JP2001203881A - Input device using watermark code - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simple input device, with which even an aged person or a child can easily input data. SOLUTION: This input device includes plural areas, which are formed on the surface of a tangible object and consist of the characters and graphic forms or images with which a human being can visually recognize each prescribed meaning, plural area forming parts, which contain the transparent or semitransparent watermark codes formed to be put on some or whole of those characters and graphic forms or images of each of the areas, a coder reading means which reads the watermark codes of each area of area-forming parts and a data output means, which outputs the data that are read by the code reading means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for simple input using a transparent or translucent code.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the operation of information devices such as personal computers and home electric appliances is complicated and difficult to master for elderly people and the like. Therefore, various proposals have conventionally been made as simple input devices. For example, an article in the Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun dated May 8, 1999, "Operating home appliances with a pen and activating by tracing Tamagawa University and Sony CSL paper," is written as follows:
A simple input device is introduced. "Sony Computer Science Laboratory, a Sony subsidiary (Sony CSL, Tokyo,
The joint research team of President Mario Tokoro) and Tamagawa University has developed a pen that can easily operate personal computers and home appliances just by tracing pictures and characters. We also prototyped a picture book that talks using this pen. In addition, it can also be applied to video-on-demand, where you can enjoy your favorite movie whenever you want, and the research team hopes that "it will be an input device for information home appliances that can be used by anyone." The pen has a built-in barcode reader and a small hall-type sensor that can detect the distance traveled. In the prototype talking picture book, the computer recognizes which page it is by touching the bar code printed on the upper left of each page with a pen. Next, when the pen is slid from the barcode to a dog, rabbit, character, etc., the sensor calculates the position,
The sound of the animal and the dialogue of the person entered in advance come out of the speaker. By touching a song or song title or movie title with this pen, it is possible to build an interactive system in which songs and movies are automatically sent from the server of the program supplier to home appliances. At present, it is difficult to remember how to operate a personal computer, and home appliances have many switches and are difficult to handle. The ease of use of information appliances is key to its widespread use, and the newly developed pen is likely to be a potential input device candidate. "

[0003]

However, the input device introduced in the above article is troublesome because it is necessary to first touch a barcode printed on the upper left of each page of a prototype picture book with a pen. Tracing a pen over a dog or rabbit in the picture book requires complicated calculations such as measuring the distance from the barcode and specifying data (this hinders miniaturization of the device and increases cost). However, it is difficult to say that sufficiently simple input is realized. The present invention focuses on such a problem of the related art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a simple input device that enables an elderly person or the like to easily perform data input and operation of the device.

[0004]

(The present invention) Since the present invention is as described in the claims of the present specification, the description of the claims of the present specification will be described here. Invite. (Explanation of terms etc.) In the present invention, a code that can be a “watermark code” includes a bar code, a two-dimensional code, and a dot code commercialized by Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. Various codes are included.

[0005]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an input device for operating a television according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a character, a graphic, or an image which allows a human to visually recognize a predetermined meaning in each of a plurality of areas (blocks), and a transparent or translucent code for each of the areas (blocks). Is an operation sheet which is printed (formed) on or under the above-mentioned character / graphic or image. The sheet 1 is made of paper in this embodiment, but may be made of plastic or the like. Then, as shown in the figure, "ON / OFF of the main power supply of the television" is provided on the surface of the sheet 1.
Power instruction area (block) 1 for instructing "operation"
0, a channel selection instruction area 11 for instructing to perform an operation of “selection of television channel”, a channel instruction area 12 for instructing a television channel (a number indicating each channel), “information by data broadcasting” Data broadcast instruction area 13 for instructing "display on television screen", news display instruction area 14 for instructing to display "news" information in the data broadcast information on the television screen, A weather forecast display instruction area 15 for instructing to display the information of "weather forecast" in the information on a television screen, a video operation instruction area 16 for instructing operation of a video recording / playback apparatus (video player), video Recording start instruction area 17 for instructing the player to start recording, recording end for instructing the video player to end recording An instruction area 18, a reproduction instruction area 19 for instructing the video player to reproduce, a rewind instruction area 20 for instructing the video player to rewind, and a fast-forward instruction area 21 for instructing the video player to fast-forward. Are formed by printing a character / graphic or image and a watermark code described below, respectively.

In the present embodiment, each of the regions 10
21 or above, a transparent or translucent bar code (in the present invention, not only a bar code formed by combining bar-shaped codes, but also a square Combination of figures of 2
A dimensional code, a character code composed of a character string such as an alphanumeric character, or a dot code proposed by Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. may be formed by printing or the like.
The “transparent or translucent” barcode is, for example, a “stealth barcode” (“stealth = stealth”, which is already in practical use by Hitachi Maxell, etc.)
"Transparent or translucent printing technology", "transparent or translucent ink", etc., which are used for "invisible" or the like, can be used. In the present embodiment, in each of the areas 10 to 21 of the sheet 1, a character or a figure as shown in the drawing, which allows the user to visually recognize a predetermined meaning, is further printed. A predetermined stealth barcode is printed above or below, respectively.

