JP2005044174A - Personal digital assistant device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily convert information added to the subject of reading such as a name card into digital data, thereby storing and managing the data. <P>SOLUTION: A display device 3 comprising photocells arranged two-dimensionally between display elements to enable images to be displayed and inputted is provided on the front part of a case 2, the case being about as large as a name card N. When a read starting key 6 is turned on while the name card N is applied to the screen of the display device 3, a CPU 10 for controlling an entire device causes the image input function of the display device 3 to execute the operation of reading two-dimensional image information. The two-dimensional image information (name card information) read is displayed on the screen of the display device 3. The two-dimensional image information is stored in memory along with identification information imparted, to construct a name card database in the memory. As the user operates the device, the CPU 10 calls the name card information from the memory for display on the display device 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable information terminal device including a portable main body including a display device configured to allow image input together with image display.

  For example, a businessman has a business card printed on a card-sized paper with his / her name and company name, department name, title, address, telephone number, e-mail address, etc. It is customary to exchange business cards between. In this case, it is a common practice to organize and manage business cards obtained by exchanging files in a commercially available business card holder or the like. In addition, business card information is stored and managed by a personal computer using specific application software.

  However, in the case of managing the business card itself with the business card holder as in the former case, there are situations where the business card holders are spread over multiple volumes, especially when the number of business cards increases, and it takes time and effort to organize and manage the business card. There is a problem that it takes time to search. Further, since the business card holder is not usually carried around, it is difficult even if it is desired to check the business card information while away from home. A place for the business card holder is also required. On the other hand, when the business card information is stored and managed by the latter personal computer, there is a disadvantage that the information written on the business card must be manually input by operating a keyboard or the like.

Therefore, in recent years, an apparatus (electronic wireless business card exchange) has been considered in which only business card information converted into electronic data is exchanged with a visitor in place of a business card using paper (see, for example, Patent Document 1). . This device is constructed by incorporating a wireless communication device, CPU, memory, liquid crystal screen, input operation keyboard, etc. into a business card size case, and the personal information data stored in the memory is transmitted to the other party by the wireless communication device. The business card information is exchanged by receiving the personal information data of the other party, and the function of accumulating and managing the obtained personal information data of the other party is realized.
JP 2003-123035 A

  However, in the electronic wireless business card exchange described in Patent Document 1 described above, if the counterpart of the business card exchange does not have an equivalent device, the function of wireless business card exchange cannot be realized and the feasibility is poor. It was a thing. In addition, even if many people have this device, when exchanging business cards by wireless communication, if another person is exchanging business cards nearby, personal information other than those who are eligible for business card exchange There is also a problem that data may jump in unintentionally.

  In addition, in order to store and manage business card information, in order to input paper business cards received in the past as data, there was a disadvantage that the information recorded on the business cards had to be manually input one by one by operating the keyboard. . In this case, it may be possible to read information recorded on a business card using paper by connecting a scanner or the like. However, this is expensive and causes a problem that the apparatus becomes large.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the object thereof is to easily convert information recorded on a reading object such as a business card into electronic data, and to enable storage and management of the data. The present invention provides a portable information terminal device that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, the portable information terminal device of the present invention is configured such that a light receiving element is two-dimensionally arranged between display elements on a portable main body, and image input is possible along with image display. A reading execution means for reading the two-dimensional image information written on the reading object in a state where the reading object is addressed to the screen of the display device. A storage means for storing image information is provided, an identification information adding means for adding identification information to the read two-dimensional image information is provided, and the two-dimensional image information stored in the storage means is called based on the identification information. Calling means for displaying on the display device is provided, and further, an exchange mode in which reading by the reading execution means is performed while displaying the two-dimensional image information called by the calling device on the display device is possible. By superimposing screens of the display devices of the device and executing the exchange mode on both, the information displayed on one display device is read by the other display device and at the same time displayed on the other display device The present invention is characterized in that an information exchange function for reading information by one display device is realized (invention of claim 1).

