JP2008027257A - Printed matter issuing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for managing the correct number of sheets of printed matters by counting only printed matters that are rightly usable as a printed matter when a printed recording medium is jammed in a printer, and for a printing error because of faint color development or the like and even occurrence of a printing error or the like which is caused when a plurality of print recording media are sent to the printer while they are misaligned and overlapped as they are. <P>SOLUTION: A code showing that a printed matter is usable is issued in accordance with the presence/no presence of a printing error. That is, print data including information that can specify a unique identifier is issued, and a code showing that a printed matter obtained by printing the print data is usable is issued in accordance with a print state being the result of printing the print data. Further, the code is issued regardless of the print state when a predetermined time has elapsed. Print data including information that can specify a new unique identifier is issued in accordance with the print state. In addition, the unique identifier of the print data and the code are input, and effectiveness of a printed matter obtained by printing the print data is output. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for delivering printed matter, and more particularly, to a technique that enables printing of a specified number of electronic print data delivered online by a user's printer.

  The conventional printed matter delivery technology can control the printable number of electronic print data in consideration of duplication (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-2108030 A

  In the above background art, it is possible to detect printing errors such as clogging of print recording media in the printer, light coloration, etc., and printing errors that occur when multiple print recording media are sent to the printer while being shifted and overlapped. In spite of the fact that printing could not be performed normally, it was sometimes mistaken for normal printing, and the number of printed sheets could not be managed accurately.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a method for managing an accurate number of printed sheets by counting only those that are used correctly as printed matter even when a printing error or the like that has prevented accurate management of various numbers of printed sheets occurs. Is to provide.

  The present invention provides a printed matter delivery method or system including a step of issuing a code for enabling a printed matter depending on whether or not there is a printing error.

  Specifically, print data including information that can specify a unique identifier is issued, and a code that enables use of a printed material on which the print data is printed is issued according to a print state that is a result of printing the print data. It is characterized by doing. Further, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the code may be issued regardless of the printing state. Furthermore, print data including information that can specify a new unique identifier according to the print state may be issued. Further, the unique identifier of the print data and the code may be input, and the validity of the printed matter on which the print data is printed may be output.

  Another aspect of the method for delivering a printed material according to the present invention includes a printed material on which a dot pattern is printed as the above-described information capable of specifying a unique identifier, and an electronic pen that reads the dot pattern and digitizes the written content on the printed material. The dot pattern and the written code are read with the electronic pen from a printed material on which print data including the dot pattern is printed, and the effectiveness of the printed material is verified.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printed matter issuing system, which includes an application device that applies for issuance of print data, and an issuance device that issues the print data. In response, print data including information capable of specifying a unique identifier is issued, and the application device transmits a print status, which is a result of printing the issued print data, to the issue device. In accordance with the print status received from the application device, a code for enabling use of the printed matter on which the print data is printed is issued in association with the unique identifier.

  And a verification device that verifies the validity of the printed material on which the print data is printed. The verification device acquires the issued code and the unique identifier from the printed material, and obtains the unique identifier and the code The validity of the printed matter on which the print data is printed based on the association is verified.

  According to another aspect of the printed matter delivery system according to the present invention, the printing apparatus includes an application device that applies for the issuance of print data, and an issuance device that issues the print data, the issuing device responding to an application from the application device. Print data including information that can specify a unique identifier, and the application device transmits a print status that is a result of printing the issued print data to the issuing device. The printing status received from the application device is recorded in association with the unique identifier.

  And a verification device that verifies the validity of the printed material on which the print data is printed. The verification device acquires the unique identifier from the printed material and transmits the unique identifier to the issuing device. The print status corresponding to the print status is received, and the validity of the printed matter on which the print data is printed is verified based on the received print status.

  According to another aspect of the printed material delivery system according to the present invention, the application device that applies for the issuance of print data, the issuing device that issues the print data, and the information that can identify the unique identifier printed on the printed material. An electronic pen that identifies the unique identifier by reading a dot pattern, and reads and digitizes the content written on the printed matter on which the dot pattern is printed. In response, the print data including the print information of the dot pattern is issued, and the application device transmits a print status, which is a result of printing the issued print data, to the issue device. In accordance with the print status received from the application device, the dot pattern is used as a code that enables use of a printed matter on which the print data is printed. The unique pen is issued, and the electronic pen reads the dot pattern and the unique identifier from the printed matter on which the unique identifier is written, and based on the correspondence between the read dot pattern and the unique identifier, The effectiveness of the printed matter on which the print data is printed is verified.

