JP2014106569A - Information management system, writing device, and information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To associate information written in a medium to be recorded, information related to the medium to be recorded, and information for identifying a writing device with each other.SOLUTION: An information management system to which at least a writing device and an information processing device are connected through a network comprises: acquisition means for acquiring first information which is included in a medium to be recorded and is stored in a rewritable storage medium; writing means for causing predetermined writing data to be written on the medium to be recorded; reading means for reading the predetermined writing data written by the writing means; storage means for storing identification information for identifying the writing device; transmission means for transmitting the first information, second information which is read by the reading means, and the identification information to the information processing device; and management means for managing the received first information, second information, and identification information in association with each other.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information management system, a writing apparatus, and an information processing apparatus for managing information written on a reproducible recording medium.

  Conventionally, various types of document processing have been digitized with the advancement of computers and the speeding up of networks. On the other hand, a method of writing on paper using a pen or the like has an advantage that it is easier than a method of inputting an electronic document to a computer using a keyboard or a mouse.

  There is also a technique for digitizing information written with a pen or the like. In this technique, for example, a pattern such as a lattice pattern is printed on a recording medium, and the movement of the pen can be read by measuring the pattern using an optical device provided on the pen tip.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for referring to an attribute of a paper document acquired by a coordinate acquisition device and reflecting it in an electronic document corresponding to the paper document in which information is entered. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a technique that makes it possible to specify the authority to digitize and edit an addition to an information display medium.

  There is also a technique for reusing a recording medium to be added. For example, Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for performing reprinting by cleaning a rewritable paper.

  Here, the association between the digitized document and the digitized writing information becomes important. For example, in Patent Document 4, writing is performed using a recording medium having a magnetic recording layer in which document information specifying a document is magnetically recorded and a thermoreversible recording layer in which written information is recorded. A data input system for inputting electronic data of document information and document information is disclosed.

  In the prior art, when document information is recorded on a magnetic recording layer, the document information is associated with information written on the recording medium, but there is no association with a writing device. Here, there is a need to distinguish writing devices that write on a recording medium. By distinguishing writing devices, security can be improved or the system can be diversified by using an information management system that enables input from only a specific writing device.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to associate information written on a recording medium, information on the recording medium, and information for identifying a writing apparatus.

  An information management system according to an aspect of the present invention is an information management system in which at least a writing device and an information processing device are connected via a network, and the writing means includes a rewritable storage included in a recording medium. Acquisition means for acquiring first information stored in a medium; writing means for enabling writing of predetermined writing data on the recording medium; and reading means for reading predetermined writing data written by the writing means; , Storage means for storing identification information for identifying the writing apparatus, transmission means for transmitting the first information, the second information read by the reading means, and the identification information to the information processing apparatus The information processing apparatus includes management means for managing the received first information, the second information, and the identification information in association with each other.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to associate information written on a recording medium, information about the recording medium, and information for identifying a writing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a recording medium in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recording medium according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dot pattern in the first embodiment. The figure which shows the shift | offset | difference of a dot pattern. The figure which shows an example of the system which manages information using the recording medium of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration (part 1) of the writing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration (part 2) of the writing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of hardware of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. The block diagram which shows an example of the function of information processing apparatus. The figure which shows an example of each data (the 1). The figure which shows an example of each data (the 2). 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image erasing apparatus. The figure which shows an example of a structure of a reproduction | regeneration coating apparatus. The figure which shows the specific example of a series of operation | movement of image formation, image deletion, and reproduction | regeneration. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of RFID tag preparation processing according to Embodiment 1; 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the writing apparatus in the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information management processing (part 1) of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information management processing (part 2) of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of mail processing of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data managed by the management unit of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of data input in Embodiment 3. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a writing apparatus according to Embodiment 3. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by a writing apparatus according to Embodiment 3. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information management processing of the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 3.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1]
In the first embodiment, for example, an image formed with an image forming material having hydrophilicity and / or a recording medium having a predetermined pattern is removed and the recording medium is recorded by various recording methods. Applicable to playback.

  In addition, the first embodiment is suitable for removing the image forming material and reproducing the recording medium, for example, on the recording medium having an image and / or a predetermined pattern by the ink jet recording method. Therefore, the first embodiment will be described below by taking an inkjet recording system as an example of the recording system. First, the configuration of the recording medium 1 will be described.

<Recording medium>
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a recording medium 1 in the first embodiment. In the recording medium 1 shown in FIG. 1, an intermediate layer 20 is provided on one surface of a substrate (support) 10 having water resistance, and an image is formed on a surface of the intermediate layer 20 different from the surface on the substrate 10 side. A receiving layer 30 for the forming material 40 is provided. The image forming material 40 has hydrophilicity.

(Substrate)
The substrate (support) 10 in the first embodiment is preferably water-resistant so that it does not change in quality due to the supply of a later-described image forming material removal solution (hereinafter also simply referred to as a removal solution). The substrate 10 includes a storage medium 50. The storage medium 50 is a wireless IC chip such as an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag. Hereinafter, the storage medium 50 will be described using an RFID tag as an example.

  When the RFID tag 50 is embedded in the substrate 10, the substrate 10 that does not impair the performance of the RFID tag 50 even when the removal liquid is supplied is preferable.

  As the substrate 10, high-grade printing paper, electrophotographic recording paper, thermal recording paper, and the like can be used. In particular, many reversible thermosensitive recording papers have a cured resin layer on the surface so that the recording layer can withstand repeated image formation and image erasure by a thermal head. Such reversible thermosensitive recording paper is preferably used as the substrate 10. be able to.

  As the substrate 10, either a transparent support or an opaque support can be used. The substrate 10 may have other layers such as an undercoat layer as desired.

  Although the thickness of the substrate 10 varies depending on the purpose of use, it is preferably 30 μm to 1000 μm, and more preferably 60 μm to 800 μm. The thickness varies depending on the usage, sheet size, material, and the like. For example, when the RFID tag 50 is embedded in the substrate 10, the thickness is normally relatively 600 μm to 800 μm.

  As described above, the substrate 10 may be a thermal recording medium, a thermal transfer recording medium, or the like, and the reversible thermosensitive recording medium as a typical example of this type of substrate 10 is the same as Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-. See 197395.

(Middle layer)
In the case of the recording medium 1 for inkjet, if the intermediate layer 20 is provided on the substrate 10, for example, a hydrophilic polymer material called latex or an aqueous emulsion coating solution of an inherently hydrophobic polymer material has been used. As a large amount of a strong emulsifier, there is a forced emulsion of an inherently water-insoluble resin due to surface activity.

  Thereby, strong adhesiveness with both the substrate 10 surface and the receiving layer 30 can be obtained, and prevention of beading and bleeding by the printed ink can be achieved. On the other hand, the harmful effects of using a large amount of strong emulsifier are already known. When a water-soluble resin coating solution is rarely used, it has been subjected to a crosslinking reaction treatment with a crosslinking agent having a functional group capable of chemically bonding with the constituent resin. In the prior art, it is natural that the appearance of strong adhesiveness is mainly taken into consideration, and it is not intended to delete the intermediate layer by applying water or an aqueous liquid.

  On the other hand, the intermediate layer 20 in the embodiment contains, as a main component, an uncured water-soluble polymer material or a water-soluble resin that dissolves or swells when the removal liquid is supplied. Here, “main component” means 60% or more by dry weight. The intermediate layer 20 of the recording medium 1 in the embodiment may contain various subcomponents such as inorganic fine particles, organic fine particles, a small amount of a surfactant, an antioxidant, a leveling agent and the like as long as the object of the present invention is not impaired. Can be contained.

  The water-soluble polymer material used for the intermediate layer 20 of the recording medium 1 in the embodiment itself has a film-forming property and is excellent in the adhesiveness between the substrate 10 and the receiving layer 30. It swells to reduce the adhesion with the substrate 10. Adhesion with the receiving layer 30 is also significantly reduced, but this is not essential in the present invention. For the water-soluble resin used for the mid layer 20, refer to Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-197395 of the same applicant.

  Moreover, as the intermediate layer 20, a water-soluble polyester is suitable. The water-soluble polyester is, for example, a water-soluble polyester having an arylene group and an alkylene group and / or a polyoxyalkylene group in the main chain and pendant with a metal sulfonate group. Thereby, the water-soluble polyester intermediate layer 20 has both toughness and flexibility, and the solubility in water at a temperature 20 ° C. higher than normal temperature (20 ° C. to 25 ° C.) is 1.5 times the solubility in water at normal temperature. That's it.

