JP4146700B2 - Portable terminal device, information providing system, recording medium on which information providing program is recorded, and print medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable terminal device having a display function such as a digital camera or a camera-equipped mobile phone, an information providing system, a recording medium on which an information providing program is recorded, and a print medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In addition to the function as a so-called telephone for transmitting and receiving radio waves, a recent mobile phone having a screen display device such as a liquid crystal panel and an input device using key input can enjoy a function for exchanging mail and a game. The trend toward multi-functionality is progressing.
[0003]
In recent years, with the development of small, low power consumption image sensors, it has become possible to incorporate a camera in a portable device such as a mobile phone, and immediately send images taken by the built-in camera via e-mail. It is possible to do it. These built-in cameras are prioritized to be small, and have a lower resolution than general digital cameras.
[0004]
Moreover, recent cellular phones have a function of connecting to the Internet. In order to connect to the Internet, it is necessary to input a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) from a key, and it has been troublesome to enter a long URL with a key of a mobile phone. Therefore, the URL is managed with a unique number, and a barcode symbol corresponding to the number (hereinafter abbreviated as a barcode) is read by a barcode reader, thereby saving the trouble of inputting the URL. Attempts have been made to improve user convenience. In such an apparatus, it is necessary to separately connect a barcode reader to the mobile phone.
[0005]
Therefore, in a portable device with a built-in camera, if a barcode can be recognized with respect to a barcode image input by the built-in camera, such a service can be used without preparing a separate barcode reader.
[0006]
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information providing service in which a photo mode and a QR code (two-dimensional code) reading mode can be selected and set, and processing according to the setting mode is performed. Patent Document 2 describes a code reader that increases the reading accuracy by processing a one-dimensional code with a line CCD and processing a two-dimensional code with an area CCD. However, there is no description about the setting of the camera image capture area according to the barcode type.
Patent Document 3 describes that a telephone number is replaced with a two-dimensional bar code and the two-dimensional bar code is read by a CCD scanner attached to the telephone.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-111909 A (FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-9-259215 (FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-197186 A (FIG. 1)
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, conventionally, barcodes are pre-printed and affixed to products, etc., and the barcode information is scanned by applying the barcode reader to the product. It was for the purpose of efficiency improvement.
[0009]
In addition, barcodes that have been used in terms of physical distribution are called one-dimensional barcodes, and the amount of information that can be coded is small. On the other hand, two-dimensional bar codes that can code alphanumeric characters and kanji and that can code a larger amount of information have been developed in recent years. This two-dimensional barcode is also used for exchanging information.
[0010]
Also, at exhibitions and the like, explanations of works were written as text information on paper as pamphlets, or written on boards beside the exhibits.
For example, taking an art museum as an example, a popular art exhibition is crowded with a large number of people, and an outline of the exhibition, background, author, etc. are usually displayed next to the exhibition. It was very difficult to appreciate the exhibits while reading slowly on the ground.
In the case of brochures, there is a problem that paper is bulky.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and is a portable terminal device, an information providing system, and an information providing program that can take in information as digital data and can be freely and slowly viewed as personal data at hand. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording medium and a printing medium on which is recorded.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The portable terminal device of the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures a two-dimensional barcode, a barcode restoration unit that restores the captured two-dimensional barcode, and a display unit that displays information on the restored two-dimensional barcode. It is characterized by providing.
Furthermore, it is more preferable to provide storage means for storing information on the restored two-dimensional barcode.
[0013]
The information providing system of the present invention is an information providing system including a medium on which information converted into a two-dimensional bar code is printed and a portable terminal device having a display function, and the portable terminal device is printed on the medium. An image pickup means for picking up a two-dimensional barcode, a bar code restoration means for restoring the picked-up two-dimensional barcode, and a display means for displaying information on the restored two-dimensional barcode are provided.
As a more preferable specific aspect, the medium is a pamphlet distributed to a user including the mobile terminal device.
[0014]
In addition, the present invention is a portable device comprising an imaging means for imaging a two-dimensional barcode, a barcode restoration means for restoring the taken two-dimensional barcode, and a display means for displaying information on the restored two-dimensional barcode. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing it to function as a terminal device.