Here, the "stealth barcode" will be described. This is an "invisible, unobtrusive, transparent or translucent barcode" using a special phosphor material. Therefore, if this stealth barcode is used, the stealth barcode can be "overprinted" on (or below) a character / graphic or image. The printing of the stealth barcode can be by screen printing, offset printing, ink ribbon or thermal transfer printer. Also, the "reading principle" of stealth barcode is
It is as follows. In other words, the conventional bar code reading principle irradiates infrared light and reads the reflected light (the white bar or the black bar is determined based on the intensity of the reflected light. In this case, the irradiated light is reflected and returned. In contrast, the irradiation light and the reflected light have the same components and wavelengths. On the other hand, the "reading principle" of this stealth bar code is characterized in that "light emission is read". That is, when light (infrared light) is irradiated on the stealth barcode from the reader, the stealth barcode reacts and emits light (infrared light). The reflected light also returns, but the reflected light is removed by an optical filter and only the presence or absence of the light emission is detected to determine whether it is a bar or a space. (If the light emission is detected, the black bar and the light emission cannot be detected. If it is, a white bar is determined). Here, since the stealth barcode reacts with the irradiated light and emits light, the irradiation light has a different component and wavelength from the light emission. Irradiation light used for reading a stealth bar code and light emission at that time are infrared rays, so that they are invisible to human eyes.

Next, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 denotes a code reading unit (scanner) for reading the stealth bar code, 3 denotes a code transmission unit for wirelessly transmitting the read stealth bar code, and 4 denotes a code transmission unit. Code transmitter 3
A code receiving unit 5 for wirelessly receiving a bar code from a personal computer (a personal computer (CPU) or a microcomputer) connected to the code receiving unit 4, and a television 6 controlled by the personal computer 5 A video player 7 which is provided with a display and a speaker) and is controlled by the personal computer 5 to transmit and output images and sounds to the television 6 (and to record a program displayed on the television 7). . In FIG. 1, reference numeral 8 denotes a hard disk connected to the personal computer 5. The hard disk 8 stores a database in which computer programs and data for controlling the television 6 and the video player 7 and the stealth barcodes are recorded in association with each other.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. When the user operates the television 6, first, the user holds the reader 2 and scans over the power supply instruction area 10 of the sheet 1. Then, the stealth barcode printed on the area 10 is read by the reader 2. The read stealth barcode is wirelessly transmitted from the code transmission unit 3 and received via the reception unit 4.
It is sent to the personal computer 5. The personal computer 5 calls a computer program and data corresponding to the barcode from the database of the hard disk 8 based on the sent barcode, and executes the program. In this case, “executing a program” means that the personal computer 5 “controls the television 6 and turns on its main power (executes such a program)”. Next, the user inputs, for example, "9 channels".
When the user wants to watch the program, the user first scans the "channel selection" instruction area 11 using the reader 2, and then reads "9" in the channel selection area 12.
Scan the area with the number. As a result, similarly to the above, the scanned barcode data (“channel selection” data and “9” data indicating that “9 channel” programs are to be displayed on the television) are wirelessly transmitted to the personal computer. Sent to 5. Based on this, personal computer 5
Controls the television 6 to display a program of 9 channels on the television 6. Further, when the user wants to watch news of information from the data broadcast on the television 6 or wants to record a television program on the video player 7, the same procedure as described above can be performed.

Embodiment 2 FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a music distribution service for distributing music data from a center connected to a network to an information terminal of each user using a network such as the Internet according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an area diagram showing an input device for performing the operation. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 30 denotes a sheet made of paper or plastic, and reference numeral 31 denotes a server at a center (shown as a server provided at a center for performing a music data distribution service on the Internet). A service application request area (block) 32 for sending to the management computer) is a distribution data selection area (the area 32) for the user to select music data to be distributed from the center.
Are, in addition, areas 32a, 32 showing each music.
b, 32c...), 33 is an area for requesting the center to start distribution (communication) of the music data selected in the area 32, and 34 is the music data selected in the area 32. Area to cancel. In the present embodiment, characters, figures, or images for allowing the user to visually recognize a predetermined meaning are printed in the areas 31 to 34, respectively, and further, a predetermined code is superimposed on these characters, figures, or images. A stealth barcode indicating a predetermined identification number or the like is printed.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 35 denotes each of the regions 3
A reader for reading stealth barcodes printed on 1 to 34, a transmitter 36 for wirelessly transmitting the read barcode data, and a wireless receiver 37 for barcode data wirelessly transmitted from the transmitter. Receiver,
38 is a personal computer (computer communication terminal) used by the user, and 39 is a hard disk (external recording device) connected to the personal computer 38. This hard disk 39
Is software (computer program and data) necessary for exchanging data for receiving a music distribution service with the center, and records the stealth barcode and predetermined data or computer program in association with each other A database for storing the information is recorded. Also, in FIG.
And a communication modem for connecting the personal computer 38 to the Internet 41, and a server (management computer) 42 for a center (installed by a commercial company or the like) for distributing music data to each user via the Internet 41. .