  The water-soluble polyester is preferably a water-soluble polyester represented by the following formula (1).

式（１）中、Ａｒはフェニル基、ナフチル基を表し、Ｒは分岐を有してもよい炭素数１〜１０の炭化水素基、炭素数１〜１０のポリオキシアルキレンを表し、Ｍはアルカリ金属を表し、ｍ、ｎは整数を表し、ｍ／ｎは、１０／９０〜４０／６０である。

In formula (1), Ar represents a phenyl group or a naphthyl group, R represents an optionally branched hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a polyoxyalkylene having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and M represents an alkali. It represents a metal, m and n represent an integer, and m / n is 10/90 to 40/60.

  The water-soluble polyester is imparted with excellent hydrophilicity due to the metal sulfonate group, and exhibits excellent adhesion to resin materials such as polyester, vinyl chloride and polycarbonate, and metal materials such as aluminum plates and steel plates.

  Moreover, since water-soluble polyester is saturated polyester which does not have a double bond, it is excellent in tolerance. If the content of the metal sulfonate group is too small, the water-solubility of the resulting polyester resin will be insufficient, and it will be difficult to peel off during regeneration. Conversely, even if the content of the metal sulfonate group is too large, the water resistance of the water-soluble polyester resin may be insufficient, so m / n is 10/90 to 40/60, and 15/85 to 35. / 65 is preferable, and 20/80 to 30/70 is more preferable.

  The molecular weight of the water-soluble polyester is preferably 10,000 to 30,000. If the molecular weight is less than 10,000, the mechanical strength may decrease.

  The water-soluble polyester is obtained by subjecting a dicarboxylic acid component, a diol component, and a water-solubility-imparting component having a metal sulfonate group as raw materials to a condensation reaction. In addition, in the case where the raw material of the water-soluble polyester resin is separated from the dicarboxylic acid component, the glycol component, and the water-solubility imparting component having a metal sulfonate group, the dicarboxylic acid component and the glycol component may also correspond to the water-solubility imparting component included.

  Moreover, you may use a commercial item as said water-soluble polyester. For example, copolymers of terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and 5-sodium sulfoisophthalic acid commercially available from a mutual chemical industry (“Plus Coat Z-221”, “Plus Coat Z-446”, “Plus Coat Z-561” Etc.) may be used.

  For details of the water-soluble polyester used in the intermediate layer 20, refer to Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-029044 of the same applicant.

  In addition, the intermediate layer 20 may be mixed with a material that can receive a hydrophilic image forming material.

  The substrate 10 in this case is, for example, a reversible thermosensitive recording medium (RECO-View, manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) having a thermosensitive reversible recording layer (leuco dye) on the front surface and a PET sheet attached to the back surface.

  The intermediate layer 20 is formed on the back surface (PET sheet side) of the substrate 10 as follows. A solution is produced by adding 1000 ppm (0.1%) of “RY-2” activator to the water-soluble polyester resin, Plastic Coat Z-221 manufactured by Kyodo Chemical. This solution and a water-soluble ink receiving material utilizing water absorption of protein powder (water-soluble material WR-452 manufactured by Idemitsu Technofine) are mixed at 50% and 50%, respectively (nonvolatile component ratio 67:33). The mixed solution is applied with a wet film thickness of 80 μm (dry film thickness of 25 μm) using a wire bar.

  The recording medium 1 is obtained by applying the intermediate layer 20 to the substrate 10 and drying it with a dryer until the solution is solidified.

  Regarding the constitution in which the intermediate layer 20 is mixed with a material capable of receiving a hydrophilic image forming material, the material capable of receiving the image forming material, and the hydrophilic image forming material composition, the same application is applied. See Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-059083.

  Further, the intermediate layer 20 may be formed including polyvinyl alcohol. Polyvinyl alcohol can be obtained by saponifying polyvinyl acetate obtained by polymerizing vinyl acetate, and examples thereof include polyvinyl alcohol represented by the following formula (2).

一般式ｍ＋ｎは重合度を表し、４００〜４０００、〔ｍ／（ｍ＋ｎ）〕×１００は鹸化度を表し、７０モル％〜９９モル％の範囲の鹸化度が好ましく、７０モル％〜９０モル％の範囲の鹸化度を有するポリビニルアルコールを使用することがより好ましい。また、ポリオキシレン基などの変性基を有する変性ポリビニルアルコールも使用できる。

General formula m + n represents the degree of polymerization, 400 to 4000, [m / (m + n)] × 100 represents the degree of saponification, and the degree of saponification is preferably in the range of 70 mol% to 99 mol%, preferably 70 mol% to 90 mol%. It is more preferable to use polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of saponification in the range of. Moreover, the modified polyvinyl alcohol which has modification groups, such as a polyoxylene group, can also be used.

  As the polyvinyl alcohol having a saponification degree of 70 to 90 mol%, specifically, GOHSENOL GH-17, KH-17, NK-05R manufactured by Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. can be used. Moreover, Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Ecomati WO-320R etc. can be used as modified polyvinyl alcohol.

  Further, the intermediate layer 20 may be formed by including a resin having a core-shell type particle structure having a different composition between the core of the particle and the outer shell. For example, the intermediate layer 20 is formed including a water-soluble resin whose core is vinyl chloride and whose shell is water-soluble acrylic.

  As this intermediate layer 20, for example, a vinyl chloride-acrylic resin emulsion obtained by a production method as disclosed in JP-T-2005-522578 can be used, such as Starlight PMC Co., Ltd .: Hiros-X: BE-7650, etc. Can be used.

  Further, the intermediate layer 20 may be formed including a starch derivative having water solubility. Water-soluble starch derivatives include water-soluble starch that is soluble in cold or warm water. As a starch derivative having water solubility, for example, Fsmash manufactured by Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd. and the like can be mentioned.

That is, the intermediate layer 20 may include any one of the following water-soluble resins.
・ A water-soluble polyester with an arylene group and an alkylene group and / or a polyoxyalkylene group in the main chain and pendant with a metal sulfonate group ・ Polyvinyl alcohol ・ Particle core (core) and outer shell (shell) A resin having a different core / shell type particle structure, wherein the core is vinyl chloride and the shell is a water-soluble acrylic. A water-soluble starch derivative. Further, the intermediate layer 20 cannot be accommodated in the receiving layer 30. Ink (image forming material) may be received. Therefore, the intermediate layer 20 is made of inorganic fine particles such as silica, titanium oxide, alumina, zinc oxide, calcium carbonate, acrylic, styrene, etc. in order to prevent further image dust and bleeding, and to maintain film hardness during drying. The resin fine particles may be added. When such inorganic fine particles are added, 1 to 50 parts by weight, preferably 1 to 20 parts by weight can be added to 100 parts by weight of the water-soluble resin.

  Further, the intermediate layer 20 may be subjected to an antistatic treatment such as a cationic surfactant as necessary in order to increase water permeability. The antistatic agent may be added to the material forming the receiving layer 30, or after forming the receiving layer 30, a solution dissolved and dispersed in an appropriate solvent may be applied. Furthermore, in order to prevent the intermediate layer 20 from being deteriorated, an ultraviolet absorber or an acid value inhibitor may be contained. The amount of the ultraviolet absorber or acid value inhibitor added is preferably 5% by weight or less.

(Receptive layer)
The receiving layer 30 in the first embodiment is for receiving ink droplets sent from the ink jet recording head suitably without forming a beading or bleeding and for forming an image. In this respect, there is essentially no difference from the ink receiving layer of glossy recording paper in ordinary ink jet. However, conventionally, a coating liquid containing a large amount of inorganic fine particles and organic fine particles that absorb the ink colorant and a small amount of binder resin for fixing them is applied and dried.

  On the other hand, the receiving layer 30 in the first embodiment also has sufficient water permeability (passability) to the intermediate layer 20 which is the lower layer in the process of removing the image forming material described later. The image forming material is, for example, a colorant for inkjet ink. In addition, the receptor layer 30 is disintegrated or relaxed in an adhesive state with the intermediate layer 20 by dissolution or swelling with the removal liquid of the intermediate layer 20.

  Also, the amount of inorganic fine particles and organic fine particles added is zero or very small compared to the case of the ink receiving layer of glossy recording paper in ordinary ink jet, and most of the material is preferably a resin. The technical idea is different from that of the ink receiving layer.

  The addition amount of the fine particles having a relatively large BET surface area for ink absorption is preferably conservative, and the layer thickness may be slightly thick accordingly. The amount added is, for example, 50 parts or less, preferably 30 parts or less, more preferably 25 parts or less per 100 parts of the binder resin.

  In the case of the first embodiment, the lower intermediate layer 20 receives the ink liquid that has penetrated into the receiving layer 30 and leaked from the receiving layer 30.

  The receiving layer 30 in the first embodiment includes a resin material that may include fine particles for absorbing and receiving an ink liquid for ink jet recording including a colorant. Further, it comprises an aqueous solution or an aqueous emulsion containing various auxiliary agents such as a stabilizer, a dispersant, a thickener, an antifoaming agent, an antioxidant, a wetting agent, an ultraviolet absorber, and a water-resistant agent, if desired. The receiving layer 30 may be formed as a coating layer of the coating agent. For detailed components of the receiving layer 30, refer to Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-197395 filed by the same applicant.

  The thickness of the receiving layer 30 is about 1 to 120 μm, preferably about 2 to 60 μm so that the ink absorbing action by the receiving layer 30 is sufficient and the forming operation of the receiving layer 30 can be performed satisfactorily. If the thickness is less than 1 μm, the effect of improving the environmental resistance such as water resistance, scratch resistance, weather resistance, etc. when formed into a film may be insufficient.

<Image forming material>
The image forming material 40 in Embodiment 1 contains a coloring agent and other auxiliary materials added as desired in the hydrophilic liquid medium. The colorant is, for example, various dyes and pigments included in a normal inkjet ink. For the ink composition used, see Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-197395 of the same applicant.

<Information management system>
Hereinafter, the case where the recording medium 1 described above is used for information management (for example, process management) will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the recording medium 1 according to the first embodiment. In the recording medium 1 shown in FIG. 2, an image 70 and a predetermined pattern 60 are formed by the image forming material 40. The image 70 shows the process name “A-1”. In the image, a production model, a factory name, an assembly check sheet, and the like are also formed. The process name “A-1” 70 will be described as an example.

  In the example of the recording medium 1 shown in FIG. 2, the RFID tag 50 is embedded in the recording medium 1. The RFID tag 50 is configured to record and erase data. The RFID tag 50 stores predetermined data.

  A predetermined pattern 60 is formed on the recording medium 1 shown in FIG. The predetermined pattern is a pattern capable of recognizing writing data, and is, for example, a dot pattern (Anoto pattern) manufactured by Anoto. The handwritten data is handwritten characters or images, and is also called handwriting data.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the dot pattern 60 according to the first embodiment. This dot pattern 60 is a special dot pattern in which dots are arranged at intervals of 0.3 mm in length and width (so-called Anoto pattern). As shown in FIG. 3, the dot pattern 60 is composed of a combination of a total of 36 dots, 6 × 6 dots in length and width, arranged on a grid pattern with a spacing of 0.3 mm.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the deviation of the dot pattern 60. As shown in FIG. 4, each dot is slightly shifted from the intersecting point perpendicular to either the upper, lower, left, or right direction. Since each of the 36 dots has 4 positions, a huge number of patterns of 4 to the 36th power can be created.

  In order to form the dot pattern 60, it is necessary to form the dot pattern 60 with a high-resolution printer, but the recording medium 1 described above can be printed with a high-resolution printer. Therefore, the recording medium 1 can be formed even with the predetermined pattern 60 that requires high resolution. The predetermined pattern 60 is not limited to the Anoto pattern, and may be any pattern that can recognize the writing data.

<System configuration>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a system for managing information using the recording medium 1 of FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the information (process) management system includes an information processing apparatus (for example, a host computer) 100, a printer (for example, an ink jet printer) 200, a recording medium 1, a writing apparatus 300, and an RFID reader / writer 400. . The RFID reader / writer 400 is installed at a work site. The RFID reader / writer 400 has an RFID antenna.

  The information processing apparatus 100, the printer 200, the writing apparatus 300, and the RFID reader / writer 400 can transmit and receive data via a network, respectively. The printer 200 includes an RFID reader / writer 201 that can write and read data to and from the RFID tag. The RFID reader / writer 201 has an RFID antenna.

  In the information management system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the recording medium 1 is used for process management called “A-1” of the model “A printer”. Hereinafter, the case where the person who performs this process “A-1” is “XXX” will be described.

  In the RFID tag 50, for example, “a” that is first information (for example, unique identification information (hereinafter also referred to as a unique ID)) is stored. This data is sent from the information processing apparatus 100 to the printer 200, and the printer 200 writes the data to the RFID tag 50 of the recording medium 1 using the RFID reader / writer 201. Further, this data may already be stored at the time of factory shipment.

  When the printer 200 acquires data to be printed on the recording medium 1 from the information processing apparatus 100, the printer 200 prints images such as characters and photographs representing work processes, as shown in FIG. The image may be a barcode or the like. The printer 200 ejects ink (image forming material) from the recording head to print a predetermined pattern 60 on a part of the surface of the recording medium 1.

(Work contents)
Here, the work content will be described. When Mr. “XXX” performs the process “A-1” of the model “GX3300”, the recording medium 1 is held over the RFID reader / writer 400. The RFID reader / writer 400 reads the unique ID “a” stored in the RFID tag 50 of the recording medium 1.

  The read data is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100, and the information processing apparatus 100 displays a work instruction corresponding to the process “A-1” corresponding to the unique ID “a” on the display screen. As will be described later, the information processing apparatus 100 manages the unique ID “a” and the work process “A-1” in association with each other. The work process “A-1” may be associated with a corresponding work instruction.

  Further, a display unit may be installed in the vicinity of the RFID reader / writer 400, and the display unit may display data read by the RFID reader / writer 400, the above-described work instructions, and the like.

  “XXX” assembles according to the work instructions displayed on the display screen, and when the work is finished, confirms the work according to the check sheet on the recording medium 1. When the confirmation of the check sheet is completed, Mr. “XXX” writes the worker name by handwriting in the column of the worker signature on which the predetermined pattern 60 is printed. In this case, the writing data is, for example, “XXX”. The writing device 300 reads data from the RFID tag 50. The reading of the RFID tag 50 and the writing of the writing data may be performed in any order. When these two processes are completed, the work standard is to press the transfer switch of the writing apparatus 300.

  For this reason, when Mr. “XXX” finishes the work, the writing device 300 writes the worker name in the column of the worker signature on which the predetermined pattern 60 on the recording medium 1 is printed. The writing apparatus 300 can recognize writing data as image data. The writing device 300 can read data of the RFID tag 50. Next, the writing apparatus 300 will be described.

<Writing device>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration (part 1) of the writing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment. A writing apparatus 300A illustrated in FIG. 6 is a pen type, and includes a reading unit 301, an RFID reader 302, a pen-down detection unit 303, a data storage unit 304, a data transfer unit 305, a transfer switch 306, a clear switch 307, a data processing unit 308, A writing unit 310 is provided.

  In addition, the reading unit 301, the RFID reader 302, the pen-down detection unit 303, the data storage unit 304, the data transfer unit 305, the transfer switch 306, the clear switch 307, and the data processing unit 308 are connected to the data bus 309. The data transfer unit 305 is connected to the information processing apparatus 100 via a wireless or wired line.

  The reading unit 301 is provided at the tip of the writing apparatus 300, optically reads a predetermined pattern 60 on the recording medium 1, and accurately measures the trajectory to obtain writing data as image data. For example, the reading unit 301 performs reading processing when the pen tip is in contact with the recording medium 1 by the pen-down detection unit 303.

  The reading unit 301 is, for example, a small camera, and when writing a character, for example, a dot pattern 60 in a range of 1.8 mm square (6 × 6 dots in length and width = 36 dots in total as described above), for example, 75 sheets per second. Perform high-speed shooting. The reading unit 301 reproduces writing data as image data (for example, second information) as if it were image-scanned by capturing position information on the dot pattern 60 that the writing device 300 has passed through every moment.

  The RFID reader 302 has an RFID antenna and reads data from the RFID tag 50 built in the recording medium 1. For example, the RFID reader 302 reads the unique ID “a” (for example, the first information) from the RFID tag 50. Note that the RFID reader 302 may have a writer function.

  The pen-down detection unit 303 detects whether or not the pen tip of the writing apparatus 300 is in contact with the recording medium 1. The pen-down detection unit 303 is, for example, a writing pressure sensor, and detects the presence or absence of contact between the pen tip and the recording medium 1 by measuring the writing pressure at the pen tip.