  Further, the issuing device may issue the code regardless of the print state when a predetermined time has elapsed, or may issue print data including a new unique identifier according to the print state.

  According to the present invention, even when a printing error or the like that hinders accurate management of the number of printed sheets has occurred, the number of printed sheets can be managed accurately.

  Hereinafter, two embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each embodiment is an example in which a person (or apparatus) that issues electronic data that is valuable when printed on paper is different from a person (apparatus) that prints the electronic data on paper. Makes it possible to reliably collect the issuance fee for the number of applications, and to ensure that the side that prints the electronic data on the paper reliably obtains paper worth the number of applications and does not print correctly. It makes it possible not to pay a fee.

<Embodiment 1>
This embodiment is an electronic delivery system in which various certificates are issued electronically and printed on paper when the certificate is used. FIG. 1 shows the overall system configuration. The certificate issuing device 111 and the certificate application device 121 are connected via the network 101, and data can be transmitted and received between the devices. The certificate verification device 131 is not connected to the network 101. In FIG. 1, only one certificate application device 121 and one certificate verification device 131 are illustrated, but there may be a plurality of them.

  The certificate application device 121 is a computer device that performs certificate application and printing, and data transmission / reception with the certificate issuing device 111. The certificate application device 121 includes an input device 122 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display device 123 such as a display, and a printer 124. The certificate application device 121 includes a CPU, a memory, a communication device, a storage device, a control device that controls data communication therebetween, and the like. Programs in the storage device are sequentially read and executed by the CPU. Thus, the two processing units that function as the respective processing units function. That is, the certificate application unit 125 that generates certificate application data for requesting the certificate issuance and transmits the certificate application data to the certificate issuing apparatus 111, and the issued electronic certificate data are printed. The certificate printing unit 126 that displays an entry code necessary for validating the certificate operates.

  Further, each of the processing units described above can be configured as hardware such as an integrated circuit.

  The certificate issuing device 111 is a computer device that issues a certificate and transmits / receives data to / from the certificate application device 121. The certificate issuing device 111 includes a CPU, a memory, a communication device, a storage device, a control device that controls data communication between them, and the like, and programs in the storage device are sequentially read and executed by the CPU. Thus, one processing unit serving as a processing unit functions. That is, the certificate issuing unit 114 that issues certificate data and an entry code operates. The storage device also stores an entry code table 115 and a certificate issuance history table 116.

  The certificate verification device 131 is a computer device for verifying the validity of a certificate. The certificate verification device 131 includes an input device 132 such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a scanner, and an output device 133 such as a display. The certificate verification device 131 includes a CPU, a memory, a communication device, a storage device, a control device that controls data communication between them, and the like. Programs in the storage device are sequentially read and executed by the CPU. Thus, one processing unit that functions as a processing unit functions. That is, the certificate verification unit 134 that outputs information for verifying the validity of the certificate operates. The storage device stores an entry code table 135.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the data structure of the entry code table 115. The entry code table 115 is a table for managing certificates and entry codes in association with each other, and includes an issue ID and an entry code. The issue ID is a unique identifier for managing electronic certificate data issued by the certificate issuing device 111, and is different for each certificate. The entry code is a code necessary for validating the paper on which the certificate application device 121 has printed the certificate data as a certificate. Here, it is assumed that the values of the issue ID and the entry code are set in advance as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data configuration of the certificate issuance history table 116. The certificate issuance history table 116 includes an applicant who applies for a certificate using the certificate application apparatus 121, and an electronic certificate data issuance ID issued by the certificate issuing apparatus 111 to the applicant. , A table for managing the print results of the certificate data in the certificate application device 121 in association with each other, and includes an applicant ID, an issue ID, and a print result. The applicant ID is a unique identifier of the applicant. The print result is “valid” when printing is successful without causing a printing error that occurs due to paper jams, light ink, etc., or multiple papers that are misaligned and fed together. When an error occurs, the value is “invalid”.

  The entry code table 135 has the same data configuration and value as the entry code table 115.

  Hereinafter, the flow of processing when issuing a certificate will be described with reference to the operations of the certificate application unit 125, the certificate printing unit 126, and the certificate issuing unit 114 shown in FIG.

  First, the applicant uses the input device 122 to input the certificate issuing device, the applicant ID, the certificate type, and the required number of copies to the certificate application device 121. Here, it is assumed that the applicant with the applicant ID “1010” applies to the certificate issuing apparatus 111 for two identification cards in which the address and name of the applicant are described. The certificate application unit 125 creates certificate application data including the applicant ID, the certificate type, the required number of sheets, and the identifier of the certificate application device 121 (step 401), and the certificate designated by the applicant It is transmitted to the certificate issuing unit 114 of the issuing device 111 (step 402).