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. now,
When the user wants to distribute music data, first, the user picks up the sheet 30 mailed from the center and opens a page on which a list of music (music) displayed on the sheet 30 appears. Area 3 of "Delivery service hope"
1 is scanned by the reader 35. Then, the data of the stealth barcode printed in this area 31 is sent to the personal computer 38. Then, PC (CP
U) 38, based on the transmitted data of the stealth bar code, reads, from a database recorded in the hard disk 39, “data for receiving a music distribution service with the center corresponding to the code”. Call up and launch a computer program for exchanging data. Next, the user scans any of the areas 32a, 32b, 32c,... Indicating each music in the area 32 for selecting music to be distributed by the reader 36. And the user
The reading device 36 scans the area 33 for “reception start”. Then, the music selected by the user (scanned) and the data for starting reception of the music are transmitted by the personal computer 38 to the computer 38.
A server 42 on the center side via the Internet 41
Sent to The server 42 receives the data and distributes the corresponding music data to the user's personal computer 38 via the Internet 41. The personal computer 38 records the distributed music data at a predetermined location on the hard disk 39.

Embodiment 3 Next, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a picture book according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 50 denotes a picture book made of paper or plastic, and reference numeral 51 denotes an area in the picture book in which a "dog image (picture)" is displayed. In this area 51, a "stealth barcode indicating data of dog calls" is printed over or under the above "dog image". 52 is a reader for reading the stealth barcode, 53 is a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the barcode data read by the reader 52, and 54 is a receiver for receiving the wirelessly transmitted barcode data. 55 is a personal computer to which the receiver 54 is connected, and 56 is “outputs data of a transparent or translucent code printed on each area in a picture book (for example, display output on a display, from a speaker, A hard disk recording computer programs for performing voice / sound output, vibration vibration output, etc.), 57 is a display (liquid crystal display device = LCD) controlled by the personal computer 55, and 58 is controlled by the personal computer 55 Speaker.

Next, the operation will be described. User is picture book 50
In the area 51 of the “dog image” in the
When the user traces (scans), the reader 52 reads a stealth barcode (a barcode that records data indicating the dog's bark) that is overprinted with the “dog image” in the area 51. (It may be a two-dimensional code such as a caral code that can indicate more data). The read barcode data is transmitted from the transmitting unit 53 to the personal computer 55 wirelessly.
The personal computer 55 calls a computer program (recorded on the hard disk 56) for reading the bar code data from the hard disk 39 based on the transmitted bar code data, and operates the computer program. Then, according to the program, the “data of dog bark” recorded in the barcode data is output from the speaker 58 as voice / sound.

[0015]

As described above, according to the present invention, a transparent or translucent watermark code such as a stealth bar code (this watermark code is data for operating a predetermined home appliance or information device, Data for calling a computer program or data for operating a predetermined home appliance or information device, data for a predetermined display output such as dog crowing, data for voice / sound output, or data for vibration output, etc. ) On a tangible object such as a sheet, in a "region where a user can visually recognize a predetermined meaning of a character, a figure, or an image" and at least a part of the character, figure, or image. They are formed (printed, etc.). Therefore, even a user who is generally difficult to operate a complicated machine such as an elderly person can use the above-described tangible object to obtain the above-mentioned “characters that allow the user to visually recognize a predetermined meaning.
By simply designating (for example, “scanning”) the “region in which a figure or image is formed” in a “method capable of reading the transparent or translucent code”, the data indicated by the watermark code (above, , Etc.), thereby making it possible to extremely easily perform operations on predetermined home electric appliances and information devices and output data such as dog calls.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a region diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a region diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a region diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A watermark code area formed on the surface of a certain tangible object, in which a character, a figure, or an image that allows a human to visually recognize a predetermined meaning is displayed, and the character, the graphic, or the image is displayed.
A watermark code region in which a transparent or translucent watermark code formed so as to at least partially overlap the figure or image, and a code reading unit for reading the watermark code formed in the watermark code region, An input device comprising: data output means for outputting data read by the code reading means. 2. A watermark code area formed on a surface of a certain tangible object, wherein a character, a figure, or an image that allows a human to visually recognize a predetermined meaning is displayed, and the character, graphic, or image is displayed.
A watermark code area formed with a transparent or translucent watermark code formed so as to overlap at least a part of a figure or an image; code reading means for reading a watermark code in the watermark code area; Database means for recording a plurality of data in association with each of the watermark codes; data reading means for reading data corresponding to the watermark code read by the code reading means from the database means; reading by the data reading means An input device, comprising: data output means for outputting output data. 3. A watermark code area formed on the surface of a certain tangible object, in which a character, a figure, or an image that allows a human to visually recognize a predetermined meaning is displayed, and the character, the graphic, or the image is displayed.
A watermark code area in which a transparent or translucent watermark code formed so as to overlap at least a part of a figure or image is formed; code reading means for reading a watermark code in the watermark code area; Database means for recording a plurality of computer programs in association with each of the watermark codes; program reading means for reading a computer program corresponding to the watermark code read by the code reading means from the database means; Program execution means for executing the computer program read by the means,
An input device comprising: