JP2014116793A - Coded pattern reading device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coded pattern reading device and a program, capable of transmitting information of an appropriately read coded pattern even in the case of different communication environments.SOLUTION: An electronic pen 1 includes a first communication device 111a capable of Bluetooth (R) communication, a second communication device 111b capable of WiFi communication, and a third communication device 111c capable of mobile communication. A processor 108 in the electronic pen 1 fixes the order of priority in order from the shortest communication range to the largest, namely, in order of the Bluetooth communication, the WiFi communication and the mobile communication, to transmit description information by a communication method having the highest priority.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication technique applicable to a reading device capable of reading a coded pattern such as an electronic pen.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electronic pens that digitize written information have been developed, and “Anot pen” developed by Swedish company Anoto is known as a representative one. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, the anotopen reads a predetermined dot pattern printed on a sheet to generate entry information, and transmits the entry information to a computer device.

  Patent Document 2 describes a rotation correction processing function that corrects an arrangement of dots on an image caused by an angle of an electronic pen facing a dot pattern. Patent Document 3 describes a cradle structure that transmits entry information stored in an electronic pen to a terminal device when the electronic pen is placed. Patent Document 4 describes a mobile phone that can communicate with a third-generation mobile phone system by mounting a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card.

  Further, Patent Document 5 discloses an electronic pen that reads an encoded pattern and transmits generated entry information to a receiver if the communication range is within a wireless communication system, and stores the entry information in a buffer when out of the communication range. Have been described. Non-Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 6 disclose a communication sheet capable of so-called two-dimensional communication.

Japanese Patent No. 3842283 Special table 2003-529853 gazette JP 2006-260345 A JP 2008-306721 A Special table 2003-50077 gazette International Publication No. 2007/032049

“Two-Dimensional Communication @ CELL Technical Document # 1 Basic Principle” [Search July 2, 2012], Internet <URL: http://www.cellcross.co.jp/pdf_doc/technical/td_1_principle.pdf>

  There are various environments in which a user wants to use a coded pattern reading device such as an electronic pen, and the available communication methods differ depending on the usage environment. Therefore, in order to enable the communication of the coding pattern reading device in various communication environments in which the user is placed, the reading device should be compatible with a plurality of communication methods and use a communication method suitable for the use environment. Is required. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a main object of the present invention to provide a coding pattern reading apparatus and program capable of appropriately transmitting read coding pattern information even when the communication environment changes. .

  A coding pattern reading device according to the present invention is a coding pattern reading device that performs communication by selecting a communication method within a communication range from a plurality of types of communication methods, and is within a communication range among the plurality of types of communication methods. Communication control means for selecting one communication method from the communication methods in the communication area in accordance with a predetermined priority and transmitting information of the read coded pattern to the receiver according to the communication method when there are a plurality of communication methods Have

  The coded pattern reading apparatus performs coding by reading a coded pattern and selecting a communication method within a communication range from a plurality of types of communication methods. Then, when there are a plurality of communication methods within the communication range among the plurality of types of communication methods, the coding pattern reading device selects one communication method from the communication methods within the communication range according to a predetermined priority, and the communication method Thus, the information of the read coded pattern is transmitted to the receiver. With this configuration, even when the coded pattern reading device is used in various environments, the communication method that can be used in the environment is selected, and the information of the coded pattern that is read is preferably stored in the receiver. Can be sent.

  In one aspect of the coded pattern reading apparatus, the communication control unit preferentially selects a communication method having a narrow communication range when the communication method in the communication area is a wireless communication method. In this way, the coded pattern reader can preferentially use a communication method with a short communication distance, and can improve safety.

  In another aspect of the coding pattern reading apparatus, the communication control means selects one communication method from the plurality of types of communication methods in order according to the predetermined priority order, and determines whether or not the communication range is within the communication range. The coding pattern information is transmitted by the communication method that is determined to be communicable first. According to this aspect, the coded pattern reading apparatus can suitably determine the communication method to be used according to a predetermined priority.

  In another aspect of the coding pattern reading apparatus, the communication control unit may perform communication of the wired communication when the communication method within the communication area includes both a wireless communication method and a wired communication method. Select preferentially from the methods. By doing in this way, the reading apparatus of a coding pattern can transmit the information of a coding pattern reliably.

