JP2006107124A - Tablet and information reading method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tablet and an information reading method that can appropriately recognize identification information even about a document whose document identification information is difficult to position on a document surface. <P>SOLUTION: The tablet, which digitizes information written on the surface of a document placed into coordinate data, has a first reading means for reading a code set in a predetermined position on the reverse of the document placed, and an association means for associating the code read by the first reading means with the coordinate data on the document. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a tablet and an information reading method, and more particularly to a tablet and an information reading method for digitizing information written on the surface of a placed document as coordinate data.

  Conventionally, with the development of personal computers, documents can be created and electronically stored using document editing software (word processing software). In addition, since the document is created electronically, it can be stored in an FD or the like for easy carrying, and editing can be performed on another personal computer. On the other hand, the created document can be printed and saved as a printed document or carried. Further, when a document is being created, etc., it is possible to add and recite the printed document using stationery even when the personal computer cannot be used.

  However, when writing on a printed document, the writing locus on the printed document usually remains. Conventionally, when a user wants to save a writing locus electronically, a tablet is used. For example, according to the tablet described in Patent Document 1, a printed document is placed on a predetermined input surface of the tablet, and writing is performed on the printed document using a stationery. Can be obtained, and by synthesizing the image data of the print original stored in advance in the tablet and the coordinate data, an electronic document having the same content as the printed original can be obtained.

In addition, the tablet considers a document composed of a plurality of pages, and reads the page identification symbol such as the page number attached to each page. Can be stored in association with each other.
JP 2001-14095 A

  However, for example, when handling paper on which important information is printed at a location where a page identification symbol or the like is arranged, or when it is desired to add writing to a location where a page identification symbol or the like is arranged, the page identification symbol on the document surface Etc. may not be appropriate.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and even if it is difficult to place document identification information on the document surface, the identification information for the document can be properly recognized. The purpose is to provide a tablet and information reading method.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a tablet that digitizes information written on the surface of a placed document as coordinate data, as described in claim 1. First reading means for reading a code attached to a predetermined position on the back side of the placed document, and an association means for associating the code read by the first reading means with the coordinate data of the document It is characterized by having.

  Since such a tablet can read the code attached to the back side of the document, the identification information can be properly recognized even if the document identification information cannot be placed on the document surface. it can.

  Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, this invention is good also as an information reading method in the said tablet.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tablet and an information reading method capable of appropriately recognizing identification information for a document even if it is difficult to place document identification information on the document surface. .

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1 FIG. In the first embodiment, a highly convenient tablet will be described without limiting the work location when electronically editing a printed original document that has been added to a specific location. FIG. 1 is an overview configuration diagram (FIG. 1A) of the tablet according to the first embodiment, and a block diagram (FIG. 1B) showing the schematic configuration. The tablet 100 includes a coordinate input unit 101 that inputs coordinate data corresponding to a writing trajectory on a placed print document, and an external input / output unit 102 that inputs and outputs various data such as coordinate data to and from an external device. A storage unit 103 that stores coordinate data input to the coordinate input unit 101 and image data of a print document input from the external input / output unit 102, a control unit 104 that controls these units, and a print document to be placed And a clip 105 or the like for fastening.

  The coordinate input unit 101 may employ an electromagnetic induction method, a magnetostriction method, a pressure sensitive method, or the like as a coordinate data input unit. In this embodiment, a pressure-sensitive type is adopted. Therefore, a pen used for writing on a printed document is not special, and general writing instruments such as a pencil, a ballpoint pen, and a fountain pen can be used. In addition to the coordinate data, the coordinate input unit 101 also detects the state of the pen, for example, whether the pen is on the writing surface (the surface on which the printed document is placed) or away.

  The external input / output unit 102 uses a widely used interface such as RS-232C or USB. In this embodiment, the external input / output unit 102 employs USB (see FIG. 1A).

  The storage unit 103 may be of any type as long as it is a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory, but the storage unit 103 employs a built-in flash memory. Needless to say, the storage unit 103 may employ a removable storage medium. The storage unit 103 stores information such as time in addition to the coordinate data.

  The control unit 104 includes a CPU. The control unit 104 appropriately has an operating system and controls each unit of the apparatus.

  Next, the operation of the tablet 100 will be described. The user creates a document using word processing software or the like and prints the document. When printing a document, the tablet 100 inputs image data of the document via the external input / output unit 102. The input image data is stored in the storage unit 103.

  In the present embodiment and the subsequent embodiments, the image data represents all the data that is the basis of the printed document. In other words, in the present embodiment and the subsequent embodiments, all data constituting an electronic document created by word processing software or the like is referred to as image data. Therefore, the format is expressed as image data regardless of whether it is binary data directly created by word processing software or image data expanded into a bitmap.

