U.S. Pat. No. 10,258,875

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding elements in the drawings have the same reference characters allotted and description thereof will not be repeated.

A game program according to the present embodiment is executed by an information processing apparatus representing a computer incorporating a near field radio communication function. In the present embodiment, communication under near field radio communication (NFC) specifications will be described by way of example of near field radio communication between an information processing apparatus and an RF tag. “Near field radio communication” herein refers to a communication scheme in which radio waves (for example, electromagnetic induction) from one apparatus generate electromotive force in the other apparatus by way of example. The other apparatus can operate with generated electromotive force (the other apparatus may or may not have a power supply).

In near field radio communication, communication can be established when an information processing apparatus and an RF tag are proximate to each other (typically, a distance therebetween is not greater then ten and several centimeters). In near field radio communication, sending of radio waves continues while communication between two communication apparatuses is maintained (while another tag is proximate to a communication apparatus). Though a scheme of communication through radio waves is described by way of example, limitation thereto is not particularly intended. Optical communication or communication via other media may be applicable and a scheme is not limited.

[A. Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus]

A hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will initially be described. A configuration in which the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is mounted as a game device will be described by way of example.

Referring toFIG. 1, an information processing apparatus100is any computer incorporating a near field radio communication function for exchanging data with an RF tag200representing one example of an information storage medium. Information processing apparatus100may be, for example, a portable (also referred to as mobile) device such as a portable game device, a portable telephone, or a smartphone, a stationary device such as a personal computer or a home game console, or a large apparatus such as an arcade game machine. For example, information processing apparatus100may be a portable device having an NFC reader and writer function.

RF tag200is any device which can establish near field radio communication with information processing apparatus100. In the present embodiment, RF tag200is an information storage medium having a function as an NFC tag. RF tag200is a radio frequency identification (RFID) including a circuit which can read from and write into a storage component, and has a circuit (an IC chip) establishing near field radio communication and a storage component for storing data (such as a memory). RF tag200may be a device having only a function to store data (an RF tag), or may be, for example, an information processing apparatus (a portable device) having an NFC card emulation function.

Overview of a hardware configuration of information processing apparatus100will be described below. As shown inFIG. 1, information processing apparatus100has a communication portion114. Communication portion114is implemented by an antenna used for near field radio communication. Information processing apparatus100has a communication chip112. Communication chip112generates data (radio waves/signals) to be sent from communication portion114in response to an instruction from a central processing unit (CPU)102which will be described later. Generated data is sent from communication portion114. Communication chip112is implemented, for example, by an NFC chip. As CPU102executes a game program122, communication portion114and communication chip112function as a communication module which exchanges data with an information storage medium by establishing near field radio communication with the information storage medium.

As shown inFIG. 1, information processing apparatus100includes CPU102and a main memory108. CPU102is an information processing portion for performing various types of information processing performed in information processing apparatus100. CPU102performs various types of information processing by interacting with main memory108.

Information processing apparatus100has a storage portion120. Storage portion120stores various programs (which may include an operating system and a communication program in addition to game program122) executed in information processing apparatus100. Storage portion120is implemented by any storage device (a storage medium) which can be accessed by CPU102. Storage portion120may be implemented by a storage portion contained in information processing apparatus100such as a hard disk or a memory, a storage medium attachable to or removable from information processing apparatus100such as an optical disk or a cartridge, or both of the storage portion and the storage medium. In such a case, a game system representing one example of an information processing system including information processing apparatus100and any storage medium may be implemented.

A communication program stored in storage portion120includes computer readable instructions for implementing data communication with RF tag200. For example, the communication program is firmware for operating communication chip112and may be prepared in advance in information processing apparatus100as a library. The communication program has communication chip112perform an operation for communication in response to a command from an application. When a plurality of application programs are executable in information processing apparatus100, the communication program may be used commonly among applications.

Game program122includes computer readable instructions for implementing game processing as will be described later by using data read from RF tag200.

The communication program and game program122may be mounted integrally as an information processing program or mounted separately from each other.

Information processing apparatus100has an input portion110implemented as a button or a touch panel and accepting an instruction from a user. Information processing apparatus100has a display portion104for displaying an image generated through information processing.

Information processing apparatus100may be implemented by a plurality of apparatuses. For example, information processing apparatus100may be configured in such a manner that an apparatus including communication portion114and communication chip112is removably connected to an apparatus including CPU102and main memory108. Information processing apparatus100may be implemented by a main body apparatus having CPU102and an apparatus having input portion110and/or display portion104which are separate from each other. For example, in another embodiment, information processing apparatus100may be implemented by a main body apparatus and a terminal apparatus having input portion110and display portion104, or by a main body apparatus and an operation apparatus having input portion110. Information processing apparatus100may employ a television as a display apparatus, without including display portion104.

In another embodiment, at least a part of information processing performed in information processing apparatus100may be performed as distributed among a plurality of apparatuses capable of communicating over a network (a wide area network and/or a local network).

[B. Overview of Game Processing]

Overview of game processing provided as game program122according to the present embodiment is executed will now be described. Game program122according to the present embodiment provides a kind of a board game in which a plurality of players can participate. The plurality of players may be constituted of one real player and virtual players provided on a computer.

More specifically, in the board game provided by game program122, such game processing is performed that a plurality of players perform some operations in rotation in a predetermined order, a character associated with each player moves forward in accordance with a result of the operation, and a player who satisfies a predetermined condition wins. Typically, game program122according to the present embodiment virtually provides a kind of sugoroku game. The predetermined condition includes reaching the goal earliest and gaining points up to a predetermined value.

In the game processing according to the present embodiment, RF tag200is used to register a character to be operated in a game space and to perform an operation at each turn of a player. Namely, information processing apparatus100progresses the game processing by reading data stored in RF tag200by establishing near field radio communication with RF tag200representing one example of the information storage medium.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of RF tags200are prepared. Namely, there are a plurality of types of RF tags200(information storage media) from which information processing apparatus100reads data through near field radio communication. Any RF tag may be adopted so long as RF tags can be categorized into a plurality of types in any sense. By way of example, in the present embodiment, a figure type RF tag and a card type RF tag are adopted. A stick type or pen type RF tag may be adopted in addition to the aforementioned type.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, any of RF tags200A and200B is associated with a character which appears in a game space. RF tag200A of the figure type shown inFIG. 2is formed in a shape representing an associated character, and RF tag200B of a card type shown inFIG. 3has an associated character depicted on a surface thereof. As will be described later, each of RF tags200A and200B holds identification information representing the associated character and information processing apparatus100can specify the associated character by reading the identification information.

Attribute information210in accordance with the depicted character is provided to RF tag200B of the card type shown inFIG. 3. For example, an image showing a pip of a dice is used as attribute information210. How to use this attribute information210will be described later.

For the sake of convenience of description, as shown inFIG. 2, an RF tag of a figure type having a shape representing a character1is denoted as an RF tag200A1and an RF tag of a figure type having a shape representing a character2is denoted as an RF tag200A2. As shown inFIG. 3, an RF tag of a card type having a character3depicted is denoted as an RF tag200B3and an RF tag of a card type having a character4depicted is denoted as an RF tag200B4.

In the game processing according to the present embodiment, RF tag200A of the figure type is used for each player to progress normal game processing, and RF tag200B of the card type is used for performing specific processing during the game processing.

In the present embodiment, each player uses any RF tag200A of the figure type for an operation of a corresponding character. More specifically, each player registers in advance any RF tag200A, and a plurality of players each hold RF tag200A, which has been used for registration, over a prescribed position in information processing apparatus100in rotation. The game processing proceeds through such a series of processes.