  In another aspect of the coding pattern reading apparatus, the communication control unit changes a receiver to which the coding pattern information is transmitted in accordance with a communication method for transmitting the coding pattern information. According to this aspect, the coding pattern reading apparatus can determine the appropriate transmission destination according to the place of use and transmit the coding pattern.

  In another aspect of the coding pattern reading apparatus, the coding pattern reading apparatus includes display means, and display control means for causing the display means to display a communication method used for transmitting the coding pattern information. It has further. According to this aspect, the coded pattern reading apparatus can make the user preferably recognize the communication method used for transmitting the coded pattern information.

  In another aspect of the coding pattern reading apparatus, when there is no communication method in the communication area, the coding pattern reading device further includes storage control means for storing information on the coding pattern in a storage means, and the communication control means includes the communication control means, When any one of a plurality of types of communication methods falls within the communication range, the coding pattern information stored in the storage unit is transmitted by the communication method. According to this aspect, the coded pattern reading apparatus can appropriately transmit the coded pattern information to the receiver even when there is no temporarily usable communication method.

  In another aspect of the coded pattern reader, the coded pattern reader is an electronic pen that reads the coded pattern and generates entry information according to the coded pattern. According to this aspect, even when the electronic pen is used in various places, the entry information generated by the electronic pen can be appropriately received by a predetermined receiver.

  The program according to the present invention functions as any one of the electronic pens described above. The electronic pen according to the present invention can be configured by installing and functioning these programs in the electronic pen.

  According to the present invention, even when the coded pattern reading device is used in various environments, a communication method that can be used in the environment is selected and information on the read coded pattern is suitably received. Can be sent to the machine.

1 shows a configuration of an electronic pen system according to a first embodiment. The relationship between the dot pattern dot and the value to which the dot is converted is shown. (A) shows a dot pattern typically, and (b) is a figure showing an example of information corresponding to it. It is the schematic which shows the structure of an electronic pen. It is a functional block diagram of a computer apparatus. It is a functional block diagram of a server apparatus. It is a flowchart of the communication control process of 1st Embodiment. The structure of the electronic pen system which concerns on a modification is shown. The structure of the electronic pen system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is shown. The schematic structure of the electronic pen which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is shown. It is a flowchart of the communication control process of 2nd Embodiment. The structure of the electronic pen system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is shown. The schematic structure of the electronic pen which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is shown. It is a flowchart of the communication control process of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of a wireless communication process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments suitable for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The electronic pen system described below includes an electronic pen having a plurality of communication means, and can transmit entry information generated by the electronic pen appropriately selecting the communication means depending on the situation to a predetermined terminal. System.

<First Embodiment>
[Configuration of electronic pen system]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an electronic pen system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic pen system includes an electronic pen 1 used by a user, entry sheets 2 </ b> A and 2 </ b> B (2) on which a dot pattern (encoded pattern) is printed on almost the entire surface, and entry from the electronic pen 1. The computer apparatus 3 and the server apparatus 7 which receive and process information, the wireless LAN router 4, and the network hub 6 are provided.

  The wireless LAN router 4 performs wireless communication based on Wi-Fi (registered trademark) with the electronic pen 1 (also referred to as “WiFi communication”), and connects the electronic pen 1 to a wired LAN to which the computer apparatus 3 is connected. The electronic pen 1 and the computer device 3 are connected to the server device 7 via the network hub 6 and the network 8.

  The electronic pen 1 is connected to the server 7 via the wireless LAN router 9 when the electronic pen 1 exists in the communication range of WiFi communication. In addition, when the electronic pen 1 is close to the computer apparatus 3, the electronic pen 1 performs wireless communication (also referred to as “Bluetooth communication”) with the computer apparatus 3 using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) system.

  The entry form 2A is used at a position where the electronic pen 1 that performs entry can communicate with the wireless LAN router 4 via WiFi. Similarly, the entry form 2B is used at a position where the electronic pen 1 that performs entry can communicate with the computer device 3 via Bluetooth.

  Hereinafter, each component of the electronic pen system will be described in detail.