  When the user cannot use the word processing software, for example, during movement, the user places a print document on the tablet 100 and performs writing with a general-purpose writing instrument such as a pole pen. At this time, a writing locus is written on the printed document, and the writing locus is simultaneously stored in the storage unit 103 as an electronic writing locus (coordinate data) through the coordinate input unit 101.

  Using a word processor software or the like, the user superimposes (synthesizes) the coordinate data stored in the storage unit 103 with the image data, and obtains an electronic document similar to the printed original. Can do.

  According to the first embodiment, since the tablet stores image data in addition to the coordinate data, the management of the document is simplified, and when editing a printed original document electronically, You are freed from the restrictions that can only be done with the device that created the document. Therefore, the tablet of the present invention is highly convenient.

  Embodiment 2. FIG. In the second embodiment, a tablet that can easily obtain data obtained by superimposing a writing trajectory on an original document without editing operation by a user will be described. In the present embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment is omitted, and the same reference numerals are also provided in the drawings unless otherwise specified.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the tablet according to the present embodiment. The tablet 110 includes a combining unit 111 that superimposes (synthesizes) the coordinate data stored in the storage unit 103 on the image data so as to be the same as the printed document on which the writing trajectory is added.

  Next, an example of a method in which the combining unit 111 combines coordinate data with image data will be described. 3 and 4 are explanatory diagrams for explaining a method in which the control unit combines the coordinate data with the image data. First, using FIG. 3, the addition to the blank portion will be described. The placed manuscript 112a is a manuscript that is in the process of being created, and “… the project results are summarized below.” That is to say, the following is blank. Assume that the user adds “1. Cost reduction” and “2. Development period reduction” to the blank portion of the original 112a. Reference numeral 112b represents only the written writing trajectory. The storage unit 103 stores only the writing locus (coordinate data). The synthesizing unit 111 compares the image data stored in the storage unit 103 with the coordinate data, determines that the image data corresponding to the position of the coordinate data is a blank part, and directly converts the image data into the image data as an added part. Synthesize (see 112c).

  Next, thrusting will be described with reference to FIG. The user reviews the manuscript 113a and draws a double line on the corresponding line in order to correct “1. Incomplete negotiation” and “2. Human arrangement”, and “A: Lack of negotiation power” “B: Each It is assumed that “the number of people in the section” is added (see 113b). Coordinate data corresponding to the added part is stored in the storage unit 103. The synthesizing unit 111 compares the coordinate data stored in the storage unit 103 with the image data, and there is a character in a part corresponding to the double line, and there is an additional part between the upper line, so the double line The corresponding part is determined to be replaced with the character written between the lines, and the added part is replaced (see 113c).

  Another method for synthesizing the coordinate data with the image data will be described. When the image data stored in the storage unit 103 is image data based on a bitmap, the coordinate data that is a writing trajectory is also converted into a bitmap, and both data are simply combined (superposed) to write the writing trajectory. It is also possible to obtain the same image data as the printed document with the added Even if the image data stored in the storage unit 103 is not image data, both the image data and the coordinate data are converted into bitmap data, and then both data are simply superimposed to add a writing locus. The same image data as the original can be obtained.

  Since the coordinate data is handwritten, it is not normally recognized as a character character, but is appropriately converted into a character code by the CPU of the control unit 104. For example, a pattern recognition method used by OCR software or the like is sufficient.

  Further, when superimposing, for example, confirmation can be requested from the operator through an appropriate monitor through the external input / output unit 102, so that the efficiency of superimposition can be improved.

  According to the second embodiment, since the coordinate data is superimposed on the image data by the combining unit, the combined image data can be obtained without a troublesome editing operation by the user later. Therefore, the tablet of the present invention is highly convenient.

  Embodiment 3 FIG. In the third embodiment, a tablet that recognizes which writing trajectory has been written on which page and automatically superimposes it even on a printed document consisting of a plurality of pages will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in Embodiment 1 or 2 is omitted, and the same reference numerals are also provided in the drawings unless otherwise specified.

  FIG. 5 is an overview configuration diagram (FIGS. 5A and 5B) of the tablet according to the present embodiment and a block diagram (FIG. 5C) showing the schematic configuration. As can be seen from FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B, the tablet 120 has an optical reading unit (scanner) 106 at a position facing the document placement surface of the clip 105. Further, the clip 105 has a spring 107, and holds the printed document by the force of the spring 107. By arranging the scanner at this position, it is possible to read the header portion of the document and identify the document for each page.

  Next, the operation of the tablet 120 will be described. The user creates a document using word processing software or the like and prints the document. Also, the page number is printed on the header of the document. Depending on the mode of use, a drive name + directory name + document file name + page number or URL is printed. The user places the document on the tablet 120 and fixes it with the clip 105. The scanner 106 reads the page number described in the header of the document, and the storage unit 103 stores the page number in association with the coordinate data. The combining unit 111 combines the coordinate data stored in the storage unit 103 with image data corresponding to the page in which the coordinate data is written. The storage unit 103 stores the synthesized image data. 5C represents the scanner 106 shown in FIG. 5A or 5B as a block diagram, and both are the same.

  The scanner 106 is not limited to the mode provided in the clip 105. For example, it may be disposed at the footer position. However, in this case, it is necessary that the page number is printed on the back side of the print document, or the user needs to perform an operation of turning over and reading the print document to be added.

  Further, the scanner 106 reads the page number of the header of the printed document. However, since the characters described in the header include various characters such as Roman characters, Kanji characters, Hiragana characters, Katakana characters, and numbers, reading errors are likely to occur. Moreover, in order to recognize these one by one, the device configuration becomes complicated. On the other hand, identifiers such as file names are not necessarily printed so that the user (human) can identify them. Therefore, for example, by printing a two-dimensional barcode, the page identification unit 106 can easily recognize the identifier. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a two-dimensional barcode. In this case, the printing apparatus that prints the document on the recording paper needs to recognize the number of pages and print the two-dimensional barcode in a form that can be recognized at a position that can be recognized by the scanner 106. The printing apparatus having this will be described later.

  Note that the scanner 106 does not necessarily have to be an optically readable scanner, and any scanner that can recognize a printed document placed on the tablet 120 may be used. As other recognition means, there is a method of reading the first few lines described in the original and associating the printed original with the image data stored in the storage unit 103 using a pattern matching technique.

  Further, without arranging the scanner 106, for example, “13” may be written in a certain area of the coordinate input unit 101 so that the page to be added is recognized as the 13th page.

  According to the third embodiment of the present invention, a tablet can recognize which writing trajectory has been written on which page and can automatically superimpose even a printed document consisting of a plurality of pages. Even when the storage unit stores a plurality of document files (image data), it recognizes which document file corresponds to the placed print document and automatically superimposes them. It becomes possible.

  Embodiment 4 FIG. In the fourth embodiment, another example of a tablet that recognizes which writing trajectory has been written on which page and automatically superimposes it on a printed document consisting of a plurality of pages will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in Embodiment 1 or 2 is omitted, and the same reference numerals are also provided in the drawings unless otherwise specified.

  FIG. 7 is an overview configuration diagram of the tablet according to the present embodiment. The tablet 125 includes a handwriting input unit (coordinate input unit 101) composed of an electromagnetic induction digitizer, a communication interface (external input / output unit 102) for communicating with an external device, and a plurality of printed originals PP on which document information is printed. Holding clip 105, guide 108 for defining the vertical and horizontal ends of the printed document PP, a barcode reader window 109 for reading an identification symbol BC made of a barcode, and the like.

  In the guide 108, a step is provided on the upper end of the printed document PP, and the shape of a part for storing a barcode reader unit to be described later is appropriately applied to the left end. This shape aligns the printed original PP.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the tablet 125 of FIG. 7 cut along A-A ′. The barcode reader unit (page identification unit 106) of the tablet 125 includes a light source 161 for reading the identification symbol BC, a lens 162 that converges the irradiation light emitted from the light source 161, a mirror 163 that reflects the irradiation light, It comprises a bar code reader window 109, a light receiving portion 164 that receives the reflected light reflected from the identification symbol BC, and the like. Here, the light source 161 is formed of an LED, and the light receiving unit is formed of a line sensor, and the identification symbol BC is efficiently identified.

  Next, the usage mode of the tablet 125 of this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a usage mode of the tablet of the fourth embodiment. The user aligns a plurality of print originals PP using the guides 108 of the tablet 125, and holds the print originals PP with the clips 105. The barcode reader unit reads the identification symbol BC printed on the printed document PP, and identifies the uppermost document (the document that the user intends to add). Here, since the alignment is performed by the guide, the barcode reader unit can surely recognize the document.

  Next, the user uses the electromagnetic pen 150 (see FIG. 7) to write on the printed document PP. This information is input as handwritten information AI (writing locus) by a handwriting input unit. When the first sheet is added, the user adds the second printed document PP. At this time, since the upper portion of the printed document PP is fixed by the clip 105, it is possible to turn the paper in a so-called flip-up manner. Furthermore, since the second sheet has already been positioned, the barcode reader unit can automatically identify the second sheet. In the same manner, a plurality of printed originals PP can be rewritten.

  According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the tablet is provided with a clip at the top, a barcode reader unit on the left side, and a guide, so that the user can temporarily place a plurality of printed documents using the guide. After that, by finishing the writing and turning the printed document to the clip side, the tablet can automatically identify each page, and the writing locus can be automatically superimposed on the page. When the user is left-handed, the irradiation light from the light source 161 of the barcode reader unit is not shielded if the barcode reader unit is arranged on the right side.

  Embodiment 5. FIG. In the fifth embodiment, a printing apparatus that sends image data to the outside when printing a document will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the printing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. The printing apparatus 200 includes a printing unit 201 that prints image data on recording paper, an external input / output unit 202 that inputs various data including image data from an external device, and outputs these data to the external device, and a print When the printing unit 201 prints image data, the external input / output unit 202 sends the image data to the outside of the printing apparatus 200. It is comprised from the control part 203 etc. which perform control to transfer.

  The printing unit 201 may be in any form as long as it prints image data on recording paper. For example, the printing unit 201 prints image data on a recording paper by an inkjet method, a laser printing method, or a sublimation printing method.

  The external input / output unit 202 employs a versatile interface such as RS-232C or USB. In addition, a printer port is provided for the purpose of inputting image data from the host device and outputting the printing status to the host device. Separately from this, the input image data or the format of the image data is appropriately converted. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which each has a USB port for outputting image data or image data to which additional information is added.

  The control unit 203 includes a CPU (printer controller). The control unit 203 appropriately has an operating system and controls each unit of the apparatus. As will be described later, the control unit 203 performs image data output control as well as print control. Therefore, the controller 203 is preferably a RISC type CPU that efficiently performs multitasking. Further, image data input by the external input / output unit 202 is developed into bitmap data or the like as necessary, and the external input / output unit 202 is controlled to output to an external device such as the tablet 120.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus 200 will be described. The user creates a document using word processing software of a host device (such as a personal computer) and issues a print instruction to the printing apparatus 200 to print the document. The printing apparatus 200 inputs a print instruction and image data through the external input / output unit 202. The control unit 203 controls the printing unit 201 according to the print instruction to print the image data on the recording paper. At this time, the control unit 203 further controls the external input / output unit 202 to output the image data to an external device, for example, the tablet described in the first to third embodiments. Other than the tablet, for example, a slot (not shown) directly connected to the external input / output unit 202 may be arranged in the printing apparatus 200 and output to a general-purpose memory such as an ATA card or a compact flash (registered trademark) card.

  Next, an operation when the host apparatus (such as a personal computer) sends image data together with a print instruction to the printing apparatus 200 will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an operation when the host device sends image data together with a print instruction to the printing device. In FIG. 11A, reference numeral 300 denotes a computer, which converts an electronic document into a printer command in accordance with an instruction of a document editing software (word processing software) 301 for creating an electronic document therein and the document editing software. It has driver software 302 which is software to be sent.

  When the operator of the computer 300 prints a document, first, the document editing software (word processor software) 301 is activated to instruct printing. Then, the text editing software 301 delivers the created document (data) to the driver software 302. The driver software 302 converts the created data into data (image data) suitable for processing by the printer 200, for example, a page description language, and sends the data to the printing apparatus 200.

  When sending data, the driver software 302 outputs data from the external input / output unit 202 of the printing apparatus 200 later, separately from the image data, and is input by an external device such as a tablet to facilitate subsequent processing. May be sent. For example, a data format created by document editing software, a rich text format, an HTML format, or the like can be used. The driver software 302 can be easily created using a commercially available tool such as a compiler. If the driver software 302 is used, the user can send a document (data) to the outside simultaneously with printing simply by giving a print instruction to the document editing software 302.

  Another example of the operation when the host device (such as a personal computer) sends image data together with a print instruction to the printing device 200 will be described (see FIG. 11B). In the figure, reference numeral 303 denotes automation client software for operating the document editing software 301. The automation client software 303 receives commands from the user and transmits / receives commands to / from the document editing software 301 and calls functions in the document editing software 301. FIG. 11B shows a print instruction using the automation client software 303 among them. The user uses the automation client software 303 to issue a print instruction for a document file stored in a storage unit (such as a hard disk) (not shown).

  The automation client software 303 activates the document editing software on one side, reads the document file, and sends these documents as image data to the printing apparatus 200 through the driver 302 with the font, point, layout, etc. already set. The document file is sent to the printer 200 in the storage format as it is. The automation client software 303 can be easily created by using a commercially available tool such as a compiler.

  As another example, a print instruction and image data can be transmitted using a so-called macro function in the document creation software 301 (see FIG. 11C). When printing a created document using a macro prepared in advance or a macro created by the user, the user executes the macro and sends image data to the printing apparatus 200. In addition to the macro function, a mode in which print instructions and image data are transmitted may be performed by add-in software, plug-ins, and extensions.

  Note that the printer 302, the automation client software 303, or the macro 304 provided on the computer 300 side may be provided on the printing apparatus 200 side.

  According to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the printing apparatus outputs image data to an external device (for example, a tablet) simultaneously with printing, so that the user can obtain a print document and its digitized document at the same time. Therefore, unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to perform a complicated operation of transferring a document file from a personal computer to an FD on the one hand and issuing a print instruction on the other hand to obtain a printed document. In addition, since image data can be obtained at a location where a printing apparatus that outputs paper is present, document management can be performed reliably.

  Embodiment 6 FIG. In the sixth embodiment, a printing apparatus that prints a page identification symbol when printing a document will be described. Since the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment, FIG. 10 is used for the description thereof. The control unit 203 of the printing apparatus 200 controls the printing unit 201 to print a machine-readable mark (page identification symbol) for identifying each page of the recording paper together with printing of the image data. The printed page identification symbol is read by, for example, the tablet 120 (see FIG. 5), and each page of the printed document is identified.

  If the document data is image data that incorporates a page number or file name and page number, the page number or file name and page number can also be used, but these are usually numbers, kanji, hiragana, Symbols that are easy for humans to recognize, such as katakana and romaji. Therefore, in order to make this machine-read and identify, the apparatus structure on the reading side becomes complicated. Also, if the page creation is not designated by the document creation software, conventionally, even if printing is performed as it is, each page of the document has to be recognized by the user. The printing apparatus 200 uses, for example, a page identification symbol such as a two-dimensional barcode or a one-dimensional barcode shown in FIG. 6 as a page identification symbol to be printed. In addition, a page identification symbol is always given regardless of the document creation software.

  According to the sixth embodiment, the machine-readable page identification symbol is always printed together with the printing of the image data. By using this symbol, each page can be easily identified by an apparatus on the reading side even for a document composed of a plurality of pages. Therefore, the user is less burdened with page management and page identification when merging later added portions.

  Embodiment 7 FIG. In the seventh embodiment, a printing apparatus that generates correspondence data in which page identification symbols are associated with image data and transfers the correspondence data to the outside of the apparatus will be described. In the present embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the fifth and sixth embodiments is omitted, and the same reference numerals are also provided in the drawings unless otherwise specified. FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. In addition to the printing unit 201, the external input / output unit 202, and the control unit 203, the printing apparatus 210 includes a corresponding data generation unit 204 that associates page identification symbols with image data.

  Next, the correspondence data generation unit 204 will be described together with the operations of other units of the printing apparatus 210. The external input / output unit 202 inputs image data from an external device (such as a personal computer). The control unit 203 controls the printing unit 201 to print the page identification symbol together with the image data on the recording paper. At this time, the correspondence data generation unit 204 generates correspondence data indicating which region (which page) of the image data corresponds to the page identification symbol. For example, when image data is input as image data, a control signal for switching images is detected, and the next control signal is determined as one page, and a page identification symbol is associated. Corresponding data is sent to an external device such as a tablet through the external input / output unit 202 together with the image data.

  Note that the correspondence data generation unit 204 understands the format of the image data and understands the layout control signal therein. Therefore, in order to understand the layout structure control of new document creation software, a configuration of a control program rewritable with a dedicated processing chip may be used. In addition, you may be comprised as a part of control part 203 by the aspect of use.

  According to the invention of the seventh embodiment, correspondence data indicating which part of the image data corresponds to the machine-readable page identification symbol is generated, and this is transmitted together with the image data to an external device such as a tablet. Therefore, it contributes to the efficiency of processing when the external device side takes the correspondence between the print document and the image data.

  Embodiment 8 FIG. In the eighth embodiment, a coordinate input system including a tablet and a printing apparatus will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a coordinate input system including the tablet and the printing apparatus according to the eighth embodiment. Hereinafter, a coordinate input system including a tablet and a printing apparatus is simply referred to as a system. The system 400 includes a tablet 130 and a printing device 220.

  The printing apparatus 220 prints image data on a recording sheet, inputs various data including image data from the host apparatus, and outputs the data to the tablet 130. The printing apparatus 220 prints the data. Control unit 221, external input / output unit 222, and other units of printing apparatus 220, and when printing unit 221 prints image data, external input / output unit 222 transfers the image data to tablet 130. And a control unit 223 for performing control.

  The tablet 130 is printed on the recording paper by the printing unit 221 of the printing apparatus 220, and the coordinate input unit 131 that inputs coordinate data corresponding to the writing trajectory to the document placed on the tablet 130 and the printing apparatus 220. The external input / output unit 132 that outputs coordinate data and inputs / outputs various data, the storage unit 133 that stores coordinate data and image data, and the control unit 134 that controls these units. The tablet 130 also includes a clip (not shown) that holds a document to be placed.

  Furthermore, the printing apparatus 220 includes a combining unit 224 that combines the coordinate data stored in the storage unit 133 of the tablet 130 with the image data. The combined image data is stored in a storage unit (not shown) as necessary, processed in accordance with subsequent operation instructions, printed on recording paper by the printing unit 221, and sent again to the tablet 130 through the external input / output unit 222. Or transferred to the host device. Also, the composition processing can be performed by document editing software (word processing software) of the host device. Since coordinate data input with the tablet 130 is often stored as an image, the document editing software needs to be able to process not only characters but also an image file.

  Since the tablet 130 is built for portable use, its shape, weight, processing capacity, battery time, and the like have certain limits. Therefore, in the system 400, the combining unit 224 performs the combining process, so that the tablet 130 is not required to have an excessive processing capability. Accordingly, the battery time is secured, and a highly convenient system can be provided.