  According to this, since the display device is configured to be able to input an image, when the user wants to input two-dimensional image information written on an object to be read such as a business card, for example, The two-dimensional image information is optically read by the reading execution means and stored in the storage means only by directing the reading object to the screen of the display device. Therefore, unlike the case of manually entering information written on the reading object from a keyboard or the like, data can be input very easily. Then, the identification information is given to the input two-dimensional image information by the identification information giving means, so that the two-dimensional image information can be easily stored and managed, and the calling means is based on the identification information. Thus, the two-dimensional image information that the user wants to call can be easily called and displayed on the display device. At this time, since the display device also functions as a scanner, the size can be prevented from being increased and the device can be configured as a small portable device.

  Furthermore, if there are two portable information terminal devices, an information exchange function for exchanging information at the same time can be realized by executing the exchange mode on both sides by superimposing the screens of the display devices. Data can be exchanged easily in a short time. At this time, since optical reading is performed, it is a matter of course that irrelevant data is not input unlike data exchanged by radio waves or the like.

  In this case, the display device can be configured almost as a business card so that the two-dimensional image information of the business card as a reading object can be read (invention of claim 2). According to this, the business card of paper exchanged with the visitor can be easily converted into electronic data including those received in the past, and the business card information can be stored and managed. It can serve as a holder (business card terminal). And since the user can store his / her business card information and call it freely, the above information can be displayed in a state in which his / her business card information is displayed on a display device with a visitor having the same device. By realizing the exchange function, business card information can be exchanged easily.

  Of course, the portable information terminal device of the present invention is not limited to reading business cards as objects to be read, but even when used as a business card terminal as described above, Information, such as licenses, insurance cards, passports, watches, watches, electrical equipment warranty cards, manufacturing number certificates, etc., can be easily entered and stored in a variety of useful information for the user. it can.

In the present invention, the display device may be provided with a touch panel, and additional information to be added to the read two-dimensional image information may be input by the touch panel (invention of claim 3). According to this, since the user can freely add additional information to the input two-dimensional image information, convenience for the user can be improved.
In the present invention, a character recognition function may be provided so that the read two-dimensional image information can be converted into character data (invention of claim 4). According to this, part or all of the input two-dimensional image information can be converted into character data, data handling is improved, and data can be easily organized, managed, searched, and the like. Identification information can be easily given using the character data.

  In the present invention, connection means for transmitting data stored in the storage means to an external device may be provided (invention of claim 5), and at this time, the connection means uses light or radio waves. It can also be constituted by short-range wireless communication means (invention of claim 6). According to this, for example, data can be exchanged with an external device such as a personal computer or a mobile phone, and the usage can be further expanded and the convenience can be enhanced.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the portable information terminal device according to the present invention is used as a business card terminal for reading and storing business card information. Here, as is well known, a business card N (see FIG. 1) is printed on a card-sized paper (paper medium), along with your name, company name, department name, title, address, telephone number, facsimile number, e-mail. Information such as an address is printed. In addition, a company mark M or a personal face photo may be printed.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows an external configuration of a portable information terminal device (business card terminal) 1 according to the present embodiment. This portable information terminal device 1 is provided with a display device 3 on the front surface (surface portion) of a case (main body) 2 having a thin rectangular shape that is slightly larger than a business card size, and on the right side thereof. It is located and has a plurality of operation keys 4-7.

  Although not shown in detail, the display device 3 is configured by two-dimensionally arranging light receiving elements between display elements, and enables image input together with image display. Specifically, the display device 3 is called, for example, an “input display”, and is configured by embedding a two-dimensional optical sensor element in a liquid crystal composed of a low-temperature polysilicon TFT, and an object to be read on the screen. It has a scan function that can capture the image data simply by applying (for example, various information written on a medium such as paper). The liquid crystal backlight also serves as a light source for reading. In this case, the size of the screen of the display device 3 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the size of the business card N.