[0015]
The present invention relates to a portable terminal device including an imaging unit that images a two-dimensional barcode, a barcode restoration unit that restores the captured two-dimensional barcode, and a display unit that displays information on the restored two-dimensional barcode. It is a program to make it function as.
[0016]
Further, the print medium of the present invention is characterized in that, in a print medium on which information such as photographs and characters is printed, two-dimensional barcode information related to the printed information such as photographs and characters is attached.
As a more preferred specific embodiment, the printing medium is a brochure, flyer, poster, book or book.
[0017]
The information converted into the two-dimensional bar code may be detailed information that explains in detail the information such as the printed photograph and characters.
More preferably, the two-dimensional barcode information is information that can be read by a portable terminal device having an imaging function.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a portable terminal device, an information providing system, and an information providing service method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining reading and restoration of a two-dimensional barcode used in the information providing system of the present embodiment. This is an example applied to personal guidance that can be used on a portable terminal such as a cellular phone or PDA.
[0020]
An explanation will be given based on an example in which the system is used in a museum.
In FIG. 1A, A is a pamphlet (medium, print medium) with a two-dimensional barcode distributed at the entrance of the museum, and B is a two-dimensional barcode display of one of the pamphlets A. This is an enlarged image (see FIG. 1B).
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1 (b), the brochure B includes the two-dimensional barcode 1 and the minimum information such as the display number 2 of the exhibit, the author name 3, and the work name 4. In the two-dimensional barcode 1 itself, the outline of the same work as the annotations beside the exhibit, the authors, the background of the times, and similar information are coded. That is, in the brochure B, a detailed message similar to the annotation next to the exhibit is converted into a two-dimensional barcode and printed in advance as a two-dimensional barcode 1.
[0022]
FIGS. 1C to 1E show images for reading a two-dimensional barcode using the photographing function of the mobile phone 10. FIG. 1C is an image in which the imaging function of the mobile phone 10 is used to read two-dimensional barcode information. FIG. 1D is an image in which the information of the two-dimensional barcode is displayed as digital data on the display screen of the mobile phone 10. FIG. 1C is an image in which the read digital information of the two-dimensional barcode is stored in the memory (described later) of the mobile phone 10.
[0023]
2A and 2B are views showing the appearance of the portable terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention based on the above basic concept, FIG. 2A is a front view thereof, and FIG. 2B is a rear view thereof. . The portable terminal device of this embodiment is an example in which the code reader is applied to a camera-equipped cellular phone / PHS (Personal Handy-Phone System) portable communication terminal.
[0024]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes a camera-equipped mobile phone (mobile terminal device). A main body 10 a of the mobile phone 10 inputs an antenna 11 for performing wireless communication and image information to be incorporated in the back of the main body 10 a. A camera 12 (imaging means), a small light 13 built in the back of the main body 10a, which emits light by a user operation or the like when reading a barcode, a loudspeaker 14 for receiving a voice, guidance or reception information for operation, LCD display section 15 (display means) for displaying information such as images and text information in color, power key 16 for turning on / off power, telephone function key 17 for performing incoming call, outgoing call, telephone function switching, operation decision, and the like A mode key 18 for switching functions, a cursor key 19 for moving a selection target in the vertical and horizontal directions, and an input of the camera 12 A shutter key 20 which is a shutter button to be set, a light ON / OFF button 21 for turning on / off the light 13, a dial key 22 including a membrane key for dialing such as inputting a telephone number, and voice are input. The microphone 23 is provided.
[0025]
The camera 12 is a 340,000 pixel CCD (Charge Coupled Device) (area-type solid-state imaging device) camera built in the mobile phone 10, for example. The camera 12 has a single focus lens, and the depth of focus can be switched between normal shooting and barcode reading.
[0026]
The LCD display unit 15 includes a dot display color display LCD, a backlight PDP, EL, and drivers. The LCD display unit 15 displays image information input from the camera 12 at the time of shooting. When the code recognition is completed, a recognition result is displayed by a message such as a character or an icon. In addition, at the time of non-photographing, a number input from the dial key 22, various screens for a non-telephone function, icons indicating an operation state of the telephone function, and the like are displayed. Furthermore, the time is displayed during standby, and personal information, system status, and the like are displayed.
[0027]
The power key 16, the telephone function key 17, the mode key 18, the cursor key 19, the shutter key 20, the light ON / OFF button 21 and the dial key 22 are all manually operated, and the operated contents are controlled by the control unit 31 ( It is transmitted as information to FIG. In the present embodiment, the shutter key 20 and the light ON / OFF button 21 are independent keys, but the function of these keys may be assigned to another key (for example, the mode key 18).
[0028]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram when the barcode reader is incorporated in a camera-equipped mobile phone.
In FIG. 3, a mobile phone 10 is a portable information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) or a PHS / mobile phone, and includes a control unit 31 (barcode restoration means) composed of a CPU that controls the entire apparatus, a control program, A storage memory 32 (storage means) for storing received or input character information, image information, audio signals, including a ROM for storing fixed data, a semiconductor memory such as a RAM that is a working storage area of the CPU, and a hard disk; A camera 33 (imaging means) for inputting target image information, a light 34 that emits light by a user operation when reading a barcode, a display unit 35 (color display) for displaying character information and image information, and a two-dimensional barcode symbol Means), a key input unit 36 for inputting and generating key operation information from the user, an antenna 37 for transmitting and receiving radio waves, Radio unit 38 for controlling the transmission and reception of communication, a speaker 39 for outputting audio signals, and includes a microphone 40 for inputting voice signals from a user.
[0029]
The camera 33 is an image input device that captures a two-dimensional barcode symbol.
The key input unit 36 inputs a message for creating a two-dimensional barcode and color identification data set in advance.
The wireless unit 38 accesses a predetermined service site by wireless communication and downloads a two-dimensional barcode symbol.
[0030]
The control unit 31 controls the entire mobile phone 10 and has a barcode reading function, and controls to restore the two-dimensional barcode imaged by the camera 33 and display it on the display unit 35 based on a key operation. Do. Specific contents will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The storage memory 32 includes a non-volatile storage memory, and stores color identification data input by the key input unit 36 in an identification table.
[0031]
The ROM is a read-only semiconductor memory that stores fixed data such as a program and communication control data required when the control unit 31 operates. The RAM is used as a so-called working memory that temporarily stores data relating to barcode recognition / display and communication, data used for calculation, calculation results, and the like. A program processed by the mobile phone 10 is developed and executed in this RAM. Further, a part of the RAM is composed of an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) which is an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory, and various specifications in the cellular phone 10 can be changed by changing a program written in the EEPROM. Can do. That is, recently, in order to avoid the time loss of changing the mask ROM for each debugging of the system development, the program ROM is a non-volatile memory, for example, EPROM, EEPROM, and the time for program development / modification time is greatly reduced. . Further, if the program is downloaded and the program contents of the EEPROM are rewritten, it is possible to easily upgrade functions or change functions.
[0032]
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a mobile phone for realizing personal guidance using a two-dimensional bar code, and shows a corresponding functional portion of FIG. 3 in a block diagram.
In FIG. 4, the two-dimensional barcode photographed by the camera 33 is restored as digital data by the barcode restoration function of the control unit 31. This data is displayed as characters on the liquid crystal screen using a display function. It is also possible to store the read data in the memory 32.
[0033]
Hereinafter, a personal guidance operation of the mobile terminal 10 configured as described above will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for restoring a two-dimensional barcode, which is executed by the control unit 31. The user's instruction is given by key input of the key input unit 36. In the figure, S indicates a flow step.
[0034]
When the two-dimensional barcode processing application starts, the camera 33 is pointed at the two-dimensional barcode of the subject in step S1, and the shutter key 20 is pressed to image the two-dimensional barcode. The imaging data is transmitted as information to the control unit 31 (FIG. 3). In step S2, it is determined whether or not the subject has been correctly imaged. If the object has not been correctly imaged, a message indicating that the subject cannot be imaged is displayed on the display unit 35 in step S3, and the speaker 39 notifies the user and returns to step S1. The 2D barcode is imaged again. When the image is correctly captured, a confirmation sound for capturing the image is notified by the speaker 39 in step S4, and the two-dimensional barcode captured in step S5 is restored. Next, the information restored in step S6 is used as the display unit 35, and this flow is finished.