  Upon receiving this certificate application data (step 403), the certificate issuing unit 114 uses an unused ID out of the issued ID of the entry code table 115 based on the received applicant ID, certificate type, and required number of sheets. The electronic certificate data is created using the one (step 404). Regarding whether or not the issue ID is unused, for example, it can be determined that an issue ID that does not exist in the certificate issue history table 116 is unused. Here, referring to the address and name of the applicant registered in advance in a device (not shown), two identification cards with issue IDs “123” and “124” are created.

  One of the created IDs is shown in FIG. In addition to the issued ID, the identification code 501 is also provided with an entry code area 502 and a forgery prevention image 503. The entry code area is an area where the applicant enters the entry code. The forgery prevention image is an image for preventing forgery such that the applicant creates electronic certificate data or creates a copy of a paper certificate. For example, it is described in JP-A-2003-136828. This is an image created using this technique. The certificate issuing unit 114 transmits the created certificate data to the certificate printing unit 126 of the certificate application device 121 of the application source based on the received identifier of the certificate application device 121 (step 405).

  When the certificate printing unit 126 receives the certificate data (step 406), the certificate printing unit 126 prints the received certificate data (step 407). Note that only one copy of the certificate data can be printed by using the above-described background art or the like. After starting printing, a screen for confirming the printing result as shown in FIG.

  Applicant looks at the printed matter to determine whether or not printing has been completed, and all certificates are generated when paper jams, ink is thin, etc., or when multiple papers are shifted and overlapped If the printing can be performed correctly without generating a printing error, the “Yes” button 601 is selected. If even one sheet has the printing error, the “No” button 602 is selected. The certificate printing unit 126 transmits the printing result to the certificate issuing unit 114 that is the transmission source of the received certificate data in accordance with the selected button (step 408).

  When the “Yes” button 601 is selected, all print results are transmitted as valid. When the “No” button 602 is selected, a screen for prompting the input of an issuance ID as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display device 123, and the applicant issues the issuance ID of the certificate that caused the printing error. Input to the ID input area 701. The certificate printing unit 126 transmits the print result of the certificate with the issued ID as invalid.

  Here, it is assumed that the certificate with the issuance ID “123” can be printed correctly, and the certificate with the issuance ID “124” is a printing error. The issue ID input in the issue ID input area 701 may be the issue ID of a certificate that has been printed correctly. In this case, the print result of the certificate with this issue ID is transmitted as valid. Further, when the issue ID is not displayed on the display device 123, or the issue ID portion is not printed, and the issue ID of the certificate having the printing error is not known, the issue ID is not input. For example, even when the “No” button 602 is selected, the issue ID input screen as shown in FIG. 7 may not be displayed. In this case, all print results are sent as invalid. Moreover, you may make it confirm the printing result of 1 sheet for every issuing ID. Furthermore, without displaying the print result confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 6, the issue ID input screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed and the issue ID of the certificate that has been printed correctly or has a printing error. May be input. In short, it is sufficient that the certificate issuing unit 114 that receives the print result can determine whether the certificate is valid or invalid for each issue ID.

  When the certificate issuing unit 114 receives the print result transmitted in step 408 (step 409), the certificate issuance unit 114 “valid” for all issue IDs of the certificate data transmitted in step 405 based on the received print result. Alternatively, “invalid” is recorded as a print result in the certificate issuance history table 116 (step 410). At this time, the corresponding applicant ID is also recorded in the certificate issuance history table 116.

  Note that the process can proceed to step 409 when a predetermined time has not elapsed since step 405. The certificate issuing unit 114 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step 411). If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the certificate issuing unit 114 can proceed to step 409, and if it has elapsed, the certificate transmitted in step 405. The print result is set to “valid” for all the issuance IDs of the data (step 412) and recorded in the certificate issuance history table 116 (step 410). The length of the predetermined time can be arbitrarily set.

  Steps 411 and 412 are not essential, but this allows the issuer to collect an issue fee even if the applicant only applies and does not use the certificate. The certificate printing unit 126 may determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. In this case, when the predetermined time is exceeded, the certificate printing unit 126 transmits all print results to the certificate issuing unit 114 as valid.

  The certificate issuing unit 114 determines whether the print result recorded in step 410 is “valid” or “invalid” (step 413). If “invalid”, the same applicant ID, the same certificate type, and “invalid” "Is repeated from step 404. At this time, only the issued ID is different from the certificate that becomes “invalid”. If the determination in step 413 is “valid”, the entry code table 115 is referred to, and the entry code for the corresponding issue ID is transmitted to the destination certificate printing unit 126 in step 405 (step 414).

