to place their deck. The deck placement area 31B is the area for user 5B to place their deck.

[0030] As shown in state (B) of Figure 1, when each user starts a TCG match, they first place their cards as a deck in the deck placement area 31. The deck placement area 31 is the area where users place their decks. Each user shuffles the cards that make up their deck and places them face down in the deck placement area 31. User 5A places deck 91A in deck placement area 31A. User 5B places deck 91B in deck placement area 31B.

[0031] The preparation card placement area 32 is an area for placing cards that can battle against the opponent's cards. Each user progresses the battle by swapping cards placed in the preparation card placement area 32 with cards placed in the battle card placement area 34, and by applying damage adjustments to cards placed in the battle card placement area 34 according to attack power, health, card attributes, weaknesses, etc. As shown in state (B) of Figure 1, before the start of a TCG battle, no cards are placed in the preparation card placement area 32 or the battle card placement area 34. On the other hand, as shown in state (A) of Figure 2, as the TCG battle progresses, each user places cards in the preparation card placement area 32 and the battle card placement area 34 and battles cards with each other. Each user replenishes their hand from the deck and places cards from their hand to be used in battle in the preparation card placement area 32 and the battle card placement area 34. User 5A places a card in the preparation card placement area 32A. User 5B places a card in the preparation card placement area 32B.

[0032] The win / loss condition card placement area 33 is an area that indicates the extent to which each player has met the victory conditions. In this embodiment, each player places a predetermined number of cards face down in the win / loss condition card placement area 33 from the deck. As shown in state (B) of Figure 1, user 5A places cards in the win / loss condition card placement area 33A. User 5B places cards in the win / loss condition card placement area 33B.

[0033] The battle card placement section 34 is an area for placing cards that will battle against the opponent's cards. User 5A places cards in the battle card placement section 34A. User 5B places cards in the battle card placement section 34B. In this embodiment, basically, a battle takes place between the cards placed in the battle card placement section 34A and the cards placed in the battle card placement section 34B, based on the health, attack power, character attributes shown on the card, weakness attributes, and other parameters set for each card. If a card loses its health due to taking an attack or the like, the character shown on the card is considered to have fainted and is removed from the battle, and placed in the consumption card placement section 35, which will be described later.

[0034] The card placement area 35 is an area for placing cards that have been consumed in a TCG battle. For example, cards that have lost health due to a battle, cards that have activated their effects, etc., are placed in the card placement area 35. As shown in state (A) of Figure 2, user 5A places card 92A in the card placement area 35A. User 5B places card 92B in the card placement area 35B.

[0035] The two-dimensional code 36 is information for identifying the location where the match will take place, and is a two-dimensional code that can be optically read by, for example, the camera of the terminal device 10. The two-dimensional code 36 includes information for identifying a particular table, for example, when multiple tables are set up for each user to play at a tournament. The two-dimensional code 36 is, for example, a string representing a URL that includes information for identifying the table. When a user's terminal reads the URL shown in the two-dimensional code 36 and accesses the URL, the user's identification information held on the user's terminal is sent to the access destination device (for example, a server). By comparing this with the user's identification information that has been previously associated with the table, it can be determined that the user indicated in the user's identification information has arrived at the correct table and is ready to play. For example, terminal device 10A, which is the terminal of user 5A, or terminal device 10B, which is the terminal of user 5B, can photograph the two-dimensional code 36 with its camera, allowing terminal device 10A or terminal device 10B to read the information shown in the two-dimensional code 36. Furthermore, it is not limited to cases where each user is shown the table in advance, such as at a tournament; when users play TCG against each other, they may also take a picture of the QR code 36 with the camera on their terminal device. This makes it possible to identify the table the user played at and the timing (date and time) of the match, allowing for the recording of user matches on a server, for example.

[0036] <1.2 Types of cards used in TCGs> In the TCG of this embodiment, the types of cards include (i) character cards that can be used in battle, (ii) action point cards (energy cards) that are used in conjunction with character cards, and (iii) effect cards that produce specific effects during a match.

[0037] (i) Character cards include cards that can be used in battle after the user draws a card from the deck and adds it to their hand, and then places it in the battle card placement section 34 (also called "unconditional cards"), and cards that can be used in battle after fulfilling certain conditions (also called "conditional cards").

[0038] (iA) For example, a conditional card can be made to participate in a battle on the condition that an unconditional card related to the conditional card is used. For example, analogous to character evolution, an unconditional card can first be presented to the opponent user by placing it on TCG item 30, and then the conditional card related to that unconditional card can be made to participate in the battle by placing it on TCG item 30. Such conditional cards are sometimes called "evolved characters" as they are evolved from unconditional cards. Also, since unconditional cards can be said to be the base characters that allow "evolved characters" to participate in battle, they are sometimes called "seed characters".

[0039] (iB) For example, a conditional card can be made to participate in a battle by consuming a specific card and moving it to the card placement section 35. Specifically, the conditional card can be made to participate in a battle by consuming an unconditional card placed in the TCG supplies 30 (moving it to the card placement section 35).

[0040] For example, a conditional card can be made to participate in a battle in exchange for one or more character cards that the user has placed on TCG equipment 30. For example, if each character card has a parameter that indicates the overall performance of the character (e.g., evolution level) in addition to the individual parameters of the character shown on the card, the user may make a conditional card with an evolution level corresponding to the evolution level of the character card they have placed participate in the battle. For example, if a character with evolution level 1 and a character with evolution level 2 are placed on TCG equipment 30, a conditional card with evolution level 3 can be placed on top of these character cards (or in exchange for these character cards).

[0041] In addition, it may be possible to allow a conditional card to participate in a battle in exchange for several character cards specified by the conditional card. In this case, it may also be possible to allow a conditional card to participate in a battle by consuming a support card, which is different from a character card and will be described later. For example, the effect indicated on the support card is that a specific conditional card can be allowed to participate in a battle in exchange for a specific unconditional card located in the battle card placement section 34, the consumption card placement section 35, etc. of the TCG equipment 30.

[0042] (iC) These cards include those that serve multiple purposes from the above-mentioned character cards, action point cards (described later), and support cards. For example, there may be special cards that can be used as both character cards and support cards. If a user places such a special card in a location where character cards should be placed (for example, the preparation card placement section 32 or the battle card placement section 34), it can be used as a character card.

[0043] (ii) Action Point Cards (Energy Cards) allow the user to perform a predetermined action shown on a character card by drawing a card from the deck, adding it to their hand, and then associating it with a character card and placing it on TCG Supplies 30. The operation of associating an Action Point Card with a character card may be performed, for example, during the user's turn. For example, an Action Point Card may be associated with a character card by placing it near a character card that is placed on TCG Supplies 30. There may also be a limit on the number of times an Action Point Card can be associated with a character card during a turn. For example, once during a user's turn, they may place an Action Point Card from their hand to associate with one of the character cards placed on TCG Supplies 30. For example, suppose a character card has a first attack action and a second attack action set. The first attack action may be usable when one Action Point Card is associated with the character card, and the second attack action may be usable when one Action Point Card is insufficient and two Action Point Cards are associated with the character card.

[0044] If a character card is forced to leave the battle due to its health running out or other reasons, the action point cards associated with that character card may also be made unusable during that battle.

[0045] (iii) Support cards that assist in the game include card types that the user can use any number of during a turn as long as they are in their hand, and card types that can only be used once during a turn. These support cards also include those that activate when the user declares that they will use the effect of the support card.

[0046] Furthermore, the system also includes auxiliary cards that are placed face down in a predetermined location on the TCG equipment 30 (in this embodiment, the predetermined location is not shown), and whose effect is activated when the user declares their intention to use the auxiliary card by voice or other means.

[0047] <1.3 Overview of TCG Battle Rules> The above explains the 30 TCG items used in TCG matches and the types of cards. Next, we will explain the rules of TCG matches in detail.

[0048] In the TCG shown in this embodiment, as described above, each user attacks or defends (battles) based on the cards they have placed in the battle card placement section 34A and the battle card placement section 34B to advance the TCG match. The TCG match progresses with users taking turns acting alternately. For example, when the first user finishes their turn, it becomes the second user's turn. When the second user takes their turn and finishes, it becomes the first user's turn.