  Specifically, the operation keys include a power key 4, a page feed (return) key 5, a reading start key 6, and a business card display key 7. In the present embodiment, a touch panel 8 (see FIG. 2) is provided on the surface of the display device 3, and a plurality of types of operation keys such as a keyboard can be set on the screen of the display device 3. It is like that. At this time, an input operation using the touch pen 9 (see FIG. 5) is also possible.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows the electrical configuration of the portable information terminal device 1. The portable information terminal device 1 includes a CPU (microcomputer) 10 that performs overall control and the like, and this CPU 10 controls reading and display on the display device 3. In addition, operation signals from the operation keys 4 to 7 and the touch panel 8 are input to the CPU 10. The CPU 10 is connected to a memory 11 serving as a storage unit, and controls writing and calling to the memory 11. Although not shown, the case 2 also includes, for example, a secondary battery serving as a driving power source.

  At this time, as will be described later in the explanation of the operation, the CPU 10 is in a state in which a reading object (mainly a business card N in this case) is assigned to the screen of the display device 3 due to its software configuration (execution of the program). When the user performs a reading operation (an operation to turn on the reading start key 6), the image input (scanner) function of the display device 3 reads the two-dimensional image information written on the surface of the reading object. It is supposed to be executed. The read two-dimensional image information (business card information) is displayed on the screen of the display device 3. Then, the two-dimensional image information is stored in the memory 11 together with the assigned identification information.

  Here, the identification information is given for the purpose of organizing and searching for business card information, for example, part of information such as a company name, department name, name, etc. of information written on the business card N, Is date information or information (character data) such as numbers, symbols, group names, etc., which can be freely set by the user. Can be granted. When the identification information is given, the user can input by operating the touch panel 8 and, of course, read two-dimensional image information (business card information) using a character recognition (OCR) function. It is also possible to convert some (or all) of them into character data. In this case, the part designated by the user in the two-dimensional image information (image data) may be converted into character data, or may be automatically converted into character data.

  In the memory 11, business card information is stored in association with identification information given for each business card information, and a business card database is constructed by accumulating it. The CPU 10 calls the business card information from the memory 11 and displays it on the display device 3 in accordance with a user operation (an on operation of the business card display key 7). In this case, for example, when the user performs an operation of designating a company name or the like related to the business card information to be called, the business card information to be called is retrieved based on the identification information. Accordingly, the CPU 10 functions as a reading execution unit and a calling unit, and also functions as an identification information providing unit together with the touch panel 8 and the like.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the above-described two-dimensional image information (business card information) is read and stored, additional information can be input by a user's operation on the touch panel 8. In this embodiment, based on the user's operation, the called two-dimensional image information is displayed on the screen of the display device 3 and at the same time, the two reading objects arranged so as to be addressed to the screen. It is possible to execute the exchange mode for reading the dimensional image information, and to execute the exchange mode on both sides by superimposing the screens of the display devices 3 between the two portable information terminal devices 1. Thus, the information displayed on one display device 3 is read by the other display device 3 and at the same time the information displayed on the other display device 3 is read by one display device 3, that is, the information is exchanged simultaneously. Realization of functions (exchange of business card information) is possible.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. The flowchart of FIG. 3 shows a processing procedure executed by the CPU 10 when the user inputs information on a business card N exchanged between objects to be read, for example, a person who has met at work, into the portable information terminal device 1. . That is, when the business card information is read, the user turns on the power of the apparatus 1 and the business card N (for example, business card of Taro Tanaka of ABC Corporation as shown in FIG. 1) to be read on the surface. The (reading surface) is set to be addressed on the screen of the display device 3, and the reading start key 6 is turned on.

  If it is determined in step S1 that the reading start key 6 has been turned on (Yes), the reading operation by the display device 3 is executed in the next step S2 so that the two-dimensional image information of the business card N is read. become. When the reading operation is completed, the read two-dimensional image information is displayed on the screen of the display device 3 in step S3. Thereby, the user can confirm whether the business card information of the business card N is read correctly.