  Here, it is assumed that one identification card with an issuance ID “125” is newly created and can be printed correctly. The entry codes for the issue IDs “123” and “125” are transmitted as “794” and “206”, respectively.

  Upon receiving this entry code (step 415), the certificate printing unit 126 displays the received entry code on the display device 123 (step 416). The entry codes may be displayed together for the number of applications as in the entry code output screen shown in FIG.

  The applicant enters the entry code displayed in step 416 with a writing tool such as a ballpoint pen in the certificate of the corresponding issue ID. FIG. 9 shows an example of the entry. The corresponding entry code “794” can be entered in the paper identification certificate 501 with the issuance ID “123”, and the identification certificate 901 can be used correctly.

  If the issuer collects the issuance fee for the number of sheets whose print result is “valid” with reference to the certificate issuance history table 116, the issuance fee for the number of applications is collected. Can be collected.

  Hereinafter, the flow of processing when using a certificate will be described with reference to the operation of the certificate verification unit 134 shown in FIG.

  First, the applicant brings the certificate obtained as described above to the place to use it, and gives it to the verifier who verifies whether or not the certificate has been paid. The verifier inputs the issue ID and the entry code described in the passed certificate to the certificate verification device 131 using the keyboard of the input device 132. Here, the issue ID “123” and the entry code “794” described in the identification card 901 are input. The certificate verification unit 134 receives the issue ID and the entry code (step 1001), compares the correspondence between the received issue ID and the entry code with the entry code table 135 (step 1002), and outputs the comparison result to the output device. It outputs to 133 (step 1003). That is, if the entry code table 135 matches the issuance ID and entry code, the certificate outputs that the issuance fee has been paid and is valid, and if there is no match. , Output that the certificate is invalid as if the issue fee has not been paid.

  In the above, the issue ID and the entry code are input, but if the issue ID is entered, the entry code is output, or if the entry code is entered, the issue ID is output. If this output matches, it is valid. There may be a method in which the verifier determines that the result is invalid if they do not match. However, in this method, if there is the certificate verification device 131, the entry code corresponding to an arbitrary issuance ID can be known, so it is necessary to select the use environment.

  Further, in the above, the entry code table having a static correspondence between the issue ID and the entry code is shared in advance by the certificate issuing device 111 and the certificate verification device 131, but the correspondence between the issue ID and the entry code is dynamically changed. May be generated. For example, an encryption technique is used in which the encryption key is shared and the output is always the same when the input is the same. Alternatively, an encryption technique that decrypts the encrypted input and generates a correspondence with the original input is used.

  Also, multiple issue IDs may correspond to one entry code, but the smaller the corresponding issue ID, the higher the reliability of verifying whether the certificate has been paid an issue fee. Needless to say.

  In addition, in the above, a simple example in which the issue ID is 3 digits and the entry code is 3 digits is shown, but in order to increase the reliability of verifying whether or not the certificate has been paid, It is preferable that the issue ID and the entry code have as many character types as possible and the number of digits is increased.

  In the above description, the issue ID and the entry code are input to the certificate verification device 131 using the keyboard of the input device 132. Of course, other input devices may be used. For example, the issue ID and the entry code are read using a scanner and converted into character codes using character recognition technology. Alternatively, the issue ID may be expressed by a bar code, a two-dimensional code, or a dot code described in JP-A-2005-286963, and the issue ID may be read by a scanner or a reader. In short, the issue ID is not limited to characters as long as the issue ID can be automatically recognized by scanning. In this case, after the start of printing in step 407, the scanner or reader can be used when the applicant inputs the issuance ID.

  The certificate issuing device has means for including information necessary for use in the certificate data as the dot code, and the means for reading the dot code printed on the certificate is the certificate application device and the certificate verification device. If there is, the issue ID, the entry code, and the entry code table may be omitted. This is because if the information read by the certificate application device is useful at the time of use, the certificate printing unit or certificate issuing unit may validate the print result or not. This is because the print result may be invalidated.

  Further, in the above description, an example in which characters are entered by hand for entering the entry code has been shown. However, marks corresponding to the characters may be entered in a mark sheet format.

  In the above, the entry code area exists on the same printed surface as the certificate entry, but if it seems to interfere with the layout, the entry code area should be on the opposite side of the certificate entry. May be.