[0049] Each user draws a predetermined number of cards from the deck and adds them to their hand at the start of each turn.

[0050] Each user places cards from their hand that they intend to use to attack or defend against their opponent's cards (character cards) into the preparation card placement section 32.

[0051] User 5A can swap the cards arranged in the preparation card placement section 32A with the cards arranged in the battle card placement section 34A during User 5A's turn. Similarly, User 5B can swap the cards arranged in the preparation card placement section 32A with the cards arranged in the battle card placement section 34A during User 5B's turn.

[0052] The win / loss condition card placement section 33A and the win / loss condition card placement section 33B are areas for notifying each user of their progress toward the conditions for winning the match, as described above. Here, the conditions for a user to win the match may be, for example, that all cards placed in the win / loss condition card placement section 33A or the win / loss condition card placement section 33B are collected. In other words, the win or loss may be determined when all cards are collected in either the win / loss condition card placement section 33A or the win / loss condition card placement section 33B.

[0053] For example, prior to a TCG match, each user places a predetermined number of cards from their deck into either the win / loss condition card placement section 33A or the win / loss condition card placement section 33B. That is, user 5A draws a predetermined number of cards from the deck and places them into the win / loss condition card placement section 33A. User 5B draws a predetermined number of cards from the deck and places them into the win / loss condition card placement section 33B. The character cards placed by user 5A in the battle card placement section 34A and the character cards placed by user 5b in the battle card placement section 34B are then played against each other. When the exit conditions set for a character card are met (for example, when the health value set for a character card is depleted based on the attack power set for the opponent's character card), the character on that character card is considered to have fainted and is moved to the consumption card placement section 35 (also called the "trash").

[0054] As a result, a user who wins a battle and removes an opponent's character card adds the cards placed in the win / loss condition card placement section 33A or 33B to their hand. For example, if user 5B removes a card placed in the battle card placement section 34A by attacking user 5A's character card during their turn, they take a predetermined number of cards from the cards placed in the win / loss condition card placement section 33B and add them to their hand. On the other hand, if user 5A removes a card placed in the battle card placement section 34B by attacking user 5B's character card during their turn, they take a predetermined number of cards from the cards placed in the win / loss condition card placement section 33A and add them to their hand. These operations can be repeated until either user 5B or user 5A has collected all the cards placed in the win / loss condition card placement section 33B, at which point the user who has collected all the cards is determined to be the winner of the TCG match. In addition, a victory condition for a match may also be that a player loses if there are no character cards in either the battle card placement section 34 or the preparation card placement section 32. Alternatively, a victory condition for a match may be that a player loses if they are unable to draw a card from the deck placement section 31 during their turn.

[0055] <1.4 Overview of the system supporting TCG battles> As shown in state (B) of Figure 1, when user 5A and user 5B start a TCG match, a communication connection is established between terminal device 10A, which is user 5A's terminal, and terminal device 10B, which is user 5B's terminal, thereby linking their terminals. As shown in the figure, terminal device 10A is placed outside the TCG equipment 30. Terminal device 10A is positioned so that its camera can sense the entire area in the TCG equipment 30 where cards are placed.

[0056] <1.4.1 Method for determining user behavior> (i) Identifying user behavior through image analysis The terminal device 10A analyzes the images captured by its camera to identify the movements of each user's fingers or hands, their gaze, and the cards placed on the TCG equipment 30. The terminal device 10A performs speech recognition on each user's speech and extracts predetermined actions in a TCG match. As a result, the terminal device 10A determines information related to the progress of the TCG, such as that users 5A and 5B performed an operation to place cards on the TCG equipment 30, that the content of that operation was identified (such as activating a card's effect), and that each user activated a card's effect by performing speech recognition on the speech of user 5A or user 5B.

[0057] Specifically, the terminal device 10A is equipped with, for example, a depth camera capable of detecting distance. Based on the captured image, the terminal device 10A recognizes the surface of a table or other surface on which the TCG supplies 30 are placed. By analyzing the captured image, the terminal device 10A identifies the TCG supplies 30 placed on the table or other surface and recognizes them as planar objects. Through image analysis, the terminal device 10A identifies the ranges of the deck placement section 31, preparation card placement section 32, win / loss condition card placement section 33, battle card placement section 34, and consumption card placement section 35 that constitute the TCG supplies 30.

[0058] (ii) Detection that cards are placed in each area of ​​the TCG supplies 30 The terminal device 10A detects cards used in the TCG by analyzing the captured image. Based on the card's design, an identification code embedded in the card, and a card database, the terminal device 10A identifies each individual card used in a TCG match (identifying which character card it is, etc.). Since the card designs are usually different for each card, the terminal device 10A can detect which card is being used based on the card designs included in the captured image. Furthermore, for example, if the back of each card is different (for example, if an identification code is attached to the back of the card), the terminal device 10A can detect which card it is based on the back of the card included in the captured image. In addition, as will be described later, if each user has registered information about the cards they use in TCG matches as a deck, the terminal device 10A can detect which cards from these registered decks are placed on the TCG equipment 30. In situations where many types of cards can be used in a TCG match, the accuracy of card detection can be further improved by registering the contents of each user's deck in advance and performing the above detection from the cards that make up the deck.

[0059] (iii) Detection of the card specified by the user The terminal device 10A detects specific movements, actions, and postures when the user's body is included in the captured image. For example, when the TCG equipment 30 detects the user's body in the captured image, it sets skeletal information (bones) based on the detection of points that make up the body. For example, when the terminal device 10A detects the range of the user's hand in the captured image, it identifies the position of the fingertips, the position of the finger joints, and the position of the wrist, and sets skeletal information that connects them. As a result, the terminal device 10A can detect that the user is moving their hand to touch a card placed on the TCG equipment 30, or pointing at a card placed on the TCG equipment 30, etc.

[0060] <1.4.2 Content to be determined> The terminal device 10A's determination of information regarding the progress of the TCG includes, for example, (1) determining information regarding the progress of a match, and (2) determining whether an action that does not conform to the rules of the TCG has been taken.

[0061] (1) Identification of information regarding the progress of the match (1-1) Determining user actions related to battle preparation (i) Replenishing and Consuming Hands Terminal device 10A detects when the user's hand touches the deck placement unit 31 and when the user takes a card from the deck and holds it. As a result, terminal device 10A detects that a card has been taken from the user's deck and manages the number of cards in each user's deck. Also, when a user places a card in the consumed card placement unit 35 (moves a card to the trash), terminal device 10A identifies that a card has been placed in the consumed card placement unit 35 and identifies the type of card placed, thereby managing the number of cards that each user has placed in the consumed card placement unit 35 (cards consumed in a match). This information managed by terminal device 10A may also be notified to the user during a TCG match. For example, terminal device 10B may respond to input operations from each user and display the number of cards in each user's deck, the number of cards consumed during a match, etc. on the display.

[0062] Furthermore, the terminal device 10A determines the contents of each user's hand (i.e., which cards from the deck each user holds in their hand) by photographing each user's hand (for example, the back of the cards).

[0063] (ii) Preparation for a battle between character cards The terminal device 10A identifies that a card has been placed in the battle card placement section 34 or the preparation card placement section 32 of the TCG supplies 30, that the placed card is a character card, and which character card has been placed in the battle card placement section 34 or the preparation card placement section 32. Based on this, the terminal device 10A updates the information of the character cards that each player has placed in the battle card placement section 34 or the preparation card placement section 32.

[0064] (iii) Association of Action Point Cards When the terminal device 10A detects that a user places a card near the character card and that the placed card is an Action Point card, it updates the information on the number of Action Point cards associated with the character on the character card. Action Point cards may also be placed on top of the character card using the TCG supplies 30. In other words, the terminal device 10A can detect that a card is an Action Point card based on the image of the Action Point card, etc., even if the entire area of ​​the Action Point card is not included in the captured image.