  Since the pen-down detection unit 303 only needs to detect contact between the pen tip and the recording medium 1, the pen tip may have a slight stroke in the direction along the pen axis, and a micro switch may be provided at the end thereof. realizable.

  The data storage unit 304 stores the image data of the obtained writing data and the data (unique ID) stored in the read RFID tag 50. The data storage unit 304 is a memory having a predetermined capacity sufficient to record image data. The data storage unit 304 can also erase the recorded data. The trigger for erasing is when the clear switch 307 is turned on and a signal for erasing is acquired.

  The data storage unit 304 is storage means for storing (storing) identification information for distinguishing the writing apparatus 300A from other writing apparatuses. The data storage unit 304 has an area for storing the unique ID of the RFID tag 50, an area for storing image data of writing data, and an area for storing identification information of the writing apparatus.

  The data transfer unit 305 is a communication unit that can transmit and receive data via a wired or wireless network.

  For example, when the data transfer unit 305 is connected to the information processing device 100 by wire, the image data of the writing data recorded in the data storage unit 304, the unique ID “a”, and the identification information are transmitted to the information processing device. Transfer (send) to 100. The trigger for transfer is when the transfer switch 306 is turned on and a signal for transfer is acquired.

  Further, it is assumed that the data transfer unit 305 is connected to the information processing apparatus 100 wirelessly, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, the pin (PIN) code unique to the writing apparatus 300A used in the pairing process acquired by the data transfer unit 305 is stored in the data storage unit 304 and the information processing apparatus 100 as identification information.

  The transfer switch 306 is a switch that controls ON / OFF. When the transfer switch 306 is turned on, the data processing unit 308 outputs a signal for transfer to the data transfer unit 305.

  The clear switch 307 is a switch that controls ON / OFF. When the clear switch 307 is turned on, the data processing unit 308 outputs a signal for erasure to the data storage unit 304.

  The transfer switch 306 and the clear switch 307 are provided in the writing apparatus 300 so as to be pressed, and are switched ON / OFF by the user. The data processing unit 308 controls the above units.

  The writing device 300A is housed in a cylindrical casing having a pen tip that enables writing on the recording medium 1 like a ballpoint pen or a magic, and operates with electric power supplied from a power source (not shown).

  The writing unit 310 is a unit for visualizing writing data, and is, for example, a pencil lead or a ballpoint pen. The tip of the writing unit 310 is the above-described pen tip. The user visualizes predetermined writing data on the predetermined pattern 60 using the writing unit 310.

  Here, as a specific example of the writing apparatus 300A, there is Anotopen manufactured by Anoto. Anotopen realizes digitization of handwritten information, and can also record the writing order, writing speed, writing pressure, pen tilt, writing date and time.

  The information processing apparatus 100 executes various document processing or document management using image data of writing data recorded in the writing apparatus 300A.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration (part 2) of the writing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment. The writing device 300B shown in FIG. 7 includes a reading unit 301, an input device I / F 311, a pen-down detection unit 303, a data storage unit 304, a data transfer unit 305, a transfer switch 306, a clear switch 307, a data processing unit 308, and a writing unit 310. Is provided.

  Here, the difference between the configuration of the writing apparatus 300B shown in FIG. 7 and the configuration of the writing apparatus 300A shown in FIG. 6 will be described below.

  The input device 350 inputs data stored in the RFID tag 50 to the writing device 300B. The input device 350 is an input device such as a keyboard.

  The input device I / F 311 functions as an input unit that inputs data from the input device 350 and records data in the data storage unit 304. The input data is information such as a unique ID and identification information of the RFID tag 50, for example.

  Note that the RFID reader 302 illustrated in FIG. 6 and the input device I / F 311 illustrated in FIG. 7 also function as an acquisition unit in the sense that information stored in the RFID tag 50 is acquired. The processing of other parts of the input device I / F 311 is the same as the processing shown in FIG. The writing device 300A and the writing device 300B are simply referred to as the writing device 300 when it is not necessary to distinguish between them.

  In addition, when the user who uses the writing apparatus 300 recognizes the unique ID of the RFID tag 50 included in the recording medium 1, the user writes the unique ID on the predetermined pattern 60 and then freely writes it. May be. This case is effective when the writing apparatus 300 is not equipped with the RFID reader 302. Next, the information processing apparatus 100 will be described in detail.

<Information processing device>
Next, the hardware of the information processing apparatus 100 in Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of hardware of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101, a main storage unit 102, an auxiliary storage unit 103, an external storage device I / F unit 104, a network I / F unit 105, an input unit 106, and a display unit 107. including. These components are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to transmit and receive data.

  The control unit 101 is a CPU that controls each device, calculates data, and processes in a computer. The control unit 101 is an arithmetic device that executes a program stored in the main storage unit 102. The control unit 101 receives data from the input device or the storage device, calculates and processes the data, and outputs the data to the output device or the storage device.

  The main storage unit 102 is a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like, and a storage device that stores or temporarily stores programs and data such as an OS and application software that are basic software executed by the control unit 101. It is.

  The auxiliary storage unit 103 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and is a storage device that stores data related to application software or the like.

  The external storage device I / F unit 104 is an interface between the information processing apparatus 100 and a storage medium 108 (for example, a flash memory or an SD card) connected via a data transmission path such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). .

  In addition, a predetermined program is stored in the storage medium 108, and the program stored in the storage medium 108 is installed in the information processing apparatus 100 via the external storage device I / F unit 104, and the installed predetermined program is It can be executed by the information processing apparatus 100.

  The network I / F unit 105 is a peripheral having a communication function connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) constructed by a data transmission path such as a wired and / or wireless line. This is an interface between the device (for example, the writing apparatus 300) and the information processing apparatus 100.

  The input unit 106 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input, various function keys, and the like, a mouse and a slice pad for performing key selection on the display screen of the display unit 107, and the like. The input unit 106 is a user interface for a user to give an operation instruction to the control unit 101 and input data.

  The display unit 107 is configured by a CRT, LCD, or the like, and performs display according to display data input from the control unit 101. The display unit 107 may be separate from the information processing apparatus 100, and the information processing apparatus 100 in that case has a display control function for displaying on the display unit 107.

(function)
Next, functions of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the information processing apparatus 100. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 111, a character recognition unit 112, a management unit 113, a mail creation unit 114, and a storage unit 115.

  The communication unit 111 can be realized by the network I / F unit 105, for example. The character recognition unit 112 and the mail creation unit 114 can be realized by the control unit 101 or the main storage unit 102 as a work memory, for example. The management unit 113 can be realized by the control unit 101, the auxiliary storage unit 103, and the like, for example. The storage unit 115 can be realized by the auxiliary storage unit 103, for example.

  The communication unit 111 transmits and receives data via a wired or wireless network. The communication unit 111 receives image data of writing data, a unique ID, and identification information of the writing device 300 from the writing device 300 at the time of wired connection, for example. In addition, the communication unit 111 acquires a pin code unique to the writing device 300 used in the pairing process as identification information of the writing device 300, for example, at the time of wireless connection.

  Further, the communication unit 111 receives the unique ID of the storage medium from the RFID reader / writer 400 and transmits the unique ID of the storage medium and print contents to the printer 200.

  The character recognition unit 112 can execute, for example, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing, and performs character recognition processing on image data. The character recognition unit 112 performs character recognition processing on, for example, image data “XXX” and converts “XXX” into character data. When the character recognition process ends, the character recognition unit 112 outputs character data “XXX” to the mail creation unit 114.

  In addition, since the character recognition unit 112 may also acquire the unique ID as image data, in this case, the character recognition process is performed on a predetermined range including the unique ID in the image data, and the unique ID is converted into the character ID. Convert to data.

  The management unit 113 manages the unique ID of the storage medium 50. One or a plurality of unique IDs are managed by the management unit 113. Here, the management unit 113 manages, for example, a unique ID, a work process, image data of signed writing data, and identification information of the writing apparatus 300 in association with each other. The management unit 113 may manage character data that has been character-recognized instead of the signed image data.

  When acquiring the character data “a” indicating the unique ID, the image data, and the identification information from the communication unit 111, the management unit 113 first checks whether the character string “a” has already been managed. I do. When the management unit 113 already manages the character string “a”, the image data “XXX” and the identification information are managed in association with the character string “a”. When the association of the image data “XXX” is completed, the management unit 113 notifies the mail creation unit 114 to that effect.