(Dot pattern)
First, the Anoto dot pattern (coded pattern) printed on the entry sheet 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between dots of a dot pattern and values to which the dots are converted. As shown in FIG. 2, each dot of the dot pattern is associated with a predetermined value depending on its position. That is, each dot is associated with a value of 0 to 3 depending on which direction the top, bottom, left, or right is shifted from the reference position of the virtual grid (the intersection of the vertical and horizontal lines). The value of each dot can be further converted into a first bit value for the X coordinate and a second bit value for the Y coordinate. The position coordinates on the entry sheet 2 are determined by the combination of information thus associated. Preferably, a dot pattern is formed on the entry sheet 2A and the entry sheet 2B so that the coordinate areas do not overlap.

  FIG. 3A shows an arrangement of a certain dot pattern. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), 6 × 6 dots are arranged within a range of about 2 mm in length and width so that a unique pattern can be obtained regardless of where 6 × 6 dots are taken on the entry sheet 2. ing. The dot pattern formed by these 36 dots holds position coordinates (for example, where the dot pattern is located on the entry sheet 2). FIG. 3B is a diagram in which each dot shown in FIG. 3A is converted into a value associated with the regularity shown in FIG. 2 according to the shift direction from the reference position of the lattice. This conversion is performed by the electronic pen 1 that captures an image of a dot pattern.

(Electronic pen)
Next, the electronic pen 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the electronic pen 1. 4, the electronic pen 1 includes an ink cartridge 104, an LED 105, a CMOS camera 106, a pressure sensor 107, a processor 108 including a CPU, a memory 109 such as a ROM and a RAM, A communication unit 111 including a real-time clock 110, an antenna, and the like, and a battery 112 are provided. The tip of the ink cartridge 104 is a pen tip portion 103, and the user touches the pen tip portion 103 of the electronic pen 1 on the entry sheet 2 and enters a stroke (handwritten stroke). Here, the first contact of the pen tip portion 103 of the electronic pen 1 with the entry sheet 2 or the like is referred to as “pen down”, and the separation of the pen tip portion 103 from the contacted (contacted) state “ Called “pen-up”. A trajectory written between the pen-down and pen-up of the electronic pen 1 is one stroke, and characters, figures, etc. are composed of one or a plurality of strokes.

  The battery 112 is for supplying electric power to each component in the electronic pen 1. For example, the battery 112 is configured to turn on / off the electronic pen 1 itself by attaching and detaching a cap (not shown) of the electronic pen 1. May be. The real time clock 110 transmits time information indicating the current time (time stamp) and supplies the time information to the processor 108. The pressure sensor 107 detects the pressure applied through the ink cartridge 104 from the pen tip portion 103 when the user writes or taps characters or marks on the entry sheet 2 or the like with the electronic pen 1, that is, the writing pressure. Is transmitted to the processor 108.

  The processor 108 switches on / off the switches of the LED 105 and the CMOS camera 106 based on the writing pressure data supplied from the pressure sensor 107. That is, when the user writes characters or the like on the entry sheet 2 or the like with the electronic pen 1, the pen pressure is applied to the pen tip portion 103, and when the pressure sensor 107 detects a writing pressure higher than a predetermined value, the processor 108 It is determined that the user has started entry, and the LED 105 and the CMOS camera 106 are activated. The communication unit 111 associates pen-down information detected by the pressure sensor 107 with identification information (hereinafter referred to as “pen ID”) of the electronic pen 1 to be described later, and enters the computer device 3 or server as entry information. Transmit to device 7. When the user finishes entering one stroke and releases the electronic pen 1 from the entry sheet 2, the pressure sensor 107 detects pen-up because no writing pressure exceeding a predetermined value is detected. Then, the communication unit 111 associates the pen-up information detected by the pressure sensor 107 with the pen ID, and transmits it as entry information to the computer device 3 or the server device 7.

  The LED 105 and the CMOS camera 106 are attached near the pen tip portion 103 of the electronic pen 1, and an opening 102 is formed in a portion of the housing 101 that faces the LED 105 and the CMOS camera 106. The LED 105 illuminates infrared rays toward the vicinity of the pen tip portion 103 on the entry sheet 2. The area is slightly deviated from the position where the pen tip 103 contacts the entry sheet 2. The CMOS camera 106 is provided with an infrared transmission filter that transmits infrared rays and blocks non-infrared rays. The CMOS camera 106 captures a dot pattern in an area illuminated by the LED 105, and the image data of the dot pattern is captured. This is supplied to the processor 108. Here, since carbon absorbs infrared rays, the infrared rays irradiated by the LED 105 are absorbed by the carbon contained in the dots. Therefore, the dot portion has a small amount of infrared reflection, and the portion other than the dot has a large amount of infrared reflection. By photographing with the CMOS camera 106, a threshold value is provided based on the difference in the amount of reflected infrared light, so that a dot region containing carbon can be distinguished from other regions. Therefore, even when characters, drawings, or the like are printed on the entry sheet 2, the printed ink does not absorb in the infrared region, so the processor 108 can recognize the dot pattern. Note that the shooting area by the CMOS camera 106 is a range including a size of about 2 mm × about 2 mm as shown in FIG. 3A, and the shooting by the CMOS camera 106 is performed at regular intervals of about 50 to 100 times per second. Is called. Further, the CMOS camera 106 has a sufficient depth of field in order to photograph dots clearly.