[0065] (iv) Evolution of Character Cards The terminal device 10A detects when a conditional character card has become usable in battle (evolution). The terminal device 10A identifies that a card placed in the battle card placement unit 34 or the preparation card placement unit 32 is an unconditional character card (basic character). When the terminal device 10A identifies that a card placed by the user in association with the unconditional card in the TCG supplies 30 is a conditional card (evolved character), it updates the information of the character card being used by the user from the character of the unconditional card to the character of the conditional card. At this time, the terminal device 10A may also update the data by transferring the number of action point cards (energy cards) associated with the character of the unconditional card and the parameter changes of the character of the unconditional card (such as the amount of damage received from the opponent's user character) to the character of the conditional card.

[0066] Furthermore, one method of placing conditional cards in association with unconditional cards is, for example, to place conditional cards on top of unconditional cards. Terminal device 10A detects a newly placed card in the area of ​​TCG supplies 30 where unconditional cards are placed, and if the card is a conditional card, it determines that the conditional card has become usable in battle in place of the unconditional card (the base character has evolved into an evolved character).

[0067] (1-2) Determining actions during battle For example, terminal device 10A identifies the character card that user 5A will use in battle by identifying the card placed in the battle card placement unit 34A. Terminal device 10A identifies what action was performed on the character card placed in the battle card placement unit 34A (for example, if the character card has multiple attack methods, which attack method was used) by voice recognition of the content of user 5A's speech and by detecting that user 5A has specified the card to be placed in the battle card placement unit 34A with their finger, etc. Based on this, the parameters of the character card are calculated based on the parameters of the character card such as attack power and health.

[0068] (1-3) Determination of whether an auxiliary card has been used. The terminal device 10A detects when a user has used an auxiliary card by recognizing the user's speech and by having the user specify an auxiliary card that the user has placed on the TCG equipment 30. For example, if a user picks up an auxiliary card, presents it to their opponent, and declares that they will use the auxiliary card, the terminal device 10A detects that the auxiliary card has been used. The terminal device 10A then performs processing such as correcting the parameters of each character card according to the effect of the auxiliary card.

[0069] (1-4) Determining whether the victory conditions have been met. The terminal device 10A determines which user has won by identifying the number of cards placed in the win / loss condition card placement section 33. As described above, each time a user wins a battle and depletes the health points of the character cards placed in the opponent's battle card placement section 34, the user can obtain a card placed in the win / loss condition card placement section 33. Therefore, the terminal device 10A determines which user has won by detecting that there are no more cards left in the win / loss condition card placement section 33.

[0070] As described above, the terminal device 10A records the actions taken by each user each turn by determining information related to the progress of the battle. For each user, the terminal device 10A records information such as the number of cards in the deck, the characters that can participate in the battle (character cards placed in the preparation card placement section 32 or the battle card placement section 34), the parameters of each character that increase or decrease due to attacks by each character, the effects of the support cards being used, and the total number of cards placed in the win / loss condition card placement section 33.

[0071] (2) Determining actions that do not conform to the rules of the TCG The terminal device 10A can determine whether or not the user's actions conform to the rules by identifying the actions taken by the user as described above.

[0072] (2-1) Inconsistency in the number of cards that can be used: For example, terminal device 10A can determine if the maximum number of cards that can be used in a turn is violated by keeping a history of the cards used by the user during a turn in which the user can take action. For example, terminal device 10A can determine if an action is inconsistent with the rules if two cards of a type of auxiliary card that is limited to one card per turn are used during a turn.

[0073] (2-2) Inconsistency of Usable Actions: (i) Terminal device 10A determines whether each user has fulfilled the conditions for having the character on the character card perform a specific action and whether the user is performing that action. For example, suppose a character card has multiple attack actions set, and each attack action requires a certain number of action point cards to perform. The TCG supplies 30 contain character cards and action point cards associated with the character cards. Terminal device 10A determines that an action does not conform to the rules if the user does not have enough action point cards to perform one of the attack actions set on the character card that the user has specified.

[0074] (ii) The terminal device 10A determines whether the user is using a conditional character card after the conditions for using that conditional character card in battle have been met. In other words, if the terminal device 10A determines that the user is using a conditional character card in battle even though the conditions for using that conditional character card in battle have not been met, it will notify the user of a warning or the like.

[0075] Furthermore, as described above, some conditional cards can be made to participate in battle by consuming a specific card and moving it to the card consumption area 35. When such a conditional card participates in battle, terminal device 10 detects that the specific card has been consumed (moved to the card consumption area 35). Terminal device 10A determines that if the user is trying to make a conditional card participate in battle but the specific card has not been moved to the card consumption area 35, this is an action that does not conform to the rules. In this case, terminal device 10A notifies the user that, as a rule for making a conditional card participate in battle, the specific card must be moved to the card consumption area 35.

[0076] Furthermore, as described above, conditional cards also include those that can be used in battle without consuming (i.e., without moving to the card consumption area 35) specific cards after placing those specific cards on the TCG equipment 30. The terminal device 10A detects that the user is attempting to use conditional cards in battle and is consuming (i.e., moving to the card consumption area 35) specific cards even though it is not necessary to consume them. In this case, the terminal device 10A notifies the user that, as a rule for using conditional cards in battle, it is not necessary to move the specific cards in question to the card consumption area 35.

[0077] (2-3) Non-conformity with the procedure for conducting a match: (i) If the procedure for actions that each user can take during their turn is defined, the terminal device 10A will detect if an action is taken without following that procedure. For example, each user is to take a predetermined number of cards from the deck at the start of their turn before taking any other actions. In this case, if the terminal device 10A detects that an action such as making a character card placed in the battle card placement unit 34 attack or using an auxiliary card has been taken without detecting that a card has been taken from the deck in the deck placement unit 31 after the start of the user's turn, the terminal device 10A will determine that the action is not in accordance with the rules.

[0078] (ii) The terminal device 10A detects if an operation related to each user's victory conditions has been performed inappropriately. For example, suppose the character of the card placed in the battle card placement unit 34 is a special character and not a normal character, and when that special character runs out of health in battle and leaves the battle, the number of cards the user takes from the victory / defeat condition card placement unit 33 is greater than in the case of a normal character. In this case, the terminal device 10A identifies whether the character that left the battle of the character card is a normal character or a special character, and then detects that the number of cards taken from the victory / defeat condition card placement unit 33 is inappropriate, thereby determining that the action does not conform to the rules. For example, the terminal device 10A identifies that the character that left the battle is a special character, and detects that the number of cards placed in the victory / defeat condition card placement unit 33 remains at the same level as when a normal character leaves, thereby determining that the action does not conform to the rules.

[0079] <1.5 Methods for notifying users of information that supports TCG matches> As described above, terminal device 10A detects actions that do not conform to the content and rules of TCG matches between users. Terminal device 10B communicates with terminal device 10A and notifies the user of the content determined by terminal device 10A based on the image analysis results.

[0080] As shown in state (B) of Figure 1, the terminal device 10B displays the progress of the battle on the progress display unit 132A on the operation reception unit 130 (touchscreen). The terminal device 10B notifies the user of the progress of the battle, for example, the health information of each character in battle and the number of action point cards (energy cards) associated with each character. These parameters are calculated based on the results of actions taken by the user during the battle (such as giving an attack command), which the terminal device 10A identifies (for example, subtracting the health value of a character that has been attacked according to the attack power). The terminal device 10B displays a button on the turn advance button 132B for each user to input an operation to advance their turn. When the terminal device 10B receives an input operation from the user on the turn advance button 132B, it sends a signal to the terminal device 10A indicating that the user's turn has ended.

[0081] When terminal device 10A detects the end of a match between users, it transmits this information to the server and terminal device 10B, as described later. Terminal device 10B receives information about the match's outcome from terminal device 10A or the server. Furthermore, when TCG matches are held at events such as tournaments or competitions, the server, as described later, matches users and determines the location (such as a table at the venue) where the matches will take place. Terminal device 10A or terminal device 10B communicates with the server and obtains information about the next opponent and the location of the match for each user.

[0082] As shown in state (C) of Figure 2, the terminal device 10B displays information on the match results, information on the next opponent (such as a rating value indicating the opponent's strength), and information on the match location on the match information display unit 132C at the operation reception unit 130. The terminal device 10B displays a map to the location where the user will play their next match on the map display unit 132D. The map display unit 132D displays information on the route from the user's current location to the table where the match will be played within the match venue, for example.