[0035]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of using the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment, and is an example assuming the use of the system in a crowded art museum.
In FIG. 6, 50 is a crowded museum exhibition hall, 60 is a painting to be appreciated, 70 is a large number of people near the painting 60, and 70 a is a user carrying the mobile phone 10.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 6, the popular art exhibition is crowded with a large number of people, and an overview of the exhibits next to the painting 60 that they are going to appreciate, backgrounds, explanations about the author, etc. It is difficult to appreciate while reading slowly at the venue.
[0037]
The user 70a uses the mobile phone 10 at hand in the crowded museum 50 and uses the two-dimensional barcode 1 of the brochure B with the two-dimensional barcode (see FIG. 1B) distributed at the entrance of the museum 50. Take an image. The two-dimensional barcode 1 is encoded and printed with the outline of the same work as the annotation next to the exhibit, the author, the period background, and similar information.
[0038]
Then, the two-dimensional barcode 1 imaged in accordance with the flow shown in FIG. 5 is restored, and information such as the outline of the same work as the annotation beside the exhibit, the author, and the period background is displayed on the display unit 35. FIG. 1D shows a state in which this information is displayed on the display screen of the mobile phone 10. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1C, the information read by the save key operation can be stored in the memory 32 of the mobile phone 10.
[0039]
FIG. 6 shows a state in which the user 70a uses the mobile phone 10 to browse the information on the exhibit slowly and calmly while viewing the exhibit. In this way, in the very crowded museum 50, you can touch the exhibits such as the painting 60 until you are satisfied. In addition, since the captured information can be stored as digital data, it can be slowly viewed at hand.
[0040]
As described above, the cellular phone 10 according to the present embodiment has restored the camera 33 that captures the two-dimensional barcode 1 printed on the brochure B, and the control unit 31 that restores the captured two-dimensional barcode. Since the display unit 35 for displaying the information of the two-dimensional barcode and the storage memory 32 for storing the information of the restored two-dimensional barcode are configured, the two-dimensional barcode described in the pamphlet or the like is read and digitally read. It can be captured as data, and the captured data can be displayed or saved on the display screen of the mobile phone 10.
[0041]
By reading a two-dimensional bar code on which information on exhibits and the like is loaded and using a display function, the information can be browsed by individual persons. For example, at an art museum, a museum, a zoo, a gallery, a show, etc., an individual can freely view the explanation of the exhibit as personal data at hand. It is also possible to easily provide (receive) information as digital data.
[0042]
The above description is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to this.
Although the above embodiment is an example applied to a mobile phone such as a mobile phone or a PHS, it can also be applied to a PDA or a digital camera. It can also be applied to control information processing devices such as portable personal computers. The two-dimensional barcode data may be any data.
[0043]
In the above embodiment, an example in which a two-dimensional barcode is attached to a pamphlet of an exhibit has been described. However, any print medium with a two-dimensional barcode attached may be used. It may be a booklet or a book such as a booklet or a photo book. The two-dimensional bar code may be attached to the print medium, and may be affixed with a seal or the like. Furthermore, the material of the print medium is not limited to paper.
[0044]
In this embodiment, the names of the mobile terminal device and the information providing system are used. However, this is for convenience of explanation, and it goes without saying that a personal guidance system, a communication terminal device, an information providing method, or the like may be used.
In addition, the types, numbers, connection methods, and the like of each circuit unit, for example, a storage unit and a display unit, that constitute the mobile terminal device and the information providing system are not limited to the above-described embodiments.
