IC-Tag Card Identification for Face-Down Game Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems struggle to accurately identify the type and state of cards in card games played on a surface due to factors like environmental light, card orientation, and special processing, such as holograms, making it difficult for spectators to engage with the game.

Innovation Solution

An identification system using IC tags embedded in sleeves containing cards, combined with image capture and processing, to determine card type and state, and a display control system to enhance spectator engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a capturing unit is installed to capture the game field, then the position and orientation of cards can be identified, but the type of cards cannot be identified when cards are placed face down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard position and orientation identificationVSAvoidcard type information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an IC tag as an intermediary information carrier attached to each card. The IC tag stores card type information that can be read by a reading unit, serving as a mediator between the physical card and the digital identification system. This allows card type information to be retrieved even when the card is placed face down and its visual characteristics are not visible to the capturing unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely optical/mechanical identification system (capturing unit analyzing visual card features) with an electromagnetic information reading system (reading unit detecting IC tag signals). This substitution enables information retrieval independent of the card's visual orientation, as the IC tag emits or reflects electromagnetic signals that can be detected regardless of whether the card is face up or face down.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If cards with special processing (e.g., holograms) are used, then card security and authenticity are improved, but identification from captured images becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard authenticityVSAvoidcard type identification from image

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The IC tag serves as an intermediary that provides a reliable digital identifier for each card. Instead of relying on visual analysis of complex card features (including holograms), the reading unit directly reads the IC tag information, which serves as a trusted mediator confirming card authenticity and type without requiring image analysis of the card's physical features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the optical analysis method (capturing unit analyzing visual features including holograms) with an electromagnetic reading method (reading unit detecting IC tag signals). This substitution eliminates the difficulty of identifying cards with special processing, as the IC tag provides a standardized electromagnetic signal that is independent of the card's visual appearance or special features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If environmental light conditions vary, then the game can be played in different environments, but identification accuracy from captured images deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegame environment flexibilityVSAvoidcard identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical identification system (capturing unit analyzing visual card features) with an electromagnetic information reading system (reading unit detecting IC tag signals). This substitution eliminates sensitivity to environmental light conditions, as electromagnetic signal detection is not affected by ambient lighting variations, thereby maintaining identification accuracy across different game environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate identification and display of card types and states, allowing spectators to fully engage with the game and facilitating the use of existing cards without special modifications.

Implementation Method 1

read information stored in an IC tag provided to the item

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

capture the surface on which the item is placed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS12447400B2System, identification device, and identification method

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO LTD

AI summary

At least one memory device of the game system that stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: capture a surface on which an item is placed, read information stored in an IC tag provided to the item, and identify a type and a state of the item placed on the surface based on the captured image of the surface and a read result of the information.