[0083] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to support the operation of tournaments and other events while notifying each user of information that supports users in playing TCGs against each other.

[0084] <1.6 System Configuration Diagram> Figure 3 shows the overall configuration of support system 1. As shown in Figure 3, the support system 1 includes terminal devices 10A and 10B (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "terminal device 10") used by users who play TCG matches, a terminal device 11 used by users on the operator side who manage the TCG matches, and a server 20. The terminal devices 10 and the server 20 communicate with each other via the network 80.

[0085] Terminal device 10 is a device operated by each user. Terminal device 10 is implemented by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet that is compatible with a mobile communication system. Alternatively, terminal device 10 may be, for example, a stationary PC (Personal Computer) or a laptop PC. As shown as terminal device 10B in Figure 3, terminal device 10 includes a communication interface 12, an input / output interface 13, memory 15, storage 16, and a processor 19. Server 20 includes a communication interface 22, an input / output interface 23, memory 25, storage 26, and a processor 29.

[0086] The terminal device 10 is connected to the server 20 via the network 80 in a way that allows it to communicate with the server. The terminal device 10 is connected to the network 80 by communicating with communication devices such as a wireless base station 81 that supports communication standards such as LTE, and a wireless LAN router 82 that supports wireless LAN standards such as IEEE802.11.

[0087] The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the terminal device 10 can communicate with external devices. The input / output IF 13 functions as an interface to input devices (e.g., touch panels, touchpads, pointing devices such as mice, keyboards, etc.) for receiving input operations from the user, and to output devices (displays, speakers, etc.) for presenting information to the user. The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage 16 is a storage device for saving data, such as flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The processor 19 is hardware for executing the instruction set written in the program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0088] Terminal device 11 is a device operated by the operator of a TCG tournament. The operator uploads information about the tournament to server 20, for example. This information includes the date and time of the tournament, the location of the tournament (e.g., a store or exhibition hall), the rules of the tournament (e.g., whether or not to include newly released TCG cards in the deck, whether or not to allow the use of certain cards, etc.), and the conditions for users to participate (e.g., placing highly in a specific tournament). The operator inputs this tournament information and uploads it to server 20 along with map data, etc.

[0089] Furthermore, there are two types of tournaments: (i) one in which multiple tables are prepared for users to play against, and each user is assigned a table before the tournament proceeds. For example, when conducting a league or tournament, the organizers may manage which users play against each other as the tournament progresses. In addition, there are two types of tournaments: (ii) one in which the organizers prepare the tables for the matches, but each user is not assigned a specific table. For example, users present at the tournament venue may play against each other face-to-face, and a user who achieves a certain number of wins may be selected. Terminal device 11 receives a specification from the organizer regarding how the tournament should be run (i.e., whether each user is assigned a table to play against, whether the tournament is run without table assignments, or both). Terminal device 11 transmits the tournament information received from the user to server 20.

[0090] Server 20 manages information for each user. Server 20 also performs matching between users to support TCG matches between users. Server 20 communicates with terminal device 10 via network 80 and stores the details of TCG matches identified by terminal device 10A as a match history.

[0091] Communication IF22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices. Input / Output IF23 functions as an interface to an input device for receiving input operations from the user and an output device for presenting information to the user. Memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). Storage 26 is a storage device for saving data, such as flash memory or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Processor 29 is hardware for executing the instruction set written in the program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0092] <1.7 Configuration of terminal device 10> Figure 4 is a block diagram of the terminal device 10 that constitutes the support system 1 of Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 4, the terminal device 10 includes a plurality of antennas (antenna 111, antenna 112), wireless communication units corresponding to each antenna (first wireless communication unit 121, second wireless communication unit 122), an operation reception unit 130 (including a touch-sensitive device 131 and a display 132), an audio processing unit 140, a microphone 141, a speaker 142, a position information sensor 150, a camera 160, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The terminal device 10 also has functions and configurations not specifically shown in Figure 4 (for example, a battery for maintaining power, a power supply circuit for controlling the supply of power from the battery to each circuit, etc.). As shown in Figure 4, each block included in the terminal device 10 is electrically connected by a bus or the like.

[0093] Antenna 111 radiates signals emitted by terminal device 10 as radio waves. Antenna 111 also receives radio waves from space and provides the received signals to first wireless communication unit 121.

[0094] Antenna 112 radiates signals emitted by terminal device 10 as radio waves. Antenna 112 also receives radio waves from space and provides the received signals to second wireless communication unit 122.

[0095] The first wireless communication unit 121 performs modulation and demodulation processing, etc., for the terminal device 10 to transmit and receive signals via the antenna 111 in order to communicate with other wireless devices. The second wireless communication unit 122 performs modulation and demodulation processing, etc., for the terminal device 10 to transmit and receive signals via the antenna 112 in order to communicate with other wireless devices. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 are a communication module that includes a tuner, an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) calculation circuit, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) calculation circuit, a high-frequency circuit, etc. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 perform modulation, demodulation, and frequency conversion of the wireless signals transmitted and received by the terminal device 10, and provide the received signal to the control unit 190.

[0096] The operation reception unit 130 has a mechanism for receiving user input operations. Specifically, the operation reception unit 130 is configured as a touchscreen and includes a touch-sensitive device 131 and a display 132. The touch-sensitive device 131 receives user input operations of the terminal device 10. The touch-sensitive device 131 detects the user's contact position with the touch panel, for example, by using a capacitive touch panel. The touch-sensitive device 131 outputs a signal indicating the user's contact position detected by the touch panel to the control unit 190 as an input operation.

[0097] The display 132 displays data such as images, videos, and text in accordance with the control unit 190. The display 132 can be implemented, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0098] The audio processing unit 140 modulates and demodulates the audio signal. The audio processing unit 140 modulates the signal received from the microphone 141 and provides the modulated signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 140 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 142. The audio processing unit 140 is implemented, for example, by an audio processing processor. The microphone 141 receives an audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to that audio input to the audio processing unit 140. The speaker 142 converts the audio signal received from the audio processing unit 140 into sound and outputs the sound to the outside of the terminal device 10.

[0099] The location information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the terminal device 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. A GPS module is a receiving device used in satellite positioning systems. In satellite positioning systems, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current position of the terminal device 10, which is equipped with a GPS module, is detected based on the received signals. The position detected by this GPS module can be used, for example, when the terminal device 10 performs a predetermined notification process based on the detection result of the sensor device 50 and stores the terminal device 10's position information in memory. For example, in a TCG (Trading Card Game) tournament venue, the location of the user can be obtained using the location information sensor 150.

[0100] Camera 160 is a device that receives light using a photodetector and outputs it as an image. Camera 160 is, for example, a depth camera that can detect the distance from camera 160 to the object being photographed.

[0101] The memory unit 180 is composed of, for example, flash memory and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 10. In a given scenario, the memory unit 180 stores user information 181, tournament entry information 182, and venue map information 183.

[0102] User information 181 contains information about the user who plays TCG matches. User information includes information that identifies the user, information about the deck the user has registered for playing matches (information that identifies the deck and information about the cards that make up the deck), the language setting the user uses, and information about the user's history of participating in tournaments and other events.

[0103] The tournament entry information 182 is information about tournaments that users of terminal device 10 have entered. The tournament entry information 182 includes, for example, information identifying the tournament, information about the date and time of the tournament, etc.

[0104] Venue map information 183 is information about the map of the venue where TCG matches, such as tournaments, are held. Venue map information 183 includes information identifying the tables where TCG matches will be held and information about the location where the tables are placed.

[0105] The control unit 190 controls the operation of the terminal device 10 by reading the program stored in the memory unit 180 and executing the instructions contained in the program. The control unit 190 is, for example, an application processor. By operating according to the program, the control unit 190 performs the functions of an input operation receiving unit 191, a transmitting / receiving unit 192, a data processing unit 193, and a display control unit 194.

[0106] The input operation reception unit 191 processes input operations from the user to an input device such as a touch-sensitive device 131. Based on the coordinate information of the touch-sensitive device 131 where the user's finger or the like has made contact, the input operation reception unit 191 determines the type of operation, such as whether the user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag (swipe) operation.