  The processor 108 performs X and Y coordinates (hereinafter referred to simply as “coordinate data”) on the entry sheet 2 of the stroke (handwriting) to be entered by the user from the dot pattern of the image data supplied by the CMOS camera 106 while the user performs the entry. Or “coordinate information”) is continuously calculated. That is, the processor 108 converts the image data of the dot pattern as shown in FIG. 3A supplied by the CMOS camera 106 into the data array shown in FIG. The data is converted into a Y coordinate bit value, and X and Y coordinate data are calculated from the data array by a predetermined calculation method. Note that the processor 108 has a rotation correction processing function for correcting the arrangement of dots on the image due to the angle of the electronic pen 1 facing the dot pattern, and that function is executed during coordinate calculation. Then, the processor 108 associates the current time (time stamp: entered time information) transmitted from the real-time clock 110, writing pressure data, and X and Y coordinate data. Hereinafter, these associated data are collectively referred to as “coordinate attribute information”. Since the 6 × 6 dot pattern on the entry sheet 2 does not overlap in the entry sheet 2, when the user enters characters or the like with the electronic pen 1, the entered position corresponds to any position on the entry sheet 2. This can be specified by coordinate calculation by the processor 108.

  Further, the processor 108 determines whether to perform communication by Bluetooth communication by the first communication device 111a of the communication unit 111, which will be described later, or by WiFi communication by the second communication device 111b. Further, the processor 108 stores the generated entry information in the memory 109 when neither the Bluetooth communication nor the WiFi communication can be used. In this way, the processor 108 functions as “communication control means” and “storage control means” in the present invention. These specific controls of the processor 108 will be described in detail in the section [Communication Control Processing].

  The memory 109 stores property information such as a pen ID such as “pen01” for identifying the electronic pen 1, a pen manufacturer number, and a pen software version. The memory 109 stores a communication address such as an IP address of the server device 7. Further, the memory 109 stores entry information generated by the processor 108 when the communication unit 111 cannot communicate with either the computer apparatus 3 or the wireless LAN router 4 based on the control of the processor 108.

  The communication unit 111 associates the pen ID, time information (time stamp), writing pressure data, and X and Y coordinate data, and transmits them as entry information to the computer device 3 or the server device 7. In this case, transmission to the computer apparatus 3 or the server apparatus 7 by the communication unit 111 is performed immediately and sequentially. Here, one or a plurality of coordinate attribute information generated and transmitted from the pen-down to the pen-up of the electronic pen 1 is stored as stroke information by the computer device 3 or the server device 7 that is the reception destination. . In other words, one stroke is composed of one or a plurality of X and Y coordinates (coordinate points), and the computer device 3 and the server device 7 that are the recipients of the entry information can use the pen-down information and the pen-up information to One or more coordinate attribute information constituting one stroke is recognized.

  In addition, the communication unit 111 includes a first communication device 111a that performs wireless communication processing using Bluetooth, and a second communication device 111b that performs wireless communication processing compliant with Wi-Fi. The communication unit 111 performs wireless communication using either the first communication device 111a or the second communication device 111b based on the control of the processor 108.

  The first communication device 111a exchanges information such as a pass key that is an authentication key with the computer apparatus 3 in advance by a pairing operation, and recognizes the computer apparatus 3 as a communication partner of Bluetooth communication. Then, the first communication device 111a transmits a radio wave for a predetermined time when a cap (not shown) of the electronic pen 1 is removed, and establishes Bluetooth communication with the computer apparatus 3 when the computer apparatus 3 receives the radio wave. Further, the second communication device 111b receives the radio wave (beacon) transmitted from the wireless LAN router 4, and then transmits the ESS-ID and the encryption key to the wireless LAN router 4 and receives authentication from the wireless LAN router 4. The WiFi communication with the wireless LAN router 4 is established. In this case, the second communication device 111b communicates with the server apparatus 7 by designating the communication address of the server apparatus 7 stored in the memory 109 as a transmission destination address based on the control of the processor 108.