  According to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, since the coordinate input system includes a tablet and a printing apparatus as a set, the effects of the tablet and the printing apparatus according to the first, second, and fifth embodiments are not only synergistic. By using the synthesizing unit on the printing apparatus side, coordinate data can be efficiently superimposed on image data, and the degree of freedom in designing a tablet is increased.

  Embodiment 9 FIG. In the ninth embodiment, a system will be described in which a printing apparatus prints a page identification symbol together with printing of image data, and a tablet recognizes a document placed by the page identification symbol. In the present embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the eighth embodiment is omitted, and the same reference numerals are also provided in the drawings unless otherwise specified.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system according to the present embodiment. In the system 401, the control unit 223 of the printing apparatus 220 controls the printing unit 221 to print a page identification symbol that is a mark for identifying a page together with image data on each page of recording paper. The page identification symbol is an identifier that can be recognized by a page identification unit 135 of the tablet 130, which will be described later, on each of the printed documents including a plurality of pages. The page identification symbol may be anything as long as it can be identified by the page identification unit 135. However, it is preferable that the page identification unit 135 can be easily identified so that the device configuration of the tablet 130 is not complicated. .

  The page identification symbol may be, for example, a barcode, and there are many elements to be identified such as drive name + directory name + file name + page number in order to identify a plurality of image data (a plurality of document files). In this case, it is possible to deal with a case where the amount of information is large by using a two-dimensional barcode as shown in FIG. In addition, if only the numbers from 0 to 9 are used as the serial numbers, it can be read by humans, and the page can be identified without complicating the device configuration on the tablet side.

  On the other hand, in the tablet 130, the page identification unit 135 identifies each page of the document printed by the printing unit 221 with a page identification symbol. As described in the third embodiment, the page identification unit 135 includes a scanner or the like, and recognizes the page of the placed document by arranging it on the back surface of a clip (not shown) of the tablet 130.

  According to the ninth embodiment, not only the effects of the tablet and the printing apparatus according to the first to sixth embodiments are synergistic, but also the printing apparatus and the tablet to be used are a set. The page identification symbol can be printed in accordance with the position of the page identification portion of the tablet. Therefore, the user does not need to perform an operation of reading a printed document, and convenience is enhanced.

  Embodiment 10 FIG. In the tenth embodiment, a tablet that recognizes which writing locus has been written on which page and automatically superimposes (combines) even a printed document consisting of a plurality of pages, and this superposition processing is efficient. A coordinate input system including a printing apparatus to be performed automatically will be described. In the present embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the eighth or ninth embodiment is omitted, and the same reference numerals are also provided in the drawings unless otherwise specified.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a system according to the present embodiment. In the system 402, the control unit 223 of the printing apparatus 220 controls the printing unit 221 to print the page identification symbol together with the image data on the recording paper. At this time, the correspondence data generation unit 225 generates correspondence data indicating which region (which page) of the image data corresponds to the page identification symbol. For example, when image data is input as image data, a control signal for switching images is detected, and the next control signal is determined as one page, and a page identification symbol is associated. The corresponding data is sent to the tablet 130 through the external input / output unit 222 together with the image data.

  In the tablet 130, correspondence data input via the external input / output unit 132 is stored in the storage unit 133. In addition, the tablet 130 includes a combining unit 136 that combines (superimposes) the coordinate data stored in the storage unit 133 with the image data. When superimposing the coordinate data stored in the storage unit 133 on the image data, the combining unit 136 refers to the corresponding data and automatically determines to which part of the image data the page identification symbol corresponds. To do.

  According to the invention of the tenth embodiment, not only the effects of the tablet and the printing apparatus according to the first to seventh embodiments are synergistic, but also the process of adding the coordinate data to the image data can be quickly performed by the tablet. It becomes possible.

  Embodiment 11 FIG. In the eleventh embodiment, for example, a case where a page identification symbol (hereinafter referred to as “bar code”) indicating a page number or the like is printed on the back side of the document in the system 402 of FIG. In the present embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the tenth embodiment is omitted, and the same reference numerals are also provided in the drawings unless otherwise specified.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of the tablet according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 16, the tablet 130 includes a coordinate input unit 131, light sources 1351 and 1352, a light receiving unit 1353, mirrors 1301, 1302 and 1303, lenses 1304 and 1305, and the coordinate input unit 131 includes A document 114 is placed. Further, the coordinate input unit 131 is provided with a transparent plate 1311 at a position where the back surface barcode 1142 is located. It is assumed that the original 114 has a barcode printed on one or both sides of the original surface or the back surface. Hereinafter, the barcode printed on the document surface is referred to as “front surface barcode 1141”, and the barcode printed on the back surface is referred to as “back surface barcode 1142”.