[0107] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 performs processing to enable the terminal device 10 to send and receive data with an external device such as a server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0108] The data processing unit 193 performs calculations on the data received as input by the terminal device 10 according to the program and outputs the calculation results to memory or the like. For example, the data processing unit 193 performs processing to associate the terminal device 10 with the terminals of other users. The data processing unit 193 determines the progress of a TCG match by analyzing the sensing results (captured images) of the camera 160. The data processing unit 193 determines the content of a notification to inform the user about the progress of the match.

[0109] The notification control unit 194 performs the following processes: displaying the image on the display 132, outputting sound to the speaker 142, and generating vibrations in the camera 160.

[0110] <1.8 Functional Configuration of Server 20> Figure 5 shows the functional configuration of server 20. As shown in Figure 5, server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0111] The communications unit 201 performs processing to enable the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0112] The memory unit 202 stores data and programs used by the server 20. The memory unit 202 stores a user information database 281, a matching history database 282, a match history database 283, and match venue map information 284.

[0113] User information database 281 is a database for storing information on each user participating in TCG matches. Further details will be provided later.

[0114] The matching history database 282 is a database that shows the history of matches made between users by server 20. Further details will be provided later.

[0115] The battle history database 283 is a database for storing the history of TCG battles. The battle history database 283 stores the results of analyzing user actions during the process in which terminal devices 10A and 10B support the progress of TCG battles. Therefore, for example, by terminal device 10 acquiring information from the battle history database 283, it is possible to reproduce the actions taken by each user as a replay based on the battle history stored in the battle history database 283. Further details will be described later.

[0116] The battle venue map information 284 is information about the map of the venue where TCG matches, such as tournaments, are held. The venue map information 183 includes information identifying the tables where TCG matches are held and information about the location where the tables are placed. The server 20 transmits the battle venue map information 284 in response to a request from the terminal device 10.

[0117] The control unit 203 performs the functions shown as various modules by having the server 20's processor process according to the program.

[0118] The operation content acquisition module 2041 acquires the user's operation content when the server 20 accepts input from the terminal device 10, such as information about participation in a tournament.

[0119] The receive control module 2042 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices according to a communication protocol.

[0120] The transmission control module 2043 controls the process by which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices according to a communication protocol.

[0121] Matching Module 2044 matches users to play against each other in TCGs. The matching module 2044 may, for example, match users to play against each other based on the match history information of each user held in the match history database 283. Since the match history information of each user includes information on each user's wins and losses, an evaluation value indicating the level of proficiency in TCG matches can be calculated for each user. Such an evaluation value may be calculated using a rating system (for example, the Elo rating system).

[0122] Furthermore, the matching module 2044 may perform user matching based on the time it takes each user to complete a turn, using the match history database 283. If a user takes the full time limit to complete a turn, it is possible that the user is not accustomed to playing against others. On the other hand, if a user completes a turn quickly, or if a user performs multiple actions continuously during a turn (for example, using multiple cards in succession), it is possible that the user is accustomed to playing against others. Therefore, the matching module 2044 can match users who are accustomed to playing against others, or users who are not accustomed to playing against others, based on the match history database 283.

[0123] Furthermore, the matching module 2044 matches users based on the match history database 283, referring to the history of actions each user has taken during matches that do not conform to the rules. Users who take actions that do not conform to the rules may be unfamiliar with the match rules. On the other hand, users who rarely take actions that do not conform to the rules can be said to be familiar with the match rules. Therefore, the matching module 2044 can match users who are familiar with the match rules with each other, or match users who are unfamiliar with the match rules with each other.

[0124] Furthermore, when the matching module 2044 matches participants in a tournament, it may perform the matching based on the location of the table where each participant is currently playing. When determining the next opponent for a user who has finished a match at a table, matching users whose tables are close together and notifying the user of the new table location reduces travel time for the user, thus shortening the time until the next match begins.

[0125] The battle behavior analysis module 2045 analyzes the behavioral trends of each user based on the battle history of each user, which is stored in the battle history database 283. For example, by analyzing the tendencies of each user's deck and the favorability of their deck against their opponent's deck (win rate), it can provide users with information that can be used as a reference when building their decks.

[0126] <2 Data Structure> Figure 6 shows the data structures of the user information database 281, the matching history database 282, and the match history database 283 stored by the server 20.

[0127] As shown in Figure 6, each record in the user information database 281 includes the following items for each piece of information that identifies the user: "Registered Deck Identification Information (ID)", "Registered Deck Contents", "Language Setting", and "Tournament Participation History".

[0128] The item "Registered Deck Identification Information (ID)" is information used to identify each deck registered by the user. The item "Registered Deck Contents" contains information that shows the contents of the cards that the user registers in their deck. The "Language Settings" item contains information that indicates the language settings used by the user. The item "Tournament Participation History" is information that shows a user's record of entering and participating in tournaments. In this embodiment, when participating in a tournament, the deck to be used in the match is reported to the tournament organizers before the match begins. The item "Tournament Participation History" includes information on the decks registered by the user through the operation of each user's terminal device 10 for each tournament the user has participated in.

[0129] Each record in the matching history database 282 includes the fields "Matching Identification Information (ID)", "Matching Date and Time", "Target User", and "Match Type Information".

[0130] The item "Matching Identification Information (ID)" is information used to identify each match performed by Server 20. In this embodiment, it is assumed that just because Server 20 has performed a match, the matched users will not necessarily play against each other. However, it is also possible to retain only the matches that resulted in users playing against each other in the Matching History Database 282. The item "Matching Date and Time" indicates the timing (date and time) when server 20 performed the matching. The item "Target Users" includes information about the matched users. When Server 20 matches users, it notifies each user's terminal device 10 to play a match. The item "Tournament Type Information" includes information to identify the tournament that performed the matching. Server 20 may also perform matching from among the tournament participants in order to support the operations of the organizers who run tournaments. As shown in the diagram, the item "Tournament Type Information" includes information to identify the tournament, such as the name of the tournament, the rules of the tournament, the date and time of the tournament, and other information.

[0131] Each record in the match history database 283 includes the fields "Match Identification Information (ID)", "Match Date and Time", "Target User", "Match ID", "Match Progress History", and "Rule Non-Compliance History".

[0132] This includes the fields "Matching Identification Information (ID)", "Matching Date and Time", "Target User", and "Tournament Type Information". The item "Match Identification Information (ID)" is information used to identify each match a user has played. Server 20 updates the record in the match history database 283 by receiving the results of the terminal device 10's analysis of user matches using the support system 1. The item "Match Date and Time" indicates the timing of a match between users. Here, the timing of the match may include the time (date and time) when Server 20 performed the matchmaking, the time each user started the match (the time when Server 20 accepted the start of the match between users, as described later), and the time each user ended the match (the time when it was determined that one of the users who participated in the match had met the victory conditions, as described later). The "Target User" field contains information that identifies each user who participated in the match. The "Matching ID" field indicates the matching ID used when Server 20 performs a match and a match between users takes place based on that match. The item "Match Progress History" includes the steps of each user's actions, which are analyzed by the terminal device 10 sensing TCG equipment. This information on the steps of these actions includes the time it took each user to advance their turn. For example, since a user advances their turn by operating the "Turn Advance Button" on terminal device 10B, the time it took each user to advance their turn can be measured. Alternatively, terminal device 10B may display buttons corresponding to various actions that each user can take during their turn. In this case, the time it took each user to advance their turn can be measured by the operation of these buttons. For example, terminal device 10B may display a button on the operation reception unit 130 that accepts from the user that a card that can only be used a predetermined number of times during a turn has been used (for example, that the user has used an auxiliary card that has an upper limit on the number of times it can be used during a turn). Also, for example, terminal device 10B may display a button on the operation reception unit 130 that accepts from the user that an action point card has been associated with a character card. This can help each user advance their turn. For example, it is possible to notify each user that they have already associated a predetermined number of action point cards with character cards during their turn, and that they cannot associate any more action point cards during that turn. Each user's actions are assigned a unique action ID. The "Match Progress History" field contains this information, allowing us to reconstruct how each user progressed through a match using their own deck, based on the information in the "Match Progress History" field. The item "Rule Non-Compliance History" shows the history of when terminal device 10A determined that a user's actions during a match did not comply with the rules.