  The electronic pen 1 may include a pen portion that is not filled with ink instead of the ink cartridge 104. In this case, ink is not output from the nib portion 103. Further, the electronic pen 1 may be prepared for each of the entry sheet 2A and the entry sheet 2B.

(Computer device)
Next, the computer apparatus 3 (receiver) will be described. The computer device 3 includes, as hardware, an antenna device capable of data communication with the electronic pen 1, a processor such as a CPU, a memory such as a ROM and a RAM, a display, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like. The computer apparatus 3 may be configured by a tablet PC such as iPad (registered trademark), a PDA (Personal Data Assistance), a PC (personal computer) equipped with a display, or the like.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the computer apparatus 3. Functionally, the computer apparatus 3 includes an input unit 31 such as a mouse and a keyboard, a communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, a processing unit 34, and a display unit 36. The communication unit 32 includes an antenna receiving circuit and the like, receives entry information from the electronic pen 1, and transmits the received information to the processing unit 34. The display means 36 is constituted by a display or the like, and displays the contents instructed by the processing means 34.

  The processing means 34 is constituted by a processor such as a CPU and controls the entire computer device 3. When the dot pattern printed on the entry sheet 2 </ b> A is read by the electronic pen 1, the processing unit 34 stores the entry information generated and transmitted by the electronic pen 1 in the storage unit 33. Further, the processing means 34 displays coordinate strokes, which will be described later, on the basis of the position coordinates indicated by the received entry information, and causes the display means 36 to display a stroke that reproduces the contents entered on the entry sheet 2A by the electronic pen 1.

  When the server device 7 manages all the entry information generated by the electronic pen 1, the processing unit 34 may transfer the entry information received from the electronic pen 1 to the server device 7 through the communication unit 32.

  The storage means 33 is configured by a memory such as a ROM or a RAM. The storage unit 33 stores the entry information received from the electronic pen 1 for each pen ID according to the processing instruction of the processing unit 34. The storage unit 33 also stores information on the coordinate range indicated by the dot pattern printed on the entry sheet 2B (also referred to as “coordinate definition information”).

(Server device)
Next, the server device 7 (receiver) will be described. The server device 7 includes, as hardware, a communication device capable of data communication, a processor such as a CPU, and a memory such as a ROM and a RAM.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the server device 7. The server device 7 is functionally configured by a communication unit 72, a storage unit 73, a processing unit 74, and the like.

  The communication unit 72 receives entry information from the electronic pen 1 via the wireless LAN router 4, the network hub 6, and the network 8, and transmits the received information to the processing unit 74. The storage unit 73 is configured by a memory such as a ROM or a RAM. The storage unit 73 stores the entry information received from the electronic pen 1 for each pen ID according to the processing instruction of the processing unit 74.

  The processing means 74 is constituted by a processor such as a CPU, and controls the entire server device 7. When the dot pattern printed on the entry sheet 2 </ b> A is read by the electronic pen 1, the processing unit 74 stores the entry information generated and transmitted by the electronic pen 1 in the storage unit 73. Further, for example, when the processing unit 74 receives a transmission request for entry information stored in the storage unit 73 from a terminal connected via the network 8 such as the computer apparatus 3, the processing unit 74 sends the entry information to the request source by the communication unit 72. Send to the terminal.

[Communication control processing]
Next, communication control processing for the communication unit 111 executed by the processor 108 of the electronic pen 1 will be described. Schematically, the processor 108 performs communication by the communication unit 111 in preference to a communication method that shortens the communication distance. That is, when transmitting the entry information, the processor 108 gives priority to the Bluetooth communication by the first communication device 111a over the WiFi communication by the second communication device 111b. As a result, the electronic pen 1 transmits the entry information safely without duplicating the entry information.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the processor 108 of the electronic pen 1. The processor 108 of the electronic pen 1 repeatedly executes the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the processor 108 detects pen down based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 107 (step S101). Then, the processor 108 generates entry information that associates the pen-down information with the pen ID. At the time of entering a stroke after pen-down, the processor 108 generates entry information including coordinate information calculated from the read dot pattern (step S102).