RF tag200B of the card type can allow game processing to progress under a game rule different from a normal condition, in a chance or clutch situation in the game processing. The game rule different from the normal condition may include, for example, processing for advantageously or disadvantageously changing a probability of an event which will occur for a specific player in determining such a probability. Alternatively, it may be processing for changing an event candidate which may occur advantageously or disadvantageously for a specific player.

Therefore, even when one player has a plurality of RF tags200A of the figure type, the player can use only one RF tag200A registered first during the game processing. One RF tag200B of the card type or a plurality of RF tags200B may be made use of depending on a situation. In single game processing, conditions for or restrictions on the number, a type, and the total number of times of use, of RF tags200B which can be made use of may statically or dynamically be determined in accordance with a predetermined game rule, a situation of game progress, and results of a game in the past.

[C. Screen Representation Example and Operation Example of Game Processing]

A screen representation example and an operation example of game processing provided as a result of execution of game program122according to the present embodiment will now be described.

FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7Beach show an example in which game processing is progressed by four players (a player1to a player4). Player1registers character1(RF tag200A1) shown inFIG. 2as a character representing player1himself/herself, and player2registers character2(RF tag200A2) shown inFIG. 2as a character representing player2himself/herself.

As shown inFIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B, a travelable point group320is defined along a prescribed path in a game space300, and characters301to304registered by player1to player4, respectively, are arranged.

FIG. 4shows a state that a turn to operate has come to player1. As shown inFIG. 4, a character301is represented in the center and a notification object310including an image of a dice and a message “toss dice” is represented in the vicinity of character301. As this notification object310is represented, reading of RF tag200in information processing apparatus100is activated.

In a state shown inFIG. 4, when player1holds RF tag200A1registered in advance over the information processing apparatus as shown inFIG. 5A, the game processing progresses. More specifically, as RF tag200A1is held over information processing apparatus100, character301operated by player1tosses a dice330as shown inFIG. 5B, and character301moves to any position in travelable point group320in accordance with the pip of dice330. For example, some attribute is allocated to each travelable point group320, and processing in accordance with the attribute allocated to a travelable point at a travel destination of character301is performed. For example, a point is allocated to a travelable point randomly or under a prescribed rule, and the allocated point may be added to a corresponding player.

As shown inFIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B, when a turn to operate comes to player1, character301operated by player1is arranged in front of other characters302to304. Namely, character301which is being operated is more conspicuous as being represented to be larger in size than other characters.

When the operation by player1ends, a turn to operate comes to player2. In this case as well, as inFIG. 4, character302is represented in the center and notification object310is represented in the vicinity of character302. Then, reading of RF tag200in information processing apparatus100is activated. In such a state, when player2holds RF tag200A2registered in advance over the information processing apparatus as shown inFIG. 6A, game processing progresses. More specifically, when RF tag200A2is held over information processing apparatus100, character302operated by player2tosses dice330as shown inFIG. 6Band character302moves to any position in travelable point group320in accordance with a pip of the dice.

Similar game processing is repeated for player3and player4.

As shown inFIG. 4, reading from RF tag200by information processing apparatus100may be activated while a character associated with any data registered in advance is represented. In other words, reading from RF tag200by information processing apparatus100may be activated while a character associated with any data registered in advance is controllable. By thus restricting a period during which reading is activated, an erroneous operation can be prevented and power saving in a reading function can be achieved.

In the game processing shown inFIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, for example, when a turn to operate comes to player1, game processing, that is, processing for a corresponding character to toss a dice and to move, is not performed even though RF tag200A different from RF tag200A registered in association with player1is held over information processing apparatus100. Thus, in the game processing according to the present embodiment, holding specific RF tag200A registered in advance for each player over the information processing apparatus is a condition for progressing the game processing.