[0133] <3 operations> The following describes the process by which terminal devices 10A and 10B support TCG matches played by users.

[0134] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process of analyzing user matches on a terminal and providing notifications to support the progress of TCG matches based on the analysis results. The following example illustrates a scenario where users repeatedly play matches while receiving notifications about their match locations, such as in a tournament.

[0135] In step S651, when the server 20 determines which users to match for a match, it sends information about the opponent and the venue (table information) where the match will take place to each user's terminal.

[0136] In step S601A, the terminal device 10A operated by the first user (user 5A) displays information about the opponent and information about the venue where the match will be held on the display 132.

[0137] In step S601B, the terminal device 10B operated by the second user (user 5B) displays information about the opponent and information about the venue where the match will be held on the display 132.

[0138] In step S603A, user 5A reads the two-dimensional code 36 of the TCG equipment 30 using the camera function of terminal device 10A. The two-dimensional code 36 contains information that identifies the table where the match will be played, for example, a URL. Based on the result of reading the two-dimensional code 36, terminal device 10A transmits the information that identifies the table where the match will be played to server 20.

[0139] In step S603B, user 5B reads the two-dimensional code 36 of the TCG equipment 30 using the camera function of terminal device 10B. Based on the result of reading the two-dimensional code 36, terminal device 10B transmits information to server 20 that identifies the table where the match will be played.

[0140] Furthermore, when a user reads the two-dimensional code 36 using the camera function of the terminal device 10, the terminal device 10 detects whether the user is at the table where they should be playing by comparing the table indicated by the reading result of the two-dimensional code 36 with the table where the user should be playing. In other words, the terminal device 10 detects that the user is attempting to play at a table different from the one where they should be playing. If the table where the user should be playing does not match the table indicated by the reading result of the two-dimensional code 36, the terminal device 10 notifies the user of an error and provides guidance to the user on the location of the table where they should be playing. Such guidance may include, for example, displaying the route from the location of the table indicated by the two-dimensional code 36 to the location of the table where the user should be playing on the terminal device 10, or displaying landmarks around the location of the table where the user should be playing on the terminal device 10. For example, the terminal device 10 displays landmarks such as the entrance to the venue and equipment in the venue, and information on the location of the table relative to these landmarks (e.g., "The table where you will be playing is the second seat from the entrance").

[0141] In step S653, the server 20 receives signals from each user's terminal based on the reading results of the two-dimensional code 36, and accepts that the matched user has started the match. The server 20 transmits to terminal devices 10A and 10B that it has accepted that the user has started the match. The server 20 transmits the information of the decks registered by each user to terminal devices 10A and 10B. Each user's terminal receives the deck information of the user they are playing against.

[0142] In steps S605A and S605B, terminal device 10A and terminal device 10B establish a communication connection with each other. For example, the communication connection is established by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® or WiFi.

[0143] In step S607B, the terminal device 10B notifies user 5B to place the terminal device 10B on the board of the TCG equipment 30 (State (A) in Figure 1). As shown in State (B) in Figure 1, the terminal device 10B notifies the user of the progress of the match and displays the turn advance button 132B to accept the operation of each user to advance their turn. Therefore, the terminal device 10B is not limited to the arrangement example in State (A) in Figure 1, but may also be placed in a position where both user 5A and user 5B can receive information notifications.

[0144] In step S607A, terminal device 10A notifies user 5A by image or voice where to place terminal device 10A relative to TCG supplies 30. Based on the image captured by camera 160, terminal device 10A determines whether it is positioned in a location that can capture the entire area where the user will place cards on TCG supplies 30, and notifies user 5A until terminal device 10A is positioned appropriately. Furthermore, if terminal device 10B is to be placed within the range that terminal device 10A can capture, terminal device 10A detects whether terminal device 10B is properly positioned based on the captured image, and if terminal device 10B is not detected, notifies the user to place terminal device 10B in an appropriate position. Once terminal device 10A detects that terminal device 10A and terminal device 10B are in appropriate positions, it notifies the user by voice that the TCG match can begin. Alternatively, terminal device 10A transmits a signal to terminal device 10B indicating that a TCG match can be started, causing terminal device 10B to notify the user that a TCG match can be started.

[0145] In step S609A, terminal device 10A identifies the progress of a TCG match based on images captured by camera 160 while the user is playing the TCG. Specifically, terminal device 10A identifies the details of character card battles, activation of support card effects, etc., by analyzing images captured by camera 160 of TCG equipment 30. Terminal device 10A identifies actions taken by the user during the match by analyzing the user's voice. Terminal device 10A identifies actions taken by the user during the match based on both the captured images and the voice. Based on the results identified in this way, terminal device 10A determines the progress of the match (for example, whether the character's health value on a character card has changed, whether the effect of a support card has been activated, etc.) and transmits the determined results to terminal device 10B. In addition, terminal device 10A identifies if the user has taken an action that does not conform to the rules of the match by analyzing the captured images and transmits to terminal device 10B that such an action has been taken. Furthermore, the progress of the match and whether a user has engaged in any action that does not conform to the rules of the match may be identified not only by analyzing the captured images, but also, instead of analyzing the captured images, by analyzing the user's voice or by accepting input operations to the terminal device 10B.

[0146] In step S609B, terminal device 10B receives the result of determining the progress of the match from terminal device 10A and notifies the user of the progress of the match. While the match is in progress, terminal device 10B accepts input operations from the user to advance turns (for example, notifying as shown in state (B) of Figure 1). If terminal device 10B receives from terminal device 10A that an action that does not conform to the rules has been performed, it notifies the user by image or sound. Terminal device 10B determines the language to use when notifying the user of information according to the user's language settings, which are maintained as user information database 281 in server 20. Terminal device 10B notifies according to the language settings of the user who is taking action in the turn, for example. For example, it notifies the user whose turn it is with an audio message such as "It's your turn" in the language of the user whose turn it is. Alternatively, terminal device 10B notifies the user of the progress of the match by image or sound in the language of each user participating in the match. For example, when the terminal device 10B is placed on the TCG equipment 30, the display 132 of the terminal device 10B displays information in an area easily visible to user 5A in an orientation easily visible to user 5A and in user 5A's language setting, and displays information in an area easily visible to user 5B in an orientation easily visible to user 5A (different from the orientation of the information in user 5A's language setting) and in user 5B's language setting. In this way, the terminal device 10A analyzes the captured image to determine the orientation of the terminal device 10B on the TCG equipment 30, and the terminal device 10B displays information on the display 132 in the respective languages. If the user does not perform an operation to advance the turn within a certain time after starting a turn, the terminal device 10B advances the turn and notifies the user that their turn has ended. In response to input operation to the turn advance button 132B, the terminal device 10B transmits to the server 20 and the terminal device 10A that the user has advanced the turn. This allows the terminal device 10A to detect when the user's turn has progressed.

[0147] Figure 8 shows the phase in which terminal device 10B notifies the user that an action inconsistent with the rules has occurred during a match. Terminal device 10B displays information indicating that an action inconsistent with the rules has occurred, and the details thereof, on the error detection display unit 132E in the operation reception unit 130. Terminal device 10B displays on the operation reception unit 130 the judge call unit 132F, which accepts operations to call a judge who will officiate the match, and the replay playback unit 132G, which accepts operations to display the captured images of terminal device 10A as a replay.

[0148] The terminal device 10B sends a signal to the server 20 in response to user input to the judge calling unit 132F. This allows the tournament organizers to find out which table has been affected by a rule violation and to dispatch a referee to that table.

[0149] Terminal device 10B transmits a signal to terminal device 10A or server 20 in response to user input operations to the replay playback unit 132G. This allows the video captured and recorded by terminal device 10A to be displayed on terminal device 10B or on the terminal of the tournament organizer, etc.

[0150] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7, in step S611A, when the terminal device 10A determines that the conditions for ending the match have been met, it sends the history of each user's actions identified during the match to the server 20.