[0045]
Moreover, the portable terminal device demonstrated above is implement | achieved also by the program for functioning this portable terminal device. This program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium. In the present invention, as the recording medium, the main memory itself of the control unit 31 shown in FIG. 3 may be a program medium, or a program reading device such as a CD-ROM drive is provided as an external storage device. Further, it may be a program medium such as a CD-ROM that can be read by inserting a recording medium therein. In any case, the stored program may be configured to be accessed and executed by the CPU of the control unit 31, or in any case, the program is read and the read program is not illustrated. The program may be downloaded to the program storage area and executed. This download program is assumed to be stored in advance in each device.
[0046]
Here, the program medium is a recording medium configured to be separable from the communication terminal device or the information processing device, and is a magnetic disk such as magnetic tape or cassette tape, CD-ROM, CD-R / RW, MO, MD. , DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW and other optical disk systems, PC cards, compact flash cards, smart media, IC cards, SD cards, memory sticks, etc., or mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash It may be a medium that carries a fixed program including a semiconductor memory such as a ROM.
[0047]
Further, the medium may be a medium that carries the program in a fluid manner so as to download the program from the communication network via a communication connection means that can be connected to an external communication network such as an Internet connection provider or a mobile mail service. . When the program is downloaded from the communication network in this way, the download program may be stored in advance or may be installed from another recording housing. The content stored in the recording medium is not limited to a program, and may be data.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the information of the two-dimensional barcode can be taken into the mobile terminal device as digital data, and can be used as personal guidance in a crowded place. In addition, the use of information can be simplified by converting to personal data.
[0049]
For example, in an extremely crowded art museum, museum, zoo, gallery, show, etc., individuals can freely and slowly browse information and explanations on exhibits as personal data at hand. In addition, information can be provided (received) as digital data.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining reading and restoration of a two-dimensional barcode used in an information providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a mobile terminal device according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram when incorporated in the camera-equipped mobile phone according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing restoration of a two-dimensional barcode of the mobile terminal device according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a two-dimensional barcode restoration procedure of the mobile terminal device according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for using a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Two-dimensional bar code 2 Display number 3 Exhibitor name 4 Work name 10 Mobile phone with camera (mobile terminal device)
10a Mobile phone body 11, 37 Antenna 12, 33 Camera (imaging means)
13, 34 Light 14, 39 Speaker 15, 35 LCD display section (display means)
16 Power Key 17 Telephone Function Key 18 Mode Key 19 Cursor Key 20 Shutter Key 21 Light ON / OFF Button 22 Dial Keys 23, 40 Microphone 31 Control Unit (Bar Code Restoring Means)
32 storage memory (storage means)
36 Key input unit 50 Museum exhibition hall 60 Painting 70 Numerous people 70a User A, B Brochure with 2D barcode (medium, print medium)

Claims (5)

Imaging means for imaging a two-dimensional code ;
Code restoration means for restoring the captured two-dimensional code ;
Display means for displaying information of the restored two-dimensional code ;
Storage means for storing the information;
Displaying the information on the display means and storing it in the storage means;
A portable terminal device configured to be able to re-display the stored information on the display means . A medium displaying a two-dimensional code ;
An information providing system comprising a mobile terminal device having a display function,
The portable terminal device
Imaging means for imaging the two-dimensional code ;
Code restoration means for restoring the captured two-dimensional code ;
Display means for displaying information of the restored two-dimensional code ;
Storage means for storing the information;
Displaying the information on the display means and storing it in the storage means;
An information providing system characterized in that the stored information can be displayed again on the display means . The medium further displays identification information associated with the two-dimensional code,
The information providing system according to claim 2, further comprising an exhibit with the identification information. Imaging means for imaging a two-dimensional code ;
Code restoration means for restoring the captured two-dimensional code ;
Display means for displaying information of the restored two-dimensional code ;
Storage means for storing the information;
Displaying the information on the display means and storing it in the storage means;
A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing the stored information to function as a portable terminal device configured to be redisplayable on the display means . Imaging means for imaging a two-dimensional code ;
Code restoration means for restoring the captured two-dimensional code ;
Display means for displaying information of the restored two-dimensional code ;
Storage means for storing the information;
Displaying the information on the display means and storing it in the storage means;
A program for causing the stored information to function as a mobile terminal device configured to be redisplayable on the display means .

Images