  The light sources 1351 and 1352 emit irradiation light for reading the front bar code 1141 or the back bar code 1142. The mirrors 1301, 1302, and 1303 reflect the irradiation light emitted from the light source 1351 or 1352 to the front bar code 1141 or the back bar code 1142. The lenses 1304 and 1305 converge the irradiation light emitted from the light source 1351 or 1352. The light receiving unit 1353 receives the reflected light reflected from the front surface barcode 1141 or the back surface barcode 1142.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the page identification unit of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the page identifying unit 135 (see FIG. 15) includes the above-described light sources 1351 and 1352, a light receiving unit 1353, and a light source control unit 1354. The light source control unit 1354 includes a CPU, and controls the switching between the light source 1351 and the light source 1352 so that the front bar code 1141 or the back bar code 1142 is taken into the light receiving unit 1353.

  FIG. 18 is an example of a timing chart of switching between two light sources by the light source control unit. As illustrated in FIG. 18, for example, the light source control unit 1354 controls the light source 1351 and the light source 1352 to be alternately turned on or off at regular intervals. The light source control unit 1354 identifies the bar code captured by the light receiving unit 1353 when the light source 1351 is turned on as a surface bar code 1141, and the bar code captured by the light receiving unit 1353 when the light source 1352 is turned on is It is identified as a back bar code 1142.

  That is, when reading the surface barcode 1141, the light source control unit 1354 turns on the light source 1351. Irradiation light from the light source 1351 passes through the lens 1304, is reflected by the mirror 1301, and is irradiated on the surface barcode 1141. By irradiating the irradiation light, the surface barcode 1141 is reflected by the mirror 1301 and taken into the light receiving unit 1353.

  On the other hand, when reading the back barcode 1142, the light source control unit 1354 turns on the light source 1352. Irradiation light from the light source 1352 passes through the lens 1305 and irradiates the back barcode 1142. By irradiating the irradiation light, the back surface barcode 1142 is reflected by the mirror 1302 and the mirror 1303 and taken into the light receiving unit 1353. Here, since the transparent plate 1311 is provided as a window for reading the back surface barcode 1142 at the position where the back surface barcode 1142 is located, the back surface barcode 1142 can be read without being blocked by the coordinate input unit 131. Can do. Note that the transparent plate 1311 only needs to be transparent enough to allow light to pass through. Further, the transparent plate 1311 is not necessarily provided, and a hole may be formed at the position of the transparent plate 1311.

  The bar code information such as the front bar code 1141 or the back bar code 1142 taken into the light receiving unit 1353 together with data indicating which light source is ON (hereinafter referred to as “switching data”) and the control unit 134 (FIG. 15). Output). The control unit 134 can identify whether the input barcode information is printed on the document surface or printed on the back surface by referring to the switching data.

  Therefore, even when the barcode is printed on both sides, the control unit 134 can appropriately associate the coordinate data of the writing locus with the read barcode information. That is, when the document 114 is a single-sided document, two barcodes printed on the document surface and the back surface are read, but both are the same symbol corresponding to one document surface (for example, both are the same page). Number). Therefore, the coordinate data may be associated with any barcode information, and can be handled in the same manner as when the barcode is printed on either the document surface or the back surface.

  When the document 114 is a double-sided document, the document surface is printed on each barcode on one document surface (hereinafter referred to as “document surface 1”) and the other document surface (hereinafter referred to as “document surface 2”). Flag information for identifying whether it is a page identification symbol for 1 or a page identification symbol for document surface 2 may be embedded. The control unit 134 can recognize that the document 114 is a double-sided document when the values of the flags in the two barcode information are different, and can correctly associate the coordinate data and the barcode information.

  In order to create a document 114 on which the barcode is printed on the back side, the page identification symbol is printed on the document surface in a portion of the document file of the document 114 where information relating to the page identification symbol (barcode) is recorded. What is necessary is just to record the flag which shows whether it is what is printed or what is printed on the back surface.

  For example, when the double-sided printing apparatus determines that the barcode of the document 114 needs to be printed on the back side by referring to the flag, the document 114 is handled as a double-sided document, and the barcode is set to the designated coordinates on the back side. Treat as arranged. As a result, only the barcode is printed on the back side of the document 114.

  Also, if you want to print a barcode on the back side of the original 114 using a single-sided printer, first, after the printing of the original surface is finished, the printing process is paused, and the paper on which the original surface has been printed is It may be set on the tray of the printing machine again, the temporary stop is released, and the barcode is printed on the back surface of the document 114. For example, the user can easily set the original 114 by displaying a message to the user on a display unit of the printing apparatus or a display unit of a computer connected to the printing apparatus. be able to.

  According to the invention of the eleventh embodiment, it is not always necessary to print the page identification symbol on the document surface. Therefore, when it is desired to print document data or coordinate data or the like on the original surface where the page identification symbol is originally printed, the page identification symbol may be printed on the back side of the document. In particular, in the case of a sheet on which important information is originally printed at the location where the page identification symbol is printed, the document is created without being aware of the page identification symbol on the document surface by printing the page identification symbol on the back side. Thus, it is possible to prevent the portion other than the page identification symbol on the original surface from being affected.