  When the character string “a” is not managed, the management unit 113 performs error processing. The error process is, for example, a process of notifying the writing apparatus 300 of an error, and the writing apparatus 300 is a process of notifying the user by turning on or blinking an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like when the error is notified.

  In addition, when using a Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing pin code as identification information, the management unit 113 associates the pin code with image data and a unique ID acquired from the writing apparatus 300 after pairing.

  Thereby, when the management unit 113 manages the signed image data, the process can indicate that the work has been completed, and can also manage who has done the work.

  The storage unit 115 is an address [MSOffice1] storage unit that stores address information in which a user name and a mail address are associated with each other. For example, in the address information, a mail address of “XXX@yyy.com” is associated with the user name “XXX”. The address information holds one or more combinations of user names and mail addresses.

  When the management unit 113 receives a notification that the image data association is complete, the mail creation unit 114 receives the character string “XXX” acquired from the character recognition unit 112 and the address stored in the storage unit 115. Check against the user name in the information.

  When the matching user name is found in the address information, the mail creating unit 114 creates a mail with the mail address corresponding to the user name as the destination. The mail text describes, for example, that the signature association has been completed. The mail creation unit 114 outputs a mail to the communication unit 111. The communication unit 111 transmits the mail created by the mail creation unit 114 to the destination.

  If there is no matching user name, the mail creating unit 114 performs error processing. The error process is, for example, a process of notifying the writing device 300 that the mail could not be transmitted, and activating the vibration function of the writing device 300 or turning on or blinking the LED.

  It should be noted that the error process when the image data cannot be associated and the error process when the mail cannot be transmitted may be different processes. For example, the LED may be turned on when the image data has not been stored, and the LED may be blinked when the mail has not been sent.

  As a result, the user can grasp which error processing is performed, and can easily take subsequent measures.

<Data example>
Next, various data will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of each data (part 1). The example shown in FIG. 10 is a case where the unique ID is read by the RFID reader 302 and the writing apparatus 300 and the information processing apparatus 100 are connected by wire.

  FIG. 10A shows an example of data stored in the RFID tag 50. As shown in FIG. 10A, the RFID tag 50 stores a unique ID “a” for identifying the RFID tag.

  FIG. 10B shows an example of data stored in the data storage unit 304 of the writing apparatus 300. As shown in FIG. 10B, the data storage unit 304 includes data stored in the RFID tag 50 acquired from the RFID reader 302 or the input device 350, image data read by the reading unit 301, and identification. Information is stored. In this case, the data storage unit 304 stores the image data “XXX” in which the unique ID “a” of the RFID tag 50 and the worker name are written, and the identification information “α”.

  FIG. 10C illustrates an example of data managed by the management unit 113 of the information processing apparatus 100. Prior to the transfer of data from the writing apparatus 300, predetermined data is managed for the unique ID and the process. When there is data transfer from the writing apparatus 300, the image data or character data of the worker name “XXX” corresponding to the unique ID “a” and the identification information “α” are managed. The process data is not always necessary.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of each data (part 2). The example shown in FIG. 11 is a case where the unique ID is written on the predetermined pattern 60 and the writing device 300 and the information processing device 100 are connected wirelessly.

  FIG. 11A shows an example of data stored in the RFID tag 50. As shown in FIG. 11A, the RFID tag 50 stores a unique ID “a” for identifying the RFID tag.

  FIG. 11B shows an example of data stored in the data storage unit 304 of the writing apparatus 300. As shown in FIG. 11B, in the data storage unit 304, image data of handwritten data with the unique ID “a” of the RFID tag 50 and the worker name “XXX” read by the reading unit 301, The pin code “0000” is stored. Here, for example, the pin code is “0000”.

  FIG. 11C illustrates an example of data managed by the management unit 113 of the information processing apparatus 100. Prior to the transfer of data from the writing apparatus 300, predetermined data is managed for the unique ID and the process. When there is data transfer from the writing device 300, the image data or character data of the worker name “XXX” corresponding to the unique ID “a” of the character data converted from the image data, and the pin code “0000” are managed. .

  Note that since the pin code is also managed by the information processing apparatus 100, it is not necessarily transmitted from the writing apparatus 300. In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 may associate the pin code acquired at the time of pairing with the image data acquired after the pairing.

<Erase image>
The recording medium 1 described above can be initialized. When the recording medium 1 is initialized, it is necessary to erase an image printed on the recording medium 1, a predetermined pattern 60, writing data, and the like. Further, the data written in the RFID tag 50 may be erased once and initialized.

  Next, an image erasing apparatus suitable for erasing the image of the recording medium 1, the predetermined pattern 60, and the data of the RFID tag 50 in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the image erasing apparatus 500.

  The image erasing method of the recording medium 1 in Embodiment 1 includes a removing liquid supply process for supplying a removing liquid (removing liquid for an image forming material) having water or an aqueous liquid to the image holding surface of the recording medium 1, It includes a wiping process for wiping the image holding surface of the recording medium 1. These processes may proceed simultaneously, but are sequentially performed in the image erasing apparatus 500 shown in FIG.

  In the image erasing apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 12, the recording medium 1 is transported into the apparatus by a pair of transport rollers 501, and the removal liquid in the image material removal liquid tank 502 is pressurized at the location where the removal liquid is applied, and liquid ejection Jetted from the nozzle 503 onto the surface of the recording medium 1.

  The liquid ejection nozzle 503 may be a nozzle array including a plurality of nozzle heads, or may be a slit type ejection head. The removing liquid is applied to the surface of the receiving layer 30 having the image forming material, and the intermediate layer 20 is swollen.

  Next, the recording medium 1 is guided to the rubbing process and brushed by the brush roller 508 while being held by the holding roller pair 506 and the holding roller pair 507. Thereby, the swelled intermediate layer 20 is removed.

  However, in the first embodiment, wiping with a woven cloth or the like may be used instead of brushing. A brush cleaning belt 509 shown in FIG. 12 removes paste-like debris attached to the brush roller 508.

  Thereafter, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the recording medium 1 removes the remaining intermediate layer 20 material more completely. It is scraped off. Thereafter, the recording medium 1 is discharged onto the tray 513, but such a surface cleaning blade 511 is not necessarily required in the first embodiment.

  Further, the image erasing apparatus 500 includes an RFID reader / writer 512 that can write data to the RFID tag 50.

  The RFID reader / writer 512 erases the data of the RFID tag in the recording medium 1 from which the image or the predetermined pattern has been erased by the image erasing apparatus 500. In this case, the recording medium 1 is ejected to the tray 513 in a state where there is no image or data of the predetermined pattern 60 and the RFID tag 50. As described above, the recording medium 1 after the image removal processing is only the substrate 10. The substrate 10 incorporates an RFID tag 50 as necessary.

<Reproduction of recording medium>
Next, reproduction of the recording medium 1 will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the regenerative coating apparatus 600. The reproduction coating apparatus 600 can reproduce the recording medium 1.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the recording medium 1 having only the substrate 10 by the image erasing process, the intermediate layer 20 is coated on the substrate 10 having water resistance by the reproduction coating apparatus 600 and the intermediate layer 20 is dried. The

  After the intermediate layer 20 is dried, the reproduction coating apparatus 600 coats the receiving layer 30 for the image forming material 40 on the surface opposite to the substrate 10 side of the intermediate layer 20 and dries it. Thereby, the reproduction of the recording medium 1 is completed.

<Specific example>
Here, a specific example of a series of operations of image formation, image erasure, and reproduction of the recording medium 1 will be described. Depending on the model to be produced and each process, images such as characters, bar codes, photographs, etc. representing the work process are replaced, and the recording medium 1 is rewritten.

  Also, since the workers are different, it is necessary to erase written data written with a ballpoint pen or magic in the column of worker signatures. Further, since the layout printed on the recording medium 1 is also changed depending on the model and each process, the position and size of the predetermined pattern 60 are also changed as necessary.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a series of operations of image formation, image erasure, and reproduction. As shown in FIG. 14, the recording medium 1 changes to the states (1) to (6). Each state will be described using the surface of the recording medium 1 and the cross section of the recording medium 1.

  The state (1) indicates a state at the time of factory shipment, for example. The recording medium 1 in the state (1) has a substrate 10, an intermediate layer 20 on the substrate 10, and a receiving layer 30 on the intermediate layer 20. The RFID tag 50 at this time stores, for example, unique identification information (unique ID) of the RFID tag.