Each player1can use RF tag200B of the card type instead of RF tag200A of the figure type registered in advance. For example, in the state as shown inFIG. 4, when player1holds RF tag200B of the card type different from RF tag200A1registered in advance over the information processing apparatus as shown inFIG. 7A, a character313depicted on RF tag200B of the card type which has been held over information processing apparatus100appears in game space300instead of character301, character313tosses a dice330A, and a character313moves to any position in travelable point group320in accordance with a pip of the dice.

Here, game processing progresses under a game rule different from a normal condition. In the example shown inFIG. 7B, arrangement of pips of the dice tossed by character313is set differently from arrangement of pips of a regular dice. More specifically, dice330A is changed to more likely to show a pip included in attribute information210(seeFIG. 3) provided to RF tag200B of the card type which has been held over the information processing apparatus. For example, three faces of six faces of the dice show a pip depicted on RF tag200B (in the example shown inFIG. 7A, “5”). By thus adopting dice330A of which arrangement of the pips has been changed, “5” is shown at 3/6 (50%).

Thus, since a probability of showing of a specific pip increases by holding RF tag200B of the card type over the information processing apparatus, a player can more advantageously progress the game by holding over the information processing apparatus, RF tag200B on which a specifically desired pip is depicted among RF tags200B of the card type which the player has in a scene that the player desires to show a specific pip depending on a situation of progress of the game.

As described above, in the game processing according to the present embodiment, RF tag200A of the figure type which has been registered in advance and RF tag200B of the card type which is held over the information processing apparatus in accordance with a situation of game progress are selectively used. Each player can enjoy tactics in the board game based on selective use of such a plurality of types of RF tags.

[D. Processing Procedure in Game Processing]

A processing procedure in game processing provided as a result of execution of game program122according to the present embodiment will now be described.

Each step shown inFIG. 8is implemented as CPU102of information processing apparatus100executes game program122.

Referring toFIG. 8, when the game processing is started, CPU102starts processing for registering a character (step S100). When the processing for registering the character is started, a near field radio communication function is activated. Namely, communication chip112and communication portion114(seeFIG. 1) are activated to start to emit radio waves for reading data from RF tag200A.

In succession, CPU102selects a number of a player for which processing for registering a character is to be performed (step S102) and determines whether or not data (hereinafter also referred to as “initial registration data” for distinction) could be read from any RF tag200A (step S104). When initial registration data cannot be read from any RF tag200A (NO in step S104), the processing in step S104is repeated.

In the present embodiment, only RF tag200A of the figure type is used for registration of a character. Therefore, even though some data could be read from RF tag200B of the card type in step S104, the read data may by discarded as being invalid. Namely, even though some data is read from RF tag200B, it may be determined that initial registration data cannot be read (NO in step S104) and the processing in step S104may be repeated.

When initial registration data could be read from any RF tag200A (YES in step S104), CPU102has the read initial registration data registered (step S106). This initial registration data is registered in association with a selected player number. Details of character registration processing and initial registration data will be described later.

Thus, CPU102(information processing apparatus100) reads initial registration data stored in RF tag200A representing an information storage medium by establishing near field radio communication with RF tag200A. Then, CPU102(information processing apparatus100) has the read initial registration data registered.

In succession, CPU102determines whether or not registration processing for another player has been indicated (step S108). When the registration processing for another player has been indicated (YES in step S108), a number of a next player for which character registration processing is to be performed is selected (step S110) and the processing in step S104and subsequent steps is repeated.

In contrast, when registration processing for another player has not been indicated (NO in step S108), CPU102determines whether or not end of the character registration processing has been indicated (step S112). When end of the character registration processing has not been indicated (NO in step S112), processing in step S108and subsequent steps is repeated.

When end of the character registration processing has been indicated (YES in step S112), game progress of the board game is started. When the character registration processing ends, the near field radio communication function may once be inactivated.