[0151] In step S655, the server 20 receives from the terminal device 10 the history of the matches that have progressed and the history of actions that do not conform to the rules, and stores them in the match history database 283.

[0152] In step S657, the server 20 matches each user with their next opponent and transmits information about the opponent and the match location to terminal devices 10A and 10B.

[0153] In step S613A, the terminal device 10A displays information about the opponent and information about the venue where the match will be held on the display 132.

[0154] In step S613B, the terminal device 10B displays information about the opponent and information about the venue where the match will be held on the display 132 (State (C) in Figure 2).

[0155] <4 Layout example> Figure 9 shows another example of a configuration in which a terminal device 10 is placed in front of TCG supplies 30 to support the progress of a TCG match.

[0156] In the example (A) in Figure 9, terminal devices 10A and 10B are positioned on either side of the user playing the match to photograph the TCG equipment 30. By photographing the TCG equipment 30 with two terminals and performing image analysis, the accuracy of determining the progress of the match can be further improved.

[0157] In example (B), each user participating in the match has their own device. When determining the progress of the match based on the user's voice input, placing the device closer to the speaker can further improve the accuracy of the determination.

[0158] In example (C), three terminals are set up. Here, terminal device 10A is the terminal of user 5A, and terminal device 10B is the terminal of user 5B. In addition, a third party, such as the organizer of the tournament, prepares terminal device 10C and places it on the TCG equipment 30. Terminal device 10C can support the progress of TCG matches by performing the same processing as terminal device 10B in the explanation of Figure 7 above. Also, terminal device 10C may display information that identifies the table (for example, a two-dimensional code) on its display instead of the two-dimensional code 36 explained in Figures 1 and 2. Each user may start a match at a tournament by reading the information displayed on terminal device 10C with terminal devices 10A and 10B once a match location has been assigned to them. In other words, a match can be started at a table only if the user is the correct one paired for the match. In this way, when terminal devices 10A and 10B read the two-dimensional code displayed on terminal device 10C, the server 20 accepts the start of a TCG match (step S653 in Figure 7), and the server 20 notifies terminal device 10C that the match has started. Thereafter, terminal device 10C performs the role of terminal device 10B as described in Figure 7, displaying information to support the progress of the TCG match (same as step S609B). Alternatively, each user's terminal may be used to sense the TCG equipment 30 with two terminals, and each terminal may determine the progress of the match and transmit it to the server 20. This improves the consistency of the match progress history recorded in the match history database 283 and deters cheating in TCG matches.

[0159] <5. Cases where matching is not performed by Server 20> The explanation in Figure 7 describes an example where Server 20 matches opponents in a tournament, but this is not the only example.

[0160] Figure 10 shows the process by which each user progresses through a TCG match using their device. First, at the start of a match, each user's device will identify their opponent by reading the information displayed on each other's devices.

[0161] In step S901A, terminal device 10A displays information for identifying the user of terminal device 10A (e.g., user ID) in a manner that terminal device 10B can read (e.g., a two-dimensional code).

[0162] In step S901B, terminal device 10B obtains information about the opponent user (user 5A) by reading the code displayed on terminal device 10A.

[0163] In step S903B, terminal device 10B displays information for identifying the user of terminal device 10B in a manner that can be read by terminal device 10A.

[0164] In step S903A, terminal device 10A obtains information about the opponent's user (user 5B) by reading the code displayed on terminal device 10B.

[0165] Terminal devices 10A and 10B each transmit the opponent information they have read to the server 20.

[0166] In step S653A, the server 20 receives information from each terminal about the user who has started the match, thereby confirming that the user has started the match.

[0167] The subsequent steps are the same as those explained in Figure 7, so we will not repeat the explanation.

[0168] <6 Variations> (1) In the above description of the embodiment, it is assumed that the terminal device 10A determines that the match has ended, but the invention is not limited to this and may be carried out as follows. For example, the terminal device 10A may not determine that the match has ended, and the user may decide whether the match has ended and end the TCG match by inputting an operation to end the match on the terminal device 10B. This makes it possible for users to communicate with each other when the match ends while playing the TCG face to face.

[0169] (2) Regarding the terminal arrangement examples as explained in Figure 9, the arrangement pattern may be specified individually for each match, or the organizers may set it up in advance for tournaments and other events.

[0170] (3) In the above embodiments, in battles between character cards, parameters such as health values ​​are changed by attacks, etc., regardless of the orientation of the cards placed in the battle card placement unit 34. However, the system is not limited to this, and the orientation of the placed cards may be taken into consideration, and the terminal device 10A may detect the orientation of the placed cards to affect the progress of the TCG battle (for example, by causing different amounts of damage).

[0171] (4) In the above description of the embodiment, the terminal device 10A of the first user (user 5A) is used to photograph the TCG equipment 30, and the terminal device 10B of the second user (user 5B) is placed on the TCG equipment 30 to display information that supports the progress of the TCG match. Here, the performance of the terminal devices used by each user may vary, and the performance of the camera, the processing power of the processor, the resolution of the display, etc., may differ. Therefore, for example, the server 20 may compare information on the performance of each user's terminal to decide which terminal to use to photograph the TCG equipment 30 (to take on the role of terminal device 10A). For example, a terminal device whose sensing accuracy of the TCG equipment 30, etc., is above a certain level may be used as the terminal device for photography. Specifically, since the system determines the actions of each user during a TCG match based on images captured by the camera, a terminal device equipped with a camera with a certain number of pixels and high processing power (i.e., a terminal device that takes a short time to determine the actions of each user) may be used as the terminal device for capturing images. In addition, since the terminal device will continue sensing to determine the actions of each user during a TCG match, a terminal device with sufficient battery power may be used for sensing.

[0172] (5) In the embodiments described above, a replay was shown on the terminal device 10 when an action that does not conform to the rules was performed. In addition, a terminal device operated by a judge of the tournament may display images taken by the terminal device 10A, etc., in response to the judge's input operations as needed. This makes it even easier for the judge to keep track of the progress of each user's match.

[0173] (6) In TCG battles, if parameters are changed using items other than cards, the terminal device 10A may detect such items based on the sensing results. The terminal device 10 changes various parameters based on the detection results of these items and notifies the user of the results. For example, if a character card has a health value parameter, and the health value decreases during battle or increases due to recovery, an item indicating the decreased value shall be placed in association with the character card. For example, if a character card has taken damage, an item with a number printed on it equal to the amount of damage shall be placed on top of the card. In this case, the terminal device 10A can recognize the change in the health value parameter by detecting the item. As described above, when a user battles using character cards, the terminal device 10A etc. changes and manages parameters such as health value based on the parameters of each character card, but if the managed parameters differ from the amount of damage indicated on the item, the terminal device 10B may notify the user of this fact.

[0174] (7) In the above description of the embodiment, the terminal device 10A identifies whether a card is placed on the TCG supplies 30 or is in the user's hand based on the sensing results of the terminal device 10A. In addition, the sensing results (the type of card identified by the terminal device 10A) may be displayed on the terminal device 10B to prompt the user to confirm whether the sensing results are correct. For example, if the accuracy of identifying the type of card differs for each card (it may be difficult for the terminal device 10A, etc. to identify certain cards), the terminal device 10B, etc. may accept input from the user regarding which card it is for cards with an accuracy below a certain level.

[0175] <7 Note> The details described in each of the above embodiments are noted below.

[0176] (Note 1) A method is provided to be performed on a terminal to support trading card game (TCG) matches between users. This method includes a first step (S653, S605A, S605B) in which a first terminal (10A) to which information of a first user (5A) is associated and a second terminal (10B) to which information of a second user (5B) who will be the opponent of the first user is associated, associates with each other. The first terminal is positioned on a TCG supply (30) for placing cards used in the TCG match, in a position where it can sense the entire area in which the cards will be placed. The method includes a second step (S609B) in which the second terminal displays first information regarding the progress of the TCG match based on the sensing results of the first terminal, without requiring the second terminal to sense the entire area that the first terminal senses.

[0177] (Note 2) In the method of (Note 1), the first terminal has a shooting function (160) and is configured to perform sensing by shooting the range, and in the second step, the second terminal displays the first information (132A) without displaying the captured image taken by the first terminal.