  The state (2) indicates a state in which an image (including the image 70) and a predetermined pattern 60 are formed by the image forming material 40 by the printer 200. For example, the image 70, the predetermined pattern 60, and the like are printed on the recording medium 1 by inkjet ink. At this time, the RFID reader / writer 201 of the printer 200 transmits data for recognizing the model to be assembled and data for recognizing the working process “A-1” corresponding to the unique ID of the RFID tag 50 at the time of printing. The tag 50 may be written. On the recording medium 1 of (2), the image 70 and the predetermined pattern in the case of the process “A-1” are printed.

  The state of (3) indicates a state in which the work of the process “A-1” is completed and the name of the worker is written on the predetermined pattern 60 by the worker. Here, the name of the worker is “XXX”. At this time, the worker writes his / her name using the writing apparatus 300 described above.

  Thereafter, for example, the writing apparatus 300 transfers the unique ID “a” read by the RFID reader 302 and the generated image data of “XXX” to the information processing apparatus 100. As a result, the information processing apparatus 100 can manage the unique ID of the RFID tag 50 and the image data of the worker name in association with each other.

  The state (4) indicates a state after the image erasing process is performed on the recording medium 1 in the state (3). When the work is completed on the recording medium 1 in the state (3) and the use is finished, image erasing for reusing the recording medium 1 is performed. The recording medium 1 is subjected to an image erasing process by the image erasing device 500 to erase the image 70, the predetermined pattern 60, and the like.

  Further, for example, data other than the unique ID is deleted by the RFID reader / writer 512 from the RFID tag 50 in the recording medium 1. Note that the unique ID may be deleted as necessary. At this time, the recording medium 1 is only the substrate 10.

  The state (5) indicates a state where the reproduction coating process is performed after the image is erased. In the recording medium 1 in the state (5), the intermediate layer 20 and the receiving layer 30 are reproduced on the substrate 10 by the reproduction coating process. As a result, the recording medium 1 returns to the state (1), is initialized for reproduction, and is reused.

  The state (6) shows a state where an image different from the state (2) and a predetermined pattern are printed. On the recording medium 1 of (6), the image 70 and the predetermined pattern 60 in the case of the process “A-2” are printed. The recording medium 1 of (6) is different from the recording medium 1 in the state of (2) in the size and position of the predetermined pattern 60 and the position of the image 70. Further, if the unique ID of the RFID tag 50 can be rewritten, it may be rewritten. As a result, the recording medium 1 can change the formed image, change the position and size of the predetermined pattern to be formed, and rewrite the unique ID according to the model and process contents. .

  In the recording medium 1 of (6), after the unique ID “b” is stored in the RFID tag 50, the operator name “YYY” is written on the predetermined pattern 60 by the writing device 300. Then, the same processing as the processing of “XXX” described above is performed. That is, the read unique ID “b” and the generated image data “YYY” are transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the information management system in the first embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, an example of RFID preparation processing, an example of processing of a writing device, an example of data management processing of an information processing device, and an example of mail processing of an information processing device will be described in order.

(RFID tag preparation process)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of RFID tag preparation processing. In step S101 shown in FIG. 15, the RFID tag 50 is numbered with a unique number and stores the number as a unique ID.

  In step S102, the information processing apparatus 100 manages the unique ID set (stored) in the RFID tag 50 in association with a work process or the like.

  Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can manage the unique ID of the RFID tag 50 included in the recording medium 1.

(Processing of writing device)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the writing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment. In step S201 illustrated in FIG. 16, the acquisition unit of the RFID reader 302 or the input device I / F 311 performs processing for acquiring data (unique ID) of the RFID tag 50 of the recording medium 1. When acquisition is successful (step S201-YES), it progresses to step S202, and when acquisition fails (step S201-NO), it returns to step S201.

  In step S202, the data storage unit 304 stores the unique ID acquired by the acquisition unit at the head address.

  In step S <b> 203, the reading unit 301 determines whether writing data written on the predetermined pattern 60 is detected. When the reading unit 301 detects writing data, the reading unit 301 acquires image data of the writing data. If writing data is not detected by the reading unit 301, the process returns to step S203. When the reading unit 301 acquires the image data of the writing data, the reading unit 301 proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, the data storage unit 304 stores the image data of the handwritten data read by the reading unit 301 at the address next to the unique ID.

  In step S205, the data processing unit 308 determines whether or not the transfer switch 306 is turned on. The data processing unit 308 can determine that the transfer switch 306 has been turned ON when the pressing signal is acquired from the transfer switch 306. The process returns to step S205 until the transfer switch 306 is turned on. If the transfer switch is turned on (YES in step S205), the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S <b> 206, the data transfer unit 305 transmits the unique ID stored in the data storage unit 304, image data, and identification information of the writing apparatus 300 to the information processing apparatus 100.

  Thereby, the writing apparatus 300 can transmit the unique ID of the RFID tag 50, the image data of the writing data (handwritten signature), and the identification information of the writing apparatus 300 to the information processing apparatus 100.

(Information management processing of information processing device)
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information management processing (part 1) of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 17 is a process at the time of wired connection.

  In step S301 illustrated in FIG. 17, the communication unit 111 determines whether image data has been received from the writing apparatus 300. If image data is received (step S301-YES), the process proceeds to step S302, and if image data is not received (step S301-NO), the process returns to step S301.

  In step S302, the management unit 113 reads the number of bytes determined from the top of the image data. This head portion includes a unique ID.

  In step S303, the management unit 113 searches the unique ID managed by itself for a match with the received character data of the unique ID.

  In step S304, the management unit 113 determines whether there is a matching unique ID. If there is a matched unique ID (step S304—YES), the process proceeds to step S305, and if there is no matched unique ID (step S304—NO), the process proceeds to step S306.

  In step S305, the management unit 113 stores the image data and the identification information of the writing apparatus 300 in association with the matched unique ID.

  In step S306, the management unit 113 performs error processing. In the error process, an error notification is transmitted to the writing apparatus 300, and the writing apparatus 300 is a process of notifying the user of an error, for example, by turning on or blinking an LED or vibrating the LED.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the information management process (part 2) of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 18 is a process at the time of wireless connection.

  In step S401 illustrated in FIG. 18, the communication unit 111 acquires a pin code by pairing processing at a preparation stage (handshake) of communication with the writing apparatus 300 by, for example, Bluetooth communication.

  The processing in steps S403 to S405 and S407 is the same as the processing in steps S301 to S304 and S306 shown in FIG.

  In step S406, the management unit 113 stores the image data and the pin code in association with the matched unique ID.

  Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can manage the completion of the work by managing the image data of the worker name, for example, and can also manage the worker name.

(Information processing device mail processing)
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of mail processing of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 19 is a process performed after image data is associated (for example, after step S305 shown in FIG. 17).

  In step S501 shown in FIG. 19, the character recognition unit 112 performs character recognition processing (OCR processing) on the received image data and converts it into character data. Here, the operator name is obtained as character data.

  In step S <b> 502, the mail creation unit 114 searches the address information stored in the storage unit 115 for a user name that matches the worker name that has been character-recognized.

  In step S503, the mail creation unit 114 determines whether there is a matching user name. If there is a matching user name (step S503-YES), the process proceeds to step S504, and if there is no matching user name (step S503-NO), the process proceeds to step S506.

  In step S504, the mail creation unit 114 acquires a mail address corresponding to the matching user name from the address information, and creates a mail using the mail address as a destination. The mail text is, for example, a text notifying that the association of the image data has been completed.

  In step S505, the communication unit 111 transmits the mail created by the mail creation unit 114. As a result, the worker can know that the image data of his / her signature has been successfully managed by the information processing apparatus 100.

  In step S506, the mail creation unit 114 performs error processing. In the error process, for example, the writing apparatus 300 is notified that mail could not be transmitted. When the writing device 300 is notified that mail transmission is impossible, the writing device 300 lights or blinks the LED, or activates the vibration function. Note that this error processing may be different from the error processing associated with image data. Thereby, the worker can know that the mail could not be transmitted, and can know that the mail address should be registered in the information processing apparatus 100.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to diversify the association between the information written on the recording medium, the information about the recording medium, and the identification information of the writing apparatus. For example, even in the same recording medium, electronic data of writing data can be associated with different unique IDs of storage media in the recording medium, and various data management can be performed. Further, according to the first embodiment, since the recording medium can be initialized, the recording medium can be used efficiently.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to re-form a predetermined pattern by forming a predetermined pattern capable of recognizing writing data on a recording medium capable of printing at a high resolution. Can do. The predetermined pattern can be formed in a predetermined size at a predetermined position on the recording medium.