  Further, according to the invention of the eleventh embodiment, it is possible to use a double-sided document on a tablet. For example, when there are many questionnaire items in the questionnaire form and the description extends to the back side (that is, when the double-sided printed form is used), when filling in the questionnaire on the front side (when filling in the front side of the form) In addition, the tablet according to the present invention recognizes the page identification symbol printed on the back side, and displays the message “There is also the back side” on the display part of the tablet, so that the questionnaire writer can fill out the questionnaire form. Can recognize double-sided printing. In addition, a questionnaire form with a free entry field (text description field) is printed on both sides of the page identification symbol in order to make it possible to use both sides of the questionnaire form, assuming that the surface of the free entry field alone cannot be used. Then, it becomes possible to fill in the back side, and the information written on the back side is also saved as coordinate data.

  In the above description, a barcode or the like has been described as a page identification symbol. However, the barcode or the like is not necessarily limited to that used to identify each page of a document composed of a plurality of pages. For example, the document itself may be identified, or the content and type of the document may be identified.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram and a schematic diagram of the tablet according to the first embodiment. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a tablet according to Embodiment 2. FIG. In Embodiment 2, it is explanatory drawing explaining the method in which a control part synthesize | combines coordinate data with image data. In Embodiment 2, it is explanatory drawing explaining the method in which a control part synthesize | combines coordinate data with image data. It is a block diagram showing the general | schematic block diagram and schematic structure of the tablet of Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure showing the example of a two-dimensional barcode. FIG. 10 is an overview configuration diagram of a tablet according to a fourth embodiment. It is sectional drawing containing the barcode reader of the tablet of Embodiment 4. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a usage mode of the tablet of Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an operation when a host device sends image data together with a print instruction to a printing device. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing apparatus according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a coordinate input system including a tablet and a printing apparatus according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system according to a ninth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a system according to a tenth embodiment. FIG. 38 is an overview configuration diagram of a tablet according to an eleventh embodiment. It is a block diagram of the page identification part of embodiment 11th. It is an example of the timing chart of switching of two light sources by a light source control part.

Explanation of symbols

100, 110, 120, 125, 130 Tablet 101, 131 Coordinate input unit 102, 132 External input / output unit 103, 133 Storage unit 104, 134 Control unit 105 Clip 106, 135 Scanner (page identification unit)
108 Guide 111, 136, 224 Composition unit 200, 210, 220 Printing device 201, 221 Printing unit 202, 222 External input / output unit 203, 223 Control unit 204, 225 Corresponding data generation unit 300 Computer 301 Document editing software 302 Driver software 303 Automation client software 304 Macro 400, 401, 402 Coordinate input system 1301, 1302, 1303 Mirror 1304, 1305 Lens 1311 Transparent plate 1351, 1352 Light source 1353 Light receiving unit

Claims (10)

A tablet that digitizes information written on the surface of a placed document as coordinate data,
First reading means for reading a code attached to a predetermined position on the back side of the document placed above;
A tablet comprising: an association unit that associates the code read by the first reading unit with the coordinate data of the document. The placement surface on which the document is placed has a light transmission region that is a region through which light passes.
The first reading means includes
The light transmission region;
First light emitting means for emitting irradiation light that is applied to the document through the light transmission region;
2. The tablet according to claim 1, further comprising: first light receiving means for receiving reflected light reflected from the original when the irradiation light is irradiated by the first light emitting means. The tablet further includes second reading means for reading a code attached to a predetermined position on the surface of the document,
3. The tablet according to claim 1, wherein the association unit further associates the code read by the second reading unit with the coordinate data of the document. The second reading means includes
A second light emitting means for emitting irradiation light irradiated on the surface of the document;
4. The tablet according to claim 3, further comprising: a second light receiving unit that receives reflected light reflected from the original when the irradiation light is irradiated by the second light emitting unit. The tablet according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first reading unit and the second reading unit read the code attached to the back surface and the front surface of the same document. The first light receiving means and the second light receiving means are the same light receiving means,
The tablet according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising control means for switching a light emission timing by the first light emission means and a light emission timing by the second light emission means. The tablet according to claim 1, wherein the code is a code for identifying a page number of the document. The tablet according to claim 1, wherein the code is a bar code. An information reading method in a tablet that digitizes information written on the surface of a placed document as coordinate data,
A first reading procedure for reading a code attached to a predetermined position on the back side of the document placed as described above;
An information reading method comprising: a first association procedure for associating the code read in the first reading procedure with the coordinate data of the document. A second reading procedure for reading a code attached to a predetermined position on the surface of the document;
The information reading method according to claim 9, further comprising a second association procedure for associating the code read by the second reading unit with the coordinate data of the document.

Images