  Next, the processor 108 determines whether or not Bluetooth communication is possible (step S103). At this time, if the Bluetooth communication has not been established yet, the processor 108 attempts to establish communication with the computer device 3 that has already been paired by causing the first communication device 111a to emit a radio wave for a predetermined time. .

  If Bluetooth communication is possible (step S103; Yes), the processor 108 performs Bluetooth communication between the computer apparatus 3 and the first communication device 111a, and transmits entry information to the computer apparatus 3 (step S104). Thus, when the Bluetooth communication is possible, the processor 108 transmits the entry information by the Bluetooth communication regardless of whether the WiFi communication is possible. If there is the entry information stored in the memory 109 in step S107 described later, the processor 108 may transmit the entry information together with the generated entry information to the computer apparatus 3. On the other hand, when the Bluetooth communication is not possible (step S103; No), the processor 108 advances the process to step S105.

  In step S105, the processor 108 determines whether or not WiFi communication is possible (step S105). At this time, if the WiFi communication with the wireless LAN router 4 has not been established yet, the processor 108 causes the second communication device 111b to receive a radio wave transmitted from the wireless LAN router 4, and the wireless LAN router 4 Try to establish communication with.

  If WiFi communication is possible (step S105; Yes), the processor 108 transmits the entry information to the server device 7 via the wireless LAN router 4 by the second communication device 111b (step S106). At this time, the processor 108 designates the communication address of the server device 7 stored in the memory 109 as a transmission destination. If there is the entry information stored in the memory 109 in step S107 described later, the processor 108 may transmit the entry information together with the generated entry information to the server device 7.

  On the other hand, if WiFi communication is not possible (step S105; No), that is, if the electronic pen 1 exists outside the range in which the radio wave transmitted by the wireless LAN router 4 can be received, the processor 108 stores the generated entry information in the memory. 109 (step S107).

  Next, the processor 108 determines whether pen-up has been detected based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 107 (step S108). If pen-up is detected (step S108; Yes), the processor 108 transmits entry information including pen-up information, and deletes all the sent entry information (step S109).

  As described above, the processor 108 prioritizes the Bluetooth communication by the first communication device 111a over the WiFi communication by the second communication device 111b, thereby appropriately transmitting the entry information without transmitting the entry information redundantly. be able to.

[Operational effects of the electronic pen system according to the first embodiment]
According to the electronic pen system of the first embodiment, the electronic pen 1 performs communication by selecting available communication from Bluetooth communication and WiFi communication. Thereby, even when the electronic pen 1 is used in various environments, it is possible to select a communication method that can be used in the environment and suitably transmit the information of the read coded pattern.

  In addition, the electronic pen 1 preferentially selects Bluetooth communication having a communication distance shorter than that of WiFi communication, and transmits entry information. By doing in this way, the electronic pen 1 can transmit entry information safely by shortening the wireless communication distance as much as possible.

[Modification of First Embodiment]
Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. The following modifications may be applied in any combination to the above-described embodiment.

(Modification 1)
In FIG. 1, the electronic pen 1 transmits entry information to the server device 7 via the wireless LAN router 4 that performs three-dimensional communication. Instead, the electronic pen 1 may transmit entry information to the server device 7 via a communication sheet that performs two-dimensional communication.

  FIG. 8 shows a configuration diagram of an electronic pen system according to a modification. As shown in FIG. 8, the electronic pen system is different from the electronic pen system shown in FIG. 1 in that it has a proximity wireless antenna sheet (communication sheet) 4 </ b> A and a communication converter 5 </ b> A instead of the wireless LAN router 4. Other constituent elements are given the same reference numerals as appropriate, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The proximity wireless antenna sheet (communication sheet) 4A is a sheet capable of so-called two-dimensional communication, and is wirelessly transmitted between the electronic pen 1 and the communication converter 5A when the electronic pen 1 comes close. Transmit the signal to the other. Electromagnetic waves (evanescent waves) ooze out on the surface of the proximity wireless antenna sheet 4A and in the vicinity thereof. The proximity wireless antenna sheet 4A has a mesh layer, a dielectric layer, and a shield layer in order from the top, and the amount of electromagnetic waves output is controlled by the mesh interval between the mesh layers and the relative dielectric constant of the dielectric layer. . The proximity wireless antenna sheet 4A performs wireless signal communication with the electronic pen 1 and the communication converter 5A via the above-described electromagnetic wave.