More specifically, CPU102determines an order of operation by participating players (step S14). In succession, CPU102specifies a player of which turn to operate has come in accordance with the determined order (that is, a turn to operate has come), provides a game effect to give a notification that the turn to operate has come to the specified player (step S116), and activates the near field radio communication function. For example, a game screen as shown inFIG. 4described above is shown.

Then, CPU102determines whether or not data (hereinafter also referred to as “game processing data” for distinction) could be read from any RF tag200(step S118). When game processing data could not be read from any RF tag200(NO in step S118), processing in step S118is repeated.

In step S118, reading of data from any of RF tag200A of the figure type and RF tag200B of the card type is permitted. Namely, depending on a type of RF tag200from which data has been read, processing as follows is selectively performed. Specifically, initially, when game processing data could be read from any RF tag200(YES in step S118), CPU102determines whether or not a source from which data has been read is RF tag200A of the figure type (step S120).

When the source from which data has been read is RF tag200A of the figure type (YES in step S120), CPU120determines whether or not data registered in association with the player of which turn to operate has come (initial registration data) matches with the read data (game processing data) (step S122). When the data registered in association with the player of which turn to operate has come does not match with the read data (NO in step S122), reading of the data is determined as invalid and processing in step S118and subsequent steps is repeated.

In contrast, when the data registered in association with the player of which turn to operate has come matches with the read data (YES in step S122), CPU102performs predetermined normal game processing (step S124). Then, the process proceeds to step S130.

Thus, CPU102(information processing apparatus100) reads game processing data stored in RF tag200A by establishing near field radio communication with RF tag200A representing the information storage medium after registration of the initial registration data. Then, when the read game processing data matches with the initial registration data, CPU102(information processing apparatus100) allows the game processing to progress. In other words, when RF tag200A the same as initially registered RF tag200A is held over the information processing apparatus, game processing progresses. In contrast, when the read game processing data does not match with the initial registration data, CPU102(information processing apparatus100) does not allow the game processing to progress.

When the source from which the data has been read is not RF tag200A of the figure type (NO in step S120), CPU102determines whether or not the source from which the data has been read is RF tag200B of the card type (step S126). When the source from which the data has been read is not RF tag200B of the card type either (NO in step S126), reading of the data is determined as invalid and processing in step S118and subsequent steps is repeated.

In contrast, when the source from which data has been read is RF tag200B of the card type (YES in step S126), CPU102performs special game processing different from the normal game processing in accordance with the read data (step S128). Then, the process proceeds to step S130.

As shown in steps S118to S128, CPU102(information processing apparatus100) does not allow the game processing to progress when the type of RF tag200(information storage medium) from which game processing data has been read is identical to the type of RF tag200from which the initial registration data has been read (that is, YES in step S120) and when the game processing data does not match with the initial registration data (that is, NO in step S122). On the other hand, CPU102(information processing apparatus100) allows the game processing to progress even though game processing data does not match with the initial registration data when the type of RF tag200(information storage medium) from which game processing data has been read is different from the type of RF tag200from which the initial registration data has been read (that is, NO in step S120).

In step S130, CPU102determines whether or not a character operated by any player has satisfied a predetermined condition (for example, has reached the goal) (step S130). When no character has satisfied the condition (NO in step S130), another player of which turn to operate has come in accordance with the determined order is specified, a game effect to give a notification that the turn to operate has come to the specified player is provided (step S132), and the near field radio communication function is activated. Then, the processing in step S118and subsequent steps is repeated.

In contrast, when any character has satisfied the condition (YES in step S130), a prescribed game effect is provided (step S134) and the game processing ends.

[E. Registration Processing]

Contents of processing in the character registration processing (steps S100to S112inFIG. 8) will now be described in detail.

When the character registration processing is started, an operation screen400as shown inFIG. 9is shown. In operation screen400, together with a message indicating processing for registering a character associated with each player, a character associated with each player which has already been registered is displayed in a list (a reference numeral402) and a message inviting a player to be registered to hold RF tag200A of the figure type over the information processing apparatus is shown (a reference numeral404).