  Further, even if the recording medium in the first embodiment is handwritten on a predetermined pattern, the written data can be erased. Further, the recording medium in the first embodiment can be printed by an ink jet printer capable of high resolution, and for example, minute dots such as an Anoto pattern can be formed.

  Further, the recording medium in the first embodiment includes a storage medium such as a wireless IC chip, so that image data of data written on a predetermined pattern, information stored in the storage medium, and identification of the writing apparatus Information can be associated with each other.

  Moreover, according to Embodiment 1, since a writing apparatus can be distinguished with respect to the electronic data of writing data, security is improved by constructing an information management system in which only a specific writing apparatus is effective. You can also. For example, according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to construct an information management system in which a document signature is not approved unless it is written by a writing device owned by the signer himself.

  Moreover, according to Embodiment 1, since a writing apparatus can be distinguished, the information management system which limits a user for every writing apparatus can also be constructed | assembled. For example, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to distinguish gender from gender data by using a gender separate gender on a common questionnaire paper (recorded medium 1).

[Embodiment 2]
Next, the information management system in Embodiment 2 is demonstrated. In the information management system according to the second embodiment, history identification information for identifying the history written in the recording medium 1 is given to the information processing device, and history identification information is assigned to each data sent from the writing device. By doing so, the image data is managed. The history identification information is, for example, a history number.

  In the second embodiment, a data management method of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described using the same reference numerals as those described in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, since the configuration other than the data management method of the information processing apparatus 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

<Data example>
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of data managed by the management unit 113 of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. The example illustrated in FIG. 20 illustrates data management when image data corresponding to the unique ID “a” is transmitted again from the writing apparatus 300.

  In the example shown in FIG. 20A, the process, history (history identification information), image data, and writing device identification information corresponding to the unique ID “a” and the unique ID “b” are managed. The history is, for example, a history number indicating the order when the same unique ID is transmitted.

  Here, from the state in which the data processing apparatus 100 manages the data shown in FIG. 20A, the information processing apparatus 100 has the unique ID “a”, the image data “XXX”, and the identification information “α”. Is transmitted from the writing apparatus 300.

  In the example shown in FIG. 20B, two histories are managed for the image data corresponding to the unique ID “a”. This is because the image data corresponding to the unique ID “a” is transmitted twice from the writing apparatus 300, so that the history numbers “01” and “02” are given, and the two times transmitted together with the unique ID “a”. Image data is distinguished by a history number.

  Therefore, when the image data of the writing data corresponding to one unique ID is acquired a plurality of times, the management unit 113 associates the history identification information (for example, the history number) with each image data of the writing data, and the image data of the writing data. Manage your history.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the information management system in the second embodiment will be described. Since the RFID preparation process, the writing apparatus process, and the mail process are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

(Processing of information processing device)
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. The processes in steps S601 to S604 and S607 shown in FIG. 21 are the same as the processes in steps S301 to S304 and S306 shown in FIG.

  In step S605, the management unit 113 stores the image data and identification information of the worker name in the storage unit (for example, the storage unit 115) in association with the matched unique ID and the history number. The storage unit is provided inside or outside the management unit 113 and is, for example, a RAM.

  In step S606, the management unit 113 increments the history number corresponding to the matched unique ID stored in the storage unit. This is to cope with a case where the same unique ID is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100 next time.

  Note that step S606 is performed after the image data is stored, but may be performed before step S605. In addition, the history number is incremented, for example, by moving the history number stored in the storage unit to the history number of the next address.

  In the second embodiment, when the process shown in FIG. 18 is performed, after the history information is further associated in the process of step S406 shown in FIG. 18, the process of step S606 shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when image data is transmitted a plurality of times for one unique ID, the information processing apparatus 100 can assign a history number and store each image data. it can.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, the information management system in Embodiment 3 is demonstrated. In the information management system according to the third embodiment, the writing device is divided into writing means and position information acquisition means having a function as a reading unit.

<Example of data entry>
In the third embodiment, the method of data input is different from the above embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of data input in the third embodiment. FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the recording medium 1 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the writing apparatus 700 is divided into writing means 710 and position information acquisition means 720. The writing means 710 is a pen, for example, and the position information acquisition means 720 is installed near the writing location of the writing means 710.

  In the example shown in FIG. 22, writing is performed on the dot pattern 60, but writing is not necessarily performed on the dot pattern 60. That is, in Embodiment 3, the dot pattern 60 may not be formed on the recording medium 1.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 22, the position information acquisition unit 720 acquires infrared rays and ultrasonic waves generated from the writing unit 710. The position information acquisition means 720 reads written data using the acquired infrared rays and ultrasonic waves.

<Writing device>
FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the writing apparatus 700 according to the third embodiment. The writing apparatus 700 according to the third embodiment includes writing means 710 and position information acquisition means 720. Note that in the writing apparatus 700, the same components as those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the following, differences from the above embodiment will be mainly described.

(Writing means)
The writing unit 710 includes a pen-down detection unit 303, a control unit 711, an ultrasonic generation circuit 712, and an infrared generation circuit 713.

  When the pen-down detection unit 303 detects that the pen tip of the writing unit 710 is in contact with the recording medium 1 and is pressed, the pen-down detection unit 303 notifies the control unit 711 of an ON signal. The ON signal is notified to the control unit 711 while pen-down is detected.

  Upon receiving an ON signal from the pen-down detection unit 303, the control unit 711 applies a power supply voltage to the ultrasonic generation circuit 712 and the infrared generation circuit 713, and periodically generates an ultrasonic signal and an infrared signal. The ultrasonic signal and the infrared signal are generated while the ON signal is notified.

  On the other hand, when there is no notification of the ON signal from the pen-down detection unit 303, the control unit 711 stops supplying the power supply voltage to the ultrasonic generation circuit 712 and the infrared generation circuit 713, and stops generating the ultrasonic signal and the infrared signal. Let However, the generation start and stop timings of the ultrasonic signal and the infrared signal are not necessarily synchronized with the presence or absence of the ON signal.

  As a result, the writing means 710 generates an ultrasonic signal and an infrared signal while being written by the user using the writing means 710.

(Position information acquisition means)
The position information acquisition unit 720 includes a reading unit 721, an RFID reader 302, a data storage unit 304, a data transfer unit 305, a transfer switch 306, a clear switch 307, and a data processing unit 308.

  The reading unit 721 includes an infrared light receiving unit 722, an ultrasonic wave receiving unit 723, an infrared ultrasonic wave measuring unit 724, and a coordinate calculation unit 725. As will be described later, the reading unit 721 receives a signal or light generated from the writing unit 710 during writing, and electronic data (for example, second data) representing predetermined writing data based on the received signal or light change. Information).

  The infrared light receiving unit 722 is an infrared sensor including, for example, an IrDA (Infrared Data Association) standard module. The infrared light receiving unit 722 receives the infrared signal generated from the infrared generation circuit 713, and generates a signal when the infrared signal is received. The infrared light receiving unit 722 can receive the received infrared signal without being blocked by providing an opening in the position information acquisition unit 720 or the like.

  The ultrasonic receiving unit 723 is an ultrasonic sensor using, for example, PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride). Two ultrasonic wave receivers 723 are provided at the left and right ends of the position information acquisition unit 720 in the longitudinal direction.

  The ultrasonic reception unit 723 receives the ultrasonic signal generated from the ultrasonic generation circuit 712, and generates a signal when the ultrasonic signal is received. The ultrasonic receiving unit 723 can receive an ultrasonic signal without being blocked by providing an opening in the position information acquisition unit 720.

  The infrared ultrasonic measurement unit 724 measures the time difference between the signal output from the infrared light reception unit 722 and the signal output from the ultrasonic reception unit 723. That is, the infrared ultrasonic measurement unit 724 measures each arrival time difference from the reception of the infrared signal to the reception of the ultrasonic signal.