  Furthermore, in the above description, data is not exchanged between the certificate issuing device and the certificate verification device when the certificate is used, but it is also possible to exchange data. The overall system configuration in this case is shown in FIG. A certificate issuing device 1111 and a certificate verification device 1131 are connected via a network 1102, and data can be transmitted and received between the devices. Further, the certificate issuing device 1111 and the certificate application device 1121 are connected via the network 1101, and data can be transmitted and received between the devices. In FIG. 11, only one certificate application apparatus 1121 and one certificate verification apparatus 1131 are shown, but there may be a plurality of them.

  The input device 1122, the display device 1123, the printer 1124, and the certificate application unit 1125 in the certificate application device 1121 are the same as the input device 122, the display device 123, the printer 124, and the certificate application unit 125 in the certificate application device 121, respectively. is there.

  The certificate issuance history table 1116 in the certificate issuing device 1111 is the same as the certificate issuance history table 116 in the certificate issuing device 111. The input device 1132 and the output device 1133 in the certificate verification device 1131 are the same as the input device 132 and the output device 133 in the certificate verification device 131, respectively.

  The certificate printing unit 1126 in the certificate application device 1121, the certificate issuing unit 1114 in the certificate issuing device 1111 and the certificate verification unit 1134 in the certificate verification device 1131 are respectively a certificate printing unit 126, a certificate issuing unit 114, Although it is almost the same as the certificate verification unit 134, there are some differences, which will be described below as an explanation of the processing flow.

  The flow of processing when issuing a certificate is shown in FIG. Steps 1201 to 1212 are the same as steps 401 to 412, respectively. In step 1213, it is determined whether the print result recorded in step 1210 is “valid” or “invalid”. If “invalid”, the same applicant ID, the same certificate type, and the number of “invalid” are set as the required number. , Repeat from step 1204. At this time, only the issued ID is different from the certificate that becomes “invalid”. Even if the determination is “valid”, the entry code is not transmitted and the process is terminated. Therefore, the certificate does not have an entry code area like the identification card 1301 shown in FIG.

  The flow of processing when using a certificate is shown in FIG. The verifier inputs the issue ID described in the certificate delivered from the applicant to the certificate verification apparatus 1131 using the input apparatus 1132. Upon receiving the issue ID (step 1401), the certificate verification unit 1134 transmits the received issue ID together with the identifier of the certificate verification device 1131 to the certificate issue unit 1114 of the predetermined certificate issue device 1111 ( Step 1402). Upon receiving this issuance ID (step 1403), the certificate issuing unit 1114 refers to the certificate issuance history table 1116 using the received issuance ID as a key and searches for a print result (step 1404).

  The searched print result is transmitted to the certificate verification unit 1134 of the verification source certificate verification apparatus 1131 based on the received identifier of the certificate verification apparatus 1131 (step 1405). Upon receiving this print result (Step 1406), the certificate verification unit 1134 outputs the received print result to the output device 1133 (Step 1407). The verifier can determine that the print result is valid if the output result is “valid”, and is valid if the print result is “invalid”. It can be determined that the certificate is invalid as if the certificate has not been paid.

<Embodiment 2>
The present embodiment is an electronic pen system that prints a form corresponding to an electronic pen capable of digitizing handwritten character / graphic data and transmitting it to a predetermined device. FIG. 15 shows the overall system configuration.

  First, the electronic pen 1531 used in this electronic pen system will be described. The electronic pen 1531 is realized by the technique described in International Publication No. 03/001440 pamphlet. In this technology, by using a special electronic pen and a print recording medium on which a dot pattern is printed, the trajectory of characters and figures written on the print recording medium using the electronic pen can be vectorized and stored and transmitted. .

  The mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. A dot pattern 1710 is printed on the print recording medium 1701. The dots are printed for each grid at regular intervals, but the positions are slightly offset from the grid points. In the electronic pen 1531, the light of the light emitting diode 1702 is emitted to the printing surface of the dot pattern 1710, and the dot pattern 1710 is read by the built-in camera 1703, so that the pen tip of the electronic pen 1531 is positioned in the dot pattern space. It is possible to accurately identify the absolute coordinates. The dot pattern space is divided into a predetermined size such as a standard for the paper size in order to facilitate the management, and a dot pattern unique identifier is assigned to each section. The electronic pen 1531 also outputs a dot pattern unique identifier of the read dot pattern 1710.

  The electronic pen 1531 includes a camera 1703, an ink cartridge 1704, a writing pressure sensor 1705, a processor 1706, a memory 1707, a battery 1708, a communication device 1709, an output device 1711 such as a display, a vibration device, and a speaker. The memory 1707 stores an effective pattern table 1801 shown in FIG. The camera 1703 reads a dot pattern only when the writing pressure sensor 1705 is sensitive to pressure, and the processor 1706 acquires pen tip position information. That is, the trajectory of characters and figures written on the print recording medium 1701 is digitized and acquired. This digital trajectory information is stored in the memory 1707 in time series, and is transmitted to a predetermined device by the communication device 1709 at a certain timing.