As each player who participates in a board game successively holds a character to be used by the player himself/herself (RF tag200A of the figure type) over information processing apparatus100in accordance with such contents of representation on operation screen400, the character registration processing is performed.

Referring toFIG. 10, each RF tag200holds necessary information in accordance with a predetermined format. Specifically, each RF tag200typically includes an RF tag ID251, a character code252, an RF tag type253, and an additional code254representing additional information. RF tag ID251represents identification information specific to RF tag200. Character code252represents identification information representing a character associated with RF tag200. RF tag type253represents identification information representing a type of RF tag200.

The information shown inFIG. 10may be stored in a read-only storage area or a readable/writable storage area of RF tag200.

The identification information stored in RF tag200shown inFIG. 10is read as initial registration data so that a character is registered for each player. Namely, some or the entirety of the initial registration data read from RF tag200is registered in association with a specific player.

In a registration result270shown inFIG. 11A, a player field261and a character code field262are brought in correspondence with each other. Each player field261stores information for specifying a player of interest, and each character code field262stores a corresponding character code. A character associated with each player can be specified by using registration result270shown inFIG. 11A.

When registration of the same character by a plurality of players is allowed, a registration result280as shown inFIG. 11Bmay be adopted.

In registration result280shown inFIG. 11B, a player field281, a tag ID field282, and a character code field283are brought in correspondence with one another. Each player field281stores information for specifying a player of interest, each tag ID field282stores identification information of RF tag200used for registration, and each character code field283stores a corresponding character code. In addition to a character associated with each player, RF tag200used by each player can uniquely be specified by using registration result280shown inFIG. 11B.

Thus, in the character registration processing, a plurality of pieces of initial registration data (a character code and an RF tag ID) are registered. In this registration processing, a plurality of pieces of initial registration data are registered in association with specific players, respectively.

In game progress described next, determination as to whether or not RF tag200which has been held over the information processing apparatus is identical to registered RF tag200is made by referring to the registration result shown inFIG. 11A or 11B. Namely, information processing apparatus100compares one piece of initial registration data selected in a predetermined order (that is, initial registration data brought in correspondence with a player of which turn to operate has come) among the plurality of pieces of initial registration data registered during the character registration processing with game processing data read during the game processing.

[F. Game Progress]

As described above, each player can have the game progress by holding RF tag200A of the figure type or RF tag200B of the card type over the information processing apparatus.

As RF tag200A of the figure type is held over the information processing apparatus, the normal game processing progresses. When any RF tag200A is held over the information processing apparatus while a certain player's turn to operate has come and when the character corresponding to RF tag200A is identical to the character registered in advance in association with the player, the normal game processing progresses. Namely, the character operated by the player starts an operation to toss a dice.

When registration result270shown inFIG. 11Ais adopted, a character is registered in association with each player and hence whether or not the character is identical to the registered character is determined. When registration result280shown inFIG. 11Bis adopted, the character and the identification information for RF tag200A are registered in association with each player and hence whether or not the identification information is identical to the identification information of registered RF tag200A is determined.

As described above, in the character registration processing, the initial registration data is registered in association with a specific character, and during progress of the game processing, the character associated with the initial registration data is controlled. During the progress of the game processing, a character corresponding to a shape represented by RF tag200A of the figure type from which the initial registration data has been read is controlled.

As described with reference toFIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B, control of a character may include moving a corresponding character in game space300. Control of a character may include displaying a corresponding character in game space300as described with reference toFIG. 4.

In addition to such normal game processing, when RF tag200B of the card type is held over the information processing apparatus, special game processing is performed. This special game processing can depend on data stored in RF tag200B of the card type. In the example described above, contents of processing are changed such that a pip of a dice depicted on RF tag200B is shown at a high probability.