  The communication converter 5A functions as a coupler used in two-dimensional communication, and supplies a radio signal into the proximity radio antenna sheet 4A. Further, the communication converter 5A functions as a Wi-Fi compliant access point or a wireless LAN router, and a Wi-Fi compliant wireless LAN signal to which the electronic pen 1 is connected and a wired LAN to which the network hub 6 is connected. Are mutually converted.

  Next, communication control processing performed by the processor 108 will be described. In the first example, the processor 108 executes the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 and transmits entry information using the Bluetooth communication preferentially over the WiFi communication. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the processor 108 can appropriately determine the communication method to be used, and suppress the duplication of entry information.

  In the second example, the processor 108 transmits entry information by using WiFi communication preferentially over Bluetooth communication instead of the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. In the modification shown in FIG. 8, the wireless communication distance between the electronic pen 1 and the proximity wireless antenna sheet 4 </ b> A is shorter than the wireless communication distance between the electronic pen 1 and the computer device 3 using Bluetooth. Therefore, the processor 108 can prioritize WiFi communication over Bluetooth communication, thereby shortening the wireless communication distance and ensuring higher safety.

(Modification 2)
In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the electronic pen 1 may have a display for displaying a communication method for transmitting entry information. In this case, for example, the processor 108 displays on the display that the Bluetooth communication is being performed during the communication by the first communication device 111a. Further, the processor 108 displays on the display that the WiFi communication is being performed during the communication by the second communication device 111b. Thereby, a user can be made to grasp | ascertain easily the communication system which the electronic pen 1 transmits entry information. The above-described display functions as the “display unit” in the present invention, and the processor functions as the “display control unit” in the present invention.

(Modification 3)
In the first embodiment, the Anoto method is used for the electronic pen, the dot pattern (coded pattern), and the entry information. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the Anoto method. Further, the dot pattern (coded pattern) is not limited to the one indicating the position coordinates, and may be a code value for identifying the icon or a code value for identifying the association area. Also, an apparatus for reading a dot pattern (coded pattern) is not limited to a pen form such as an electronic pen, and may take various forms.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, the electronic pen 1 has a configuration capable of communication via a mobile phone communication network (also referred to as “mobile communication”) in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a configuration of an electronic pen system according to the second embodiment. The electronic pen system according to the second embodiment has a base station 9 connected to a network 8 including a mobile phone communication network and an entry sheet 2C having a dot pattern printed on substantially the entire surface thereof. Different from electronic pen system. The other components of the electronic pen system according to the second embodiment that are the same as those of the first embodiment are appropriately denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the second embodiment, the electronic pen 1 is entered based on an entry operation on the entry form 2 </ b> C that is outside the communication range of the wireless LAN router and within the communication range of the base station 9. Generate information. In this case, the electronic pen 1 performs wireless communication with the base station 9 and transmits entry information to the server device 7 via the network 8 including the mobile phone communication network and the Internet. The server device 7 receives the entry information via the network 8 and stores the entry information.

  FIG. 10 shows a schematic configuration of the electronic pen 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the electronic pen 1 according to the second embodiment includes a third communication device 111 c for performing mobile communication in the communication unit 111. The third communication device 111c includes a chip such as a SIM that is necessary for communication in a mobile phone communication system. When the entry information is transmitted by the third communication device 111c, the processor 108 designates the communication address of the server device 7 stored in the memory 109 as the transmission destination. Further, the processor 108 transmits the identification information stored in the SIM together with the entry information to the transmission destination.

  Next, communication control processing of the processor 108 in the second embodiment will be described. As in the first embodiment, the processor 108 performs communication by the communication unit 111 in preference to a communication method with a short wireless communication distance. That is, the processor 108 sets priorities in the order of Bluetooth communication, WiFi communication, and mobile communication, and transmits entry information using a communication method with the highest priority.

  FIG. 11 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a communication control process performed by the processor 108 of the electronic pen 1 in the second embodiment. The processor 108 of the electronic pen 1 repeatedly executes the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 every time a pen-down is detected.

  First, the processor 108 detects pen down based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 107 (step S201). Then, the processor 108 generates entry information that associates the pen-down information with the pen ID. At the time of entry after pen-down, the processor 108 generates entry information including coordinate information calculated from the read dot pattern (step S202).