  An electronic pen-compatible form issuing device 1511 and an electronic pen-compatible form application device 1521 are connected via a network 1501, and data can be transmitted and received between the devices. The electronic pen 1531 is not connected to the network 1501. In FIG. 15, only one electronic pen-compatible form application device 1521 and one electronic pen 1531 are illustrated, but there may be a plurality of them.

  The electronic pen-compatible form application device 1521 is a computer device that applies and prints an electronic pen-compatible form including the dot pattern, and transmits / receives data to / from the electronic pen-compatible form issuing device 1511. The electronic pen-compatible form application device 1521 includes an input device 1522 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display device 1523 such as a display, and a printer 1524. The electronic pen-compatible form application device 1521 includes a CPU, a memory, a communication device, a storage device, a control device that controls data communication between them, and the like. Programs in the storage device are sequentially read into the CPU. When executed, two processing units functioning as respective processing units function. That is, the application unit 1525 that creates the form application data for requesting the issuance of the electronic pen compatible form and transmits it to the electronic pen compatible form issuing apparatus 1511 and the issued electronic form data are printed, and the printed paper is A printing unit 1526 that displays an entry code necessary to validate the electronic pen-compatible form operates.

  The electronic pen-compatible form issuing device 1511 is a computer device that issues an electronic pen-compatible form, sends / receives data to / from the electronic pen-compatible form application device 1521, and the like. The electronic pen-compatible form issuing device 1511 includes a CPU, a memory, a communication device, a storage device, a control device that controls data communication therebetween, and the like, and programs in the storage device are sequentially read and executed by the CPU. Thus, one processing unit that functions as a processing unit functions. That is, the issuing unit 1514 that issues the form data and the entry code operates. In addition, the storage device stores an issue history table 1516.

  Further, each of the processing units described above can be configured as hardware such as an integrated circuit.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a data structure of the issue history table 1516. As shown in FIG. The issuance history table 1516 includes an applicant who applies for an electronic pen-compatible form using the electronic pen-compatible form application apparatus 1521, and electronic form data issued by the electronic pen-compatible form issuing apparatus 1511 to the applicant. It is a table for managing the unique identifier of the included dot pattern and the print result of the form data in the electronic pen-compatible form application device 1521 for management, and includes an applicant ID, a dot pattern ID, and a print result. The applicant ID is a unique identifier of the applicant. The dot pattern ID is the dot pattern unique identifier. The print result is “valid” when printing is successful without causing a printing error that occurs due to paper jams, light ink, etc., or multiple papers that are misaligned and fed together. When an error occurs, the value is “invalid”.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a data configuration of the effective pattern table 1801. The valid pattern table 1801 is a table for holding the dot pattern IDs of the dot patterns included in the electronic pen-compatible form that has been determined to be valid for which the issue fee has been paid.

  Hereinafter, the flow of processing when the electronic pen-compatible form is issued will be described with reference to the operation of the application unit 1525, the printing unit 1526, and the issue unit 1514 shown in FIG.

  First, the applicant uses the input device 1522 to input the electronic pen-compatible form issuing device, the applicant ID, and the required number of electronic pen-compatible forms to the electronic pen-compatible form application device 1521. Here, it is assumed that an applicant with an applicant ID “2020” applies to the electronic pen-compatible form issuing device 1511 for one electronic pen-compatible form. The application unit 1525 creates form application data composed of the applicant ID, the required number of sheets, and the identifier of the electronic pen-compatible form application apparatus 1521 (step 1901). The data is transmitted to the issuing unit 1514 (step 1902).

  When the issuance unit 1514 receives the form application data (step 1903), the issuance unit 1514 uses the form ID of the received applicant ID and the required number of sheets, and also uses the dot pattern of the unused dot pattern ID to generate electronic form data. Is created (step 1904). Whether or not the dot pattern ID is unused can be determined, for example, that a dot pattern ID that does not exist in the issue history table 1516 is unused. Here, one electronic pen-compatible form having a dot pattern ID “528” is created.

  The created electronic pen-compatible form is shown in FIG. An entry code area 2002 is also attached to the electronic pen correspondence form 2001. The entry code area is an area where the applicant enters an entry code, and this coordinate area is recorded in the memory 1707 of the electronic pen 1531 in advance. The issuing unit 1514 transmits the created form data to the printing unit 1526 of the electronic pen-compatible form application device 1521 based on the received identifier of the electronic pen-compatible form application device 1521 (step 1905).