The infrared signal flies at a speed of light of about 3 × 10 ⁸ m / s, while the ultrasonic signal flies at a speed of sound of about 3.5 × 10 ² m / s. Therefore, the arrival time from the writing means 710 for the infrared signal to the infrared light receiving section 722 is negligibly small with respect to the arrival time from the writing means 710 for the ultrasonic signal to the ultrasonic receiving section 723. Therefore, the infrared ultrasonic measurement unit 724 can use the measured arrival time difference as the flight time of the ultrasonic signal from the writing unit 710 to the ultrasonic reception unit 723.

  The coordinate calculation unit 725 calculates the position of the writing means 710 (pen) from the time difference measured by the infrared ultrasonic measurement unit 724 and reads the writing data. For example, the coordinate calculation unit 725 converts the flight time of the ultrasonic signal measured by the infrared ultrasonic measurement unit 724 into a flight distance, and the known distance between the flight distance and the two ultrasonic reception units 723. Is used to calculate the position coordinate data of the writing means 710 by the three-side survey method. The calculated position coordinate data (read data) may be stored in the data storage unit 304 in association with the unique ID of the recording medium 1.

  As described above, the unique ID can be acquired by using the RFID reader 302, or can be acquired from the input device 350 as shown in FIG. Further, the data processing unit 308 may generate image data from the position coordinate data of the read data and record the image data in the data storage unit 304. In this case, the image data stored in the data storage unit 304 is transmitted by the data transfer unit 305. In addition, image data, read data, and character data are collectively referred to as electronic data.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the information management system in the third embodiment will be described. Processing different from the above embodiments will be described.

(Processing of writing device)
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the writing apparatus 700 according to the third embodiment. The processes in steps S701 to S702 shown in FIG. 24 are the same as the processes in steps S201 to S202 shown in FIG.

  In step S703, the reading unit 721 determines whether writing data has been detected. For example, when the reading unit 721 receives an infrared signal or an ultrasonic signal, the reading unit 721 determines that the writing data is detected.

  If handwritten data is detected (step S703-YES), it progresses to S704, and if handwritten data is not detected (step S703-NO), it returns to step S703. In step S704, the data storage unit 304 stores the read data of the writing data at the address next to the unique ID.

  In step S705, the data processing unit 308 determines whether the transfer switch 306 is turned on. The data processing unit 308 can determine that the transfer switch 306 has been turned ON when the pressing signal is acquired from the transfer switch 306. If the transfer switch 306 is OFF, the process returns to step S705. If the transfer switch is ON (step S705-YES), the process proceeds to step S706.

  In step S706, the data transfer unit 305 transmits the read data stored in the data storage unit 304 to the information processing apparatus 100 in association with the unique ID and the identification information of the writing apparatus 700. Thereby, writing data can be acquired using an ultrasonic signal or an infrared signal.

(Information management processing of information processing device)
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information management processing of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment. In step S801 illustrated in FIG. 25, the communication unit 111 determines whether read data has been received from the writing apparatus 700. If read data is received (step S801—YES), the process proceeds to step S802. If read data is not received (step S801—NO), the process returns to step S801.

  In step S802, the management unit 113 reads the number of bytes determined from the top of the image data. The head part includes a unique ID.

  In step S803, the management unit 113 searches the unique ID managed by itself for a match with the received character data of the unique ID.

  In step S804, the management unit 113 determines whether there is a matching unique ID. If there is a matched unique ID (step S804-YES), the process proceeds to step S805, and if there is no matched unique ID (step S804-NO), the process proceeds to step S807.

  In step S805, the management unit 113 includes an image data generation unit, and generates image data based on the position coordinate data of the read data. The generation of the image data is performed on the data that has not been read in step S802. Note that the image data may be generated by another information processing apparatus having an image data generation unit.

  In step S806, the management unit 113 stores, for example, image data and identification information in association with the matched unique ID.

  In step S807, the management unit 113 performs error processing. In the error process, an error notification is transmitted to the writing apparatus 700, and the writing apparatus 700 is a process of notifying the user of an error by, for example, lighting or blinking an LED or vibrating the LED.

  In the process shown in FIG. 25, in order to reduce the processing load, the image generation process is performed when there is a matched ID, but the timing of image generation is associated with the unique ID after data is received. Any timing may be used.

  Thus, the information processing apparatus 100 manages the completion of the work by managing the electronic data of the worker name, and can also manage the worker name.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, even if the writing device is divided into the writing means such as a pen and the position information acquiring means having the function of the reading unit, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained. Can do.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording medium 10 Substrate 20 Intermediate | middle layer 30 Receiving layer 40 Image forming material 50 RFID tag 60 Predetermined pattern 70 Image 100 Information processing apparatus 111 Communication means 112 Character recognition means 113 Management means 114 Mail preparation means 115 Storage means 200 Printer 201 RFID Reader writer 300 Writing device 301 Reading unit 302 RFID reader 303 Pen down detection unit 304 Data storage unit 305 Data transfer unit 306 Transfer switch 307 Clear switch 308 Data processing unit 310 Writing unit 711 Control unit 712 Ultrasonic wave generation circuit 713 Infrared light generation circuit 722 Infrared ray Light receiving unit 723 Ultrasonic wave receiving unit 724 Infrared ultrasonic wave measuring unit 724 Coordinate calculation unit

JP 2007-279889 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-278692 JP 2006-99559 A JP 2002-82864 A

Claims (10)

An information management system in which at least a writing device and an information processing device are connected via a network,
The writing device comprises:
An acquisition means for acquiring first information stored in a rewritable storage medium included in the recording medium;
Writing means that enables writing of predetermined writing data on the recording medium;
Reading means for reading predetermined writing data written by the writing means;
Storage means for storing identification information for identifying the writing device;
Transmitting means for transmitting the first information, the second information read by the reading means, and the identification information to the information processing apparatus;
With
The information processing apparatus includes:
A management unit that associates and manages the received first information, the second information, and the identification information;
An information management system comprising:   The information management system according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is information used in a pairing process when the writing apparatus and the information processing apparatus are wirelessly connected. The information management system includes:
Address storage means for storing address information in which a user name and an email address are associated;
Character recognition means for performing character recognition processing on image data including a user name as the second information, and generating character data of the image data;
When the image data is stored in association with the first information, the character data recognized by the character recognition means is collated with the user name of the address information. An email creation means for creating an email with the email address of
The information processing apparatus includes:
The information management system according to claim 1, further comprising communication means for transmitting the mail created by the mail creation means. The first information is identification information of the storage medium,
The management means includes
The identification information of the storage medium is managed in advance, and the identification information to be managed is collated with the received identification information of the storage medium. If there is matching identification information, the second information and the writing are associated with the identification information. The information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which stores device identification information. The writing means is:
Writing the predetermined writing data on a predetermined pattern that is printed on the recording medium and enables the writing data to be recognized,
The reading means includes
The information management system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined writing data is read based on the predetermined pattern. The recording medium is
A substrate having water resistance;
An intermediate layer containing an uncured water-soluble polymer material that is dissolved or swelled by water or an aqueous liquid on at least one surface of the substrate;
The surface of the intermediate layer different from the surface on the substrate side has permeability to the water or aqueous liquid, and the disintegration or the adhesion state with the intermediate layer is relaxed by dissolution or swelling of the intermediate layer. And a receptive layer
The information management system according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined pattern capable of recognizing the writing data can be formed at least on the receiving layer with a hydrophilic image forming material.   The said predetermined pattern is each dot arrange | positioned on the grid | lattice form of a predetermined space | interval, and each dot has shifted | deviated from the grid | lattice-like intersection in either the up-down, left-right direction. Information management system. The reading means includes
5. The electronic data representing the predetermined writing data is generated based on a change in the received signal or light from a signal or light generated at the time of writing from at least a pen including the writing means. The information management system according to claim 1. A writing device connected to an information processing device via a network,
An acquisition means for acquiring first information stored in a rewritable storage medium included in the recording medium;
Writing means that enables writing of predetermined writing data on the recording medium;
Reading means for reading predetermined writing data written by the writing means;
Storage means for storing identification information for identifying the writing device;
Communication means for transmitting the first information acquired by the acquisition means, the second information read by the reading means, and the identification information recorded in the recording means to the information processing apparatus;
A writing device. An information processing apparatus connected to a writing apparatus via a network,
Identification information for acquiring first information stored in a rewritable storage medium included in the recording medium, reading predetermined writing data written on the recording medium, and identifying the writing device Communication means for receiving the first information, the read second information, and the identification information from the writing device for recording;
Management means for managing the first information, the second information, and the identification information in association with each other;
An information processing apparatus comprising:

Images