  Along with this, a display prompting the user to give identification information is displayed. Based on the user's operation, in step S4, the read two-dimensional image information (business card information) is displayed. Identification information is assigned. As described above, this operation may be performed by the user inputting, for example, a company name or a name on the touch panel 8, and the user designates the company name or name portion on the displayed business card information image. The portion may be converted into character data by a character recognition function.

  In the next step S5, an additional information input process is performed as necessary (desired by the user). In this process, information that the user wants to make a note of in addition to the business card information, for example, as shown in FIG. 9 is used to operate the keyboard of the touch panel 8 or the like to input (write a small character in an empty area). When the input of the additional information is completed, the business card information (including the additional information, if any) is stored and stored in the memory 11 in association with the identification information in step S6, and the input processing is completed. To do.

  By reading the business card N and storing the business card information in the memory 11 as described above, the portable information terminal device 1 functions as a business card holder, and is carried by the user to freely access the business card information. Can be displayed. In this case, although illustration and detailed description are omitted, when calling the business card information, the identification information is searched by designating the company name or name stored as the identification information as a keyword, and the corresponding business card is retrieved. Information is called. If there are a plurality of searched business card information, further narrowing down may be performed, or the page feed (return) key 5 may be operated to view them one by one.

  Furthermore, since the portable information terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment can execute the exchange mode, the information exchange function for exchanging information at the same time can be realized by using the two devices 1. It is said that. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, so-called business card exchange can be performed without interposing a business card N which is a paper medium. That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, it is assumed that, for example, “Kazutaro Yamada” and “Taro Tanaka” own portable information terminal devices 1 (A) and 1 (B), respectively. . Both of them make the portable information terminal devices 1 (A) and 1 (B) read their business cards and store the business card information in the memory 11 in advance.

  Then, when “Yamada Ichitaro” and “Tanaka Taro” exchange business cards, as shown in FIG. 4A, each person has his / her own portable information terminal device 1 (A), 1 (B). The business card information is called and displayed on the display devices 3 (A) and 3 (B), respectively. In this state, as shown in FIG. (A) The screens of the display devices 3 (A) and 3 (B) of 1 (B) are overlapped, and the exchange mode is executed by both. Then, the information displayed on one display device 3 (A) is read by the other display device 3 (B), and at the same time, the information displayed on the other display device 3 (B) is read by one display device 3 (B). A) is read.

  As a result, data (business card information) can be easily exchanged. As shown in FIG. 4-C, Mr. Taro Tanaka is connected to the portable information terminal device 1 (A) of Mr. Kazutaro Yamada. The business card information is read, and the business card information of Mr. “Ichitaro Yamada” is read by the portable information terminal device 1 (B) of “Taro Tanaka”. At this time, since optical reading is performed, it is a matter of course that irrelevant data is not input unlike data exchanged by radio waves or the like.

  Even if the portable information terminal device 1 of the present embodiment is used as a business card terminal as described above, information other than business card information, such as a license, insurance card, passport, clock, electric device, etc. Various information useful for the user can be easily input and stored, such as a warranty card and a serial number.

  As described above, according to the portable information terminal device 1 of the present embodiment, the two-dimensional image written on the reading object such as the business card N is provided by providing the display device 3 capable of inputting an image. Information can be optically read and easily converted into electronic data. In this case, unlike the case where information entered on a reading object is manually input from a keyboard or the like, data can be input very easily. it can. In addition, by adding identification information to the input two-dimensional image information, it is possible to easily store and manage the two-dimensional image information, and based on the identification information, the two-dimensional image information that the user wants to call Can be easily called and displayed on the display device 3. At this time, since the display device 3 also functions as a scanner, the overall size (case 2) can be prevented from being increased, and the device can be configured as a portable and compact device.

  In particular, by using it as a business card terminal, paper business cards exchanged with visitors can be easily converted into electronic data including those received in the past and even their own business cards. It can be managed and can function as an electronic business card holder (business card terminal). Moreover, by providing an exchange mode, data can be easily exchanged (business card exchange), and the user can freely add additional information to the input two-dimensional image information. The advantage that the convenience for the user can be improved can also be obtained.