  When receiving the form data (step 1906), the printing unit 1526 prints the received form data (step 1907). Note that only one copy of the form data can be printed by using the background technology. After printing is started, a screen for confirming the printing result as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 1523 for each electronic pen-compatible form. When the applicant looks at the printed material and determines that the paper has been printed correctly without causing a printing error, such as a paper jam or light ink, or multiple papers that are misaligned and fed together Selects the “Yes” button 601 and selects the “No” button 602 when it is determined that the printing error has occurred. The printing unit 1526 transmits the printing result to the issuing unit 1514 that is the transmission source of the received form data in accordance with the selected button (step 1908). When the “Yes” button 601 is selected, the print result is transmitted as valid. When the “No” button 602 is selected, the print result is transmitted as invalid.

  Steps 1909 to 1913 are the same as steps 409 to 413, respectively. The only difference is that the issue history table 1516 is used instead of the certificate issue history table 116, and the dot pattern ID is used instead of the issue ID. Here, it is assumed that the electronic pen-compatible form having the dot pattern ID “528” has been correctly printed.

  In step 1914, the corresponding dot pattern ID is sent as an entry code to the destination printing unit 1526 in step 1905. Here, the entry code is transmitted as “528”.

  When receiving the entry code (step 1915), the printing unit 1526 displays the received entry code on the display device 1523 in order (step 1916).

  If the issuer collects the issuance fee for the number of sheets whose print result is “valid” from the applicant of the corresponding applicant ID with reference to the issuance history table 1516, the issuance fee for the number of applications is collected. can do.

  Hereinafter, the flow of processing when using the electronic pen-compatible form will be described with reference to the operation of the electronic pen 1531 shown in FIG.

  First, the applicant uses the electronic pen 1531 to enter the entry code displayed in step 1916 in the electronic pen correspondence form obtained as described above. FIG. 21 shows an example of the entry. The corresponding entry code “528” can be entered in the paper electronic pen correspondence form 2001 having the dot pattern ID “528”, and the electronic pen correspondence form 2101 can be used correctly.

  When the electronic pen 1531 acquires coordinate data and dot pattern ID by the above-described mechanism (step 2201), the electronic pen 1531 determines whether or not the acquired coordinate data is within the entry code area (step 2202).

  If it is determined in step 2202 that it is in the entry code area, the content entered with the electronic pen 1531 is regarded as an entry code and is converted into a character code using a character recognition technique (step 2203). Then, it is determined whether or not the character-coded entry code matches the dot pattern ID acquired in step 2201 (step 2204). If they do not match, the process returns to step 2201, and if they match, the dot pattern ID is added to the effective pattern table 1801 (step 2205), and the process returns to step 2201.

  If it is determined in step 2202 that it is not in the entry code area, it is determined whether or not the dot pattern ID acquired in step 2201 is in the effective pattern table 1801 (step 2206). If there is, the process returns to Step 2201, and if not, a warning is output to the output device 1711 (Step 2207), and the process returns to Step 2201. As a warning method, a message that the electronic pen compatible form is invalid is displayed on the display as the issue fee has not been paid, the vibration device shakes, a buzzer sounds from the speaker, and the like.

  As described above, only when the entry code is correctly entered with the electronic pen, handwritten characters / graphics to be digitized can be entered with the electronic pen on the electronic pen compatible form.

  A part of the processing in the electronic pen 1531 may be performed by a device (not shown) that can exchange data with the electronic pen.

  In the above description, an example of entering characters for entering the entry code is shown. However, marks corresponding to the characters may be entered in a mark sheet format. In this case, which coordinate region mark corresponds to which character is recorded in advance on the electronic pen.

  In the above description, the dot pattern ID of the dot pattern included in the corresponding electronic pen correspondence form is used as the entry code. However, as in the first embodiment, the correspondence between the dot pattern ID and the entry code is determined statically. Alternatively, it may be generated dynamically.

  In the above description, the applicant is taken as an example of the user of the electronic pen, but a person other than the applicant may be used.

  Moreover, you may implement combining said each embodiment. For example, in the second embodiment, data exchange between the electronic pen-compatible form issuing device and the electronic pen can be considered as in the first embodiment.

  The print recording medium is not limited to paper as long as the printer, scanner, writing instrument, and the like are compatible.

  Thus, even if the person who issues electronic data that is valuable when printed on paper is different from the person who prints the electronic data on paper, the former can charge an issuance fee according to the number of applications, and the latter Can reliably obtain paper worth the number of applications.