[0178] (Note 3) In the method of (Note 2), in the second step, the second terminal, in response to detecting that a specific event related to the progress of the TCG match has occurred based on the analysis results of the sensed data, displays the image captured by the first terminal (S609A, 132G).

[0179] (Note 4) In the method of (Note 3), in the second step, the second terminal displays the captured image in response to the detection that, as a specific event, each user has performed an action that does not conform to the rules of the TCG (S609A, 132G).

[0180] (Note 5) In the method of (Note 2), in the second step, the second terminal displays the first information by receiving the analysis results of the captured image without receiving the captured image taken by the first terminal (S609A, S609B).

[0181] (Note 6) In the method of (Note 2), the TCG is such that each user places cards on the TCG equipment, and regardless of the orientation of each user's cards placed within a predetermined area of ​​the TCG equipment, the winner of the battle between cards is determined based on the parameters of the cards (34A, 34B).

[0182] (Note 7) In the method of (Note 1), the second terminal is positioned within the range sensed by the first terminal and on the TCG product (Figure 1(A)).

[0183] (Note 8) In the method of (Note 7), the method includes a third step (S607A, S607B) of causing the first terminal or the second terminal to display an arrangement example in which the first terminal is placed in a predetermined position relative to the TCG supplies, and a fourth step (S607A) of detecting, based on the sensing result of the first terminal, that the first terminal is placed according to the arrangement example and that the second terminal is placed in a predetermined position relative to the TCG supplies, and in response to the detection, notifying the first terminal and the second terminal that the TCG can be started.

[0184] (Note 9) A method to be performed on a terminal to support a trading card game (TCG) match between users, comprising the steps of: associating a first terminal to which information of a first user is associated with a third terminal (10C, Figure 9(C)) which is a terminal of a third party that is neither the first user nor the second user; and associating a second terminal which is the terminal of the second user with at least one of the first terminal or the third terminal. The first terminal is positioned on TCG equipment for placing cards used in a TCG match, in a position where it can sense the entire area in which the cards are placed. The method also includes the step of the third terminal displaying first information relating to the progress of the TCG match based on the sensing results of the first terminal, without requiring the third terminal to sense the entire area that the first terminal senses.

[0185] (Note 10) The method of (Note 1), wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are located outside the area in which the TCG supplies cards are placed (Figure 8(A), Figure 8(B)).

[0186] (Note 11) In any of the methods from (Note 1) to (Note 10), in the second step, the first language information set for the first user and the second language information set for the second user are read (281), and the first user is notified in the language corresponding to the first language information, and the second user is notified in the language corresponding to the second language information (S609B).

[0187] (Note 12) In any of the methods described in (Note 1) to (Note 11), a management device (20) for managing TCG matches between multiple users, the first terminal, and the second terminal are configured to communicate with each other, the management device is configured to store information (284) of multiple match spaces at a venue where the TCG matches are held, and the method further includes a fifth step (S651, S657) in which the management device matches the first user and the second user, by transmitting information to the first terminal and the second terminal that identifies the match space at the match venue.

[0188] (Note 13) The method of (Note 12), wherein the TCG match is a turn-based game in which multiple users take turns acting, and in the second step, the second terminal receives input operations from each user to advance the turn (132B), advances the turn in response to the second terminal not detecting the input operation within a certain period of time after each user starts their turn, and transmits information that each user has performed the input operation to the management device (S609B, 283).

[0189] (Note 14) The method of (Note 12) or (Note 13), the method comprising a sixth step (S609A) in which the first terminal or the second terminal detects, based on the results sensed by the first terminal, that each user has performed an act that does not conform to the rules of the TCG, and in the second step, in response to detecting an act that does not conform to the rules of the TCG, the first terminal notifies that such an act has been performed (S609B).

[0190] (Note 15) The method of (Note 12), wherein the TCG match is a turn-based game in which multiple users take turns acting, in the second step, the second terminal receives input operations from each user to advance the turn, in response to the second terminal not detecting the input operation within a certain period of time after each user starts their turn, the second terminal advances the turn, and transmits information to the management device that each user has performed the input operation, the method includes a sixth step in which the first terminal or the second terminal detects, based on the results sensed by the first terminal, that each user has performed an act that does not conform to the TCG match rules, in the second step, in response to the detection of an act that does not conform to the TCG match rules, the terminal notifies that the act has been performed, transmits information to the management device that the act has been performed, and the management device determines which users to match for the TCG match based on at least the time required to advance the turn for each user, or the history of acts that do not conform to the match rules (2044, S657).

[0191] (Note 16) A method is provided to be executed on terminals (10A, 10B) to support TCG battles between users. The TCG battle is conducted using card components associated with information about the characters appearing in the TCG, and TCG equipment (30) for each user to set up the card components during the battle. The first terminal (10A) is equipped with an imaging unit (160) and is positioned to capture images of the card member being placed on the TCG equipment. The procedure for playing the TCG includes the steps of: associating the first terminal with the second terminal (S901A, S901B, S903A, S903B, S653A, S605A, S605B); generating motion image data by having the first terminal use its imaging unit to photograph the TCG equipment while the match is in progress (S607A); and having the second terminal display information regarding the progress of the match based on the analysis results of the motion image data, without displaying the motion images shown in the motion image data generated by the first terminal on the second terminal (S607B). [Explanation of symbols]

[0192] 5A,5B User, 10A,10B Terminal device, 12 Communication IF, 13 Input / Output IF, 15 Memory, 16 Storage, 19 Processor, 20 Server, 22 Communication IF, 23 Input / Output IF, 25 Memory, 26 Storage, 29 Processor, 30 TCG supplies (mat), 31A,31B Deck placement section, 32A,32B Preparation card placement section, 33A,33B Win / Loss condition card placement section, 34A,34B Battle card placement section, 35A,35B Consumption card placement section, 36 QR code, 80 Network, 81 Wireless base station, 82 Wireless LAN base station, 130 Operation reception section (touchscreen), 132 Display, 132A Progress display section, 132B Turn advance button, 132C Tournament information display section, 132D Map display section, 132E Error detection display unit, 132F Judge call unit, 132G Replay playback unit, 281 User information database, 282 Matching history database, 283 Battle history database

Claims

1. A program for causing a computer, which has a processor and memory, to manage a TCG (Trading Card Game) match, wherein the program causes the processor to: A step of associating information of a first user, information of a second user who will play the match with the first user, and information of the first match location where the match will take place. When the end of the match is notified by the first user or the second user, the process involves storing the history of the match. Following the aforementioned notification, the steps include identifying a second battle location to be located near the first battle location based on information regarding the arrangement of battle locations, A program that performs the step of matching the information of the first user with the information of the third user who was playing the match at the second match location.

2. A method for causing a computer, which includes a processor and memory, to manage a TCG (Trading Card Game) match, wherein the processor A step of associating information of a first user, information of a second user who will play the match with the first user, and information of the first match location where the match will take place. When the end of the match is notified by the first user or the second user, the process involves storing the history of the match. Following the aforementioned notification, the steps include identifying a second battle location to be located near the first battle location based on information regarding the arrangement of battle locations, A method for performing the step of matching the information of the first user with the information of the third user who was playing the match at the second match location.

3. An information processing device for managing TCG (Trading Card Game) matches, comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor A step of associating information of a first user, information of a second user who will play the match with the first user, and information of the first match location where the match will take place. When the end of the match is notified by the first user or the second user, the process involves storing the history of the match. Following the aforementioned notification, the steps include identifying a second battle location to be located near the first battle location based on information regarding the arrangement of battle locations, An information processing device that performs the step of matching the information of the first user with the information of the third user who was playing the match at the second match location.

4. A means for associating information of a first user, information of a second user who plays a TCG (Trading Card Game) against the first user, and information of the first location where the match takes place. When the end of the match is notified by the first user or the second user, means for storing the history of the match, Following the aforementioned notification, means for identifying a second battle location located near the first battle location based on information regarding the arrangement of battle locations, A system that performs means for matching the information of the first user with the information of the third user who was playing the match at the second match location.

Images