  FIG. 6 shows a portable information terminal device 21 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the above embodiment is that data stored in the memory 11 is transferred to an external device (for example, a mobile phone 22). The connection means for transmitting is provided. In this case, although not shown, a short-distance wireless communication means using light or radio waves, for example, a Bluetooth module is incorporated in the main body 2 as a connection means.

  In such a configuration, as in the above embodiment, the two-dimensional image information written on the business card N or the like can be optically read and stored in the memory 11, in addition to being stored in the memory 11, for example. Among the received data, the telephone number data selected by the user (character data converted by the OCR function) can be transmitted to the mobile phone 22 and automatically dialed up by the mobile phone 22. Thereby, the use is further expanded and the convenience can be enhanced.

  In addition, IrDA using infrared rays, UWB (Ultra Wide Band), etc. can also be employed as the short-range wireless communication means. The external device may be another information device such as a personal computer. Furthermore, it can be configured to be able to connect with an external device by a cable. In this case, an interface (connector) for cable connection may be provided as a connection means.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various expansions and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the portable information terminal device of the present invention can be integrated into a portable terminal device having a display device such as a mobile phone, a PDA, or a notebook personal computer instead of a single device. Various modifications can be made to the shape and structure of the main body, and for example, a structure including a cover for opening and closing the screen of the display device may be adopted.

  A function of reading and analyzing (decoding) an information code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code may be added. You may comprise a memory | storage means (memory) from small media, such as a card | curd type which can be attached or detached from a main body. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to reading the business card N as a reading object, and the screen size of the display device is not limited to the business card size.

The figure which shows one Example of this invention and shows the external appearance of a portable information terminal device and a business card A block diagram schematically showing an electrical configuration of a portable information terminal device Flow chart showing processing procedure when inputting 2D image information The figure which shows a mode that one's own business card information was each displayed on two portable information terminal devices Front view showing a state in which two portable information terminal devices are overlapped Figure showing the screen after data exchange Diagram showing how additional information is entered The figure which shows the other Example of this invention, and shows the mode at the time of transmission of data

Explanation of symbols

In the drawings, 1 and 21 are portable information terminal devices, 2 is a case (main body), 3 is a display device, 8 is a touch panel, 10 is a CPU (reading execution means, identification information adding means, calling means), and 11 is a memory ( Storage means), 22 is a mobile phone (external device), and N is a business card (reading object).

Claims (6)

A portable information terminal device configured to include a display device on a portable main body,
The display device is configured by two-dimensionally arranging light receiving elements between display elements, and configured to enable image input together with image display,
Reading execution means for reading the two-dimensional image information written on the reading object in a state where the reading object is addressed to the screen of the display device;
Storage means for storing the read two-dimensional image information;
Identification information giving means for giving identification information to the read two-dimensional image information;
Calling means for calling two-dimensional image information stored in the storage means based on the identification information and displaying the information on the display device;
While displaying the two-dimensional image information called by the calling means on the display device, it is configured to be able to execute an exchange mode for reading by the reading execution means,
By superimposing the screens of the display devices of the two devices and executing the exchange mode on both, the information displayed on one display device is read by the other display device and displayed on the other display device at the same time A portable information terminal device is realized, wherein an information exchanging function for reading the read information by one display device is realized.   The portable information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is configured substantially as a business card, and is capable of reading two-dimensional image information of a business card as the reading object.   3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device includes a touch panel, and the touch panel is configured to be able to input additional information to be added to the read two-dimensional image information. Portable information terminal device.   4. The portable information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the portable information terminal device is provided with a character recognition function and is capable of converting the read two-dimensional image information into character data.   The portable information terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a connection unit for transmitting data stored in the storage unit to an external device. 6. The portable information terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the connection means comprises short-range wireless communication means using light or radio waves.

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