It is a block diagram in case the certificate verification apparatus is offline among the block diagrams of the electronic delivery system of 1st Embodiment. It is a data block diagram of the entry code table of 1st Embodiment. It is a data block diagram of the certificate issue history table of 1st Embodiment. It is a processing flow figure at the time of the certificate issuance of the electronic delivery system of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a certificate before entry code entry of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a print result confirmation screen. It is a figure which shows the example of issuing ID input screen of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an entry code output screen of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a certificate after the entry code entry of 1st Embodiment. It is a processing flow figure at the time of certificate utilization of the electronic delivery system of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram in case the certificate verification apparatus is online among the block diagrams of the electronic delivery system of 1st Embodiment. It is a processing flow figure at the time of the certificate issue of the electronic delivery system in case the certificate verification apparatus of 1st Embodiment is online. It is a figure which shows the example of a certificate in case the certificate verification apparatus of 1st Embodiment is online. It is a processing flow figure at the time of certificate utilization of the electronic delivery system in case the certificate verification apparatus of 1st Embodiment is online. It is a block diagram of the electronic pen system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a data block diagram of the issue log | history table of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of an electronic pen and a paper. It is a data block diagram of the effective pattern table of 2nd Embodiment. It is a processing flow figure at the time of the form issue of the electronic pen system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a form before entry code entry of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a form after the entry code entry of 2nd Embodiment. It is a processing flow figure at the time of the form utilization of the electronic pen system of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

501: Identification card, 502: Entry code area, 503: Anti-counterfeit image, 601: Button, 602: Button, 701: Issue ID input area, 901: Identification card, 1301: Identification card, 1531: Electronic pen, 1701: Printing medium, 1702: Light emitting diode, 1703: Camera, 1704: Ink cartridge, 1705: Pen pressure sensor, 1706: Processor, 1707: Memory, 1708: Battery, 1709: Communication device, 1710: Dot pattern, 1711: Output Device, 2001: electronic pen compatible form, 2002: entry code area, 2101: electronic pen compatible form.

Claims (8)

Issuing print data including information capable of specifying a unique identifier, and issuing a code for enabling use of a printed matter on which the print data is printed, according to a print state which is a result of printing the print data How to issue printed materials. Including an application device for applying for the issuance of print data and an issuance device for issuing the print data,
The issuing device issues print data including information that can identify a unique identifier in response to an application from the application device,
The application device transmits a print state, which is a result of printing the issued print data, to the issuing device,
The issuing device issues a code for enabling use of a printed matter on which the print data is printed in association with the unique identifier in accordance with the printing state received from the application device. In the printed matter delivery system according to claim 2,
And a verification device for verifying the validity of the printed matter on which the print data is printed,
The verification device includes:
Obtaining the issued code and the unique identifier from the printed matter;
A printed matter delivery system that verifies the validity of a printed matter on which the print data is printed based on the association between the unique identifier and the code. Including an application device for applying for the issuance of print data and an issuance device for issuing the print data,
The issuing device issues print data including information that can identify a unique identifier in response to an application from the application device,
The application device transmits a print state, which is a result of printing the issued print data, to the issuing device,
The issuing device records the print status received from the application device in association with the unique identifier. In the printed matter delivery system according to claim 4,
And a verification device for verifying the validity of the printed matter on which the print data is printed,
The verification device includes:
Obtaining the unique identifier from the printed matter and sending it to the issuing device;
Receiving the print status corresponding to the unique identifier from the issuing device;
A printed matter delivery system that verifies the validity of a printed matter on which the print data is printed based on the received printing state. The unique identifier is identified by reading the dot pattern, which is information that can identify the unique identifier printed on the printed matter, the issuing device that issues the print data, the issuing device that issues the print data, and the An electronic pen for reading and digitizing the written content on the printed matter on which the dot pattern is printed,
The issuing device issues print data including print information of the dot pattern in response to an application from the application device,
The application device transmits a print state, which is a result of printing the issued print data, to the issuing device,
The issuing device issues the unique identifier that identifies the dot pattern as a code that enables use of a printed matter on which the print data is printed, according to the printing state received from the application device,
The electronic pen reads the dot pattern and the unique identifier from a printed matter on which the unique identifier is written,
A printed matter delivery system that verifies the validity of a printed matter on which the print data is printed based on the correspondence between the read dot pattern and the unique identifier. In the printed matter delivery system according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
The issuing device issues the code regardless of the printing state when a predetermined time elapses. In the printed matter delivery system according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
The issuing device issues a print data including a new unique identifier according to the printing state.

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