FIG. 12Ashows a developed view of a dice used in normal game processing, andFIG. 12Bshows a developed view of a dice used in special game processing.FIG. 12Bshows an example of a dice used when RF tag200B3shown inFIG. 3is held over an information processing apparatus. As RF tag200B of the card type is held over an information processing apparatus, a game rule for a dice is changed and game processing progresses advantageously or disadvantageously for a specific player.

Thus, information processing apparatus100allows game processing to progress under a first game rule (normal game processing) when the type of RF tag200(information storage medium) from which game processing data has been read is identical to the type of RF tag200from which the initial registration data has been read, whereas information processing apparatus100allows game processing to progress under a second game rule (special game processing) when the type of RF tag200from which game processing data has been read is different from the type of RF tag200from which the initial registration data has been read.

The first game rule and the second game rule can be set as appropriate in accordance with a feature of a game.

For example, as described above, use of RF tag200B of the card type is more advantageous than use of RF tag200A of the figure type from a point of view of increase in probability of showing of a specific pip of a dice. On the other hand, a probability of showing of a pip other than the specific pip of the dice lowers and it is disadvantageous from this point of view.

For example, a bonus can be obtained at some probability when normal game processing is performed with the use of RF tag200A of the figure type, whereas an opportunity to obtain such a bonus may be abandoned when RF tag200B of the card type is used. Namely, such a game rule is set that an advantage and a disadvantage are produced in a case that RF tag200A of the figure type registered in advance is used and in a case that RF tag200B of the card type which can arbitrarily be selected is used. Then, such a fun can be provided to a user as applying tactics to select which of RF tag200A of the figure type and RF tag200B of the card type is to be used, tactics to select timing to use RF tag200B of the card type, and tactics to select which RF tag200B of the card type is to be used among a plurality of RF tags200B of the card type, in accordance with a situation of progress of a game.

Since each player can also obtain one RF tag200B or a plurality of RF tags200B of the card type, some restriction may be imposed on use of such RF tag200B of the card type. For example, only RF tag200B representing any character registered in advance with some method may be used. Alternatively, only RF tag200B representing a registered or acquired character may be used in the same game world.

Each RF tag200B of the card type may be used only once in one game processing. By restricting the number of times of use, each player is required to use more sophisticated tactics and zest of a game can be enhanced. [G. Modification]

Though a method of use in rotation of information processing apparatus100by a plurality of players has been exemplified in the embodiment described above, limitation thereto is not intended, and each player may use a player's own information processing apparatus100. In this case, a specific information processing apparatus100may function as a “parent” of information processing apparatuses100used by the respective players and each of remaining information processing apparatuses100may function as a “child.” When a turn to operate comes, each player holds RF tag200A registered in advance or any RF tag200B over information processing apparatus100of the player himself/herself. Data read from RF tag200by each information processing apparatus100is collected to information processing apparatus100functioning as the parent, in which game processing as described above is performed.

An operation entity which performs game processing as described above does not have to be information processing apparatus100used by each player. For example, information processing apparatus100used by each player may function as an NFC reader and writer and an input and output device and a server apparatus on a network may perform game processing as described above by using the data collected from each information processing apparatus100.

[H. Advantages]

According to the present embodiment, for example, when a plurality of information storage media are available, game processing progresses on condition that an information storage medium the same as the information storage medium registered in advance is held over an information processing apparatus. Therefore, when a plurality of players perform game operations in a prescribed order, the game can smoothly progress.

According to the present embodiment, even when the same RF tag200is held over an information processing apparatus, processing is different depending on how RF tag200is registered and hence new user experiences can also be provided.

According to the present embodiment, game processing can progress with a plurality of types of RF tags200being present as mixed and the processing at the time when RF tag200is held over an information processing apparatus is different for each type. Therefore, game experiences higher in zest can be provided to a user.

While certain example systems, methods, devices and apparatuses have been described herein, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not to be limited to the systems, methods, devices and apparatuses disclosed, but on the contrary, are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.