  Next, the processor 108 determines whether or not Bluetooth communication is possible (step S203). If Bluetooth communication is possible (step S203; Yes), the processor 108 performs Bluetooth communication between the computer apparatus 3 and the first communication device 111a, and transmits entry information to the computer apparatus 3 (step S204). As described above, when the Bluetooth communication is possible, the processor 108 transmits the entry information by the Bluetooth communication regardless of whether the WiFi communication or the mobile communication is possible. On the other hand, when the Bluetooth communication is not possible (step S203; No), the processor 108 advances the process to step S205.

  Next, the processor 108 determines whether WiFi communication is possible (step S205). If WiFi communication is possible (step S205; Yes), the processor 108 transmits the entry information to the server device 7 by the second communication device 111b via the wireless LAN router 4 (step S206).

  On the other hand, when WiFi communication is not possible (step S205; No), the processor 108 determines whether portable communication is possible (step S207). If portable communication is possible (step S207; Yes), the processor 108 transmits the entry information together with the identification information stored in the SIM to the server device 7 through the third communication device 111c (step S208). At this time, the processor 108 designates the communication address of the server device 7 stored in the memory 109 as a transmission destination. On the other hand, when mobile communication is not possible (step S207; No), the processor 108 stores the generated entry information in the memory 109 (step S208). The processor 108 transmits the entry information stored in the memory 109 to the computer apparatus 3 or the server apparatus 7 when any one of the Bluetooth communication, the WiFi communication, and the mobile communication is possible by the process shown in FIG. To do.

  Next, the processor 108 determines whether pen-up has been detected based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 107 (step S210). When pen-up is detected (step S210; Yes), the processor 108 transmits entry information including pen-up information, and deletes all of the transmitted entry information (step S211).

[Operational effects of the electronic pen system of the second embodiment]
According to the electronic pen system of the second embodiment, in addition to the processing of the first embodiment, the electronic pen 1 performs mobile communication by the third communication device 111c. Thereby, even when the electronic pen 1 is used in various places, the electronic pen 1 can preferably transmit the entry information to the server device 7. For example, when the electronic pen system is introduced into a school, if the electronic pen 1 can be portablely communicated even at home outside the communication range of the wireless LAN router 4 installed in the school, the student can use the electronic pen 1 for homework. Thus, entry information can be suitably transmitted by writing on the entry form 2C. In addition, in the school, after filling in the entry sheet 2B halfway with the electronic pen 1 in the school, the electronic pen 1 and the entry sheet 2B are brought back to the home where mobile communication is possible and the continuation is filled in with the electronic pen 1. In addition, the electronic pen 1 can suitably transmit the entry information to the server device 7 by repeatedly executing the flowchart shown in FIG. In addition, the electronic pen system according to the second embodiment has the same effects as the electronic pen system according to the first embodiment.

[Modification of Second Embodiment]
Modifications 1 to 3 of the first embodiment may be arbitrarily combined and applied to the second embodiment.

<Third Embodiment>
In the third embodiment, the electronic pen 1 has a configuration capable of wired communication in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 shows a configuration of an electronic pen system according to the third embodiment. In the electronic pen system according to the third embodiment, the computer device 3 and the electronic pen 1 perform wired communication by inserting the cables 10 provided with terminals that can be inserted at both ends into predetermined positions. The cable 10 is a USB cable, for example. Other components that are the same as those of the electronic pen system according to the first embodiment are appropriately denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 13 shows a schematic configuration of the electronic pen 1 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the electronic pen 1 according to the third embodiment has a wired communication terminal 113 into which the terminal of the cable 10 can be inserted. Then, in a state where the terminal of the cable 10 is inserted into the wired communication terminal 113, the user can hold the electronic pen 1 and perform an entry operation on the entry sheet 2A. In this case, the processor 108 transmits the generated entry information to the computer apparatus 3 via the wired communication terminal 113.

  Next, communication control processing of the processor 108 in the third embodiment will be described. In general, the processor 108 selects the wired communication in preference to the wireless communication and transmits the entry information. When the wired communication is not possible, the processor 108 performs the same process as in the second embodiment.

  FIG. 14 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the processor 108 of the electronic pen 1 in the third embodiment. The processor 108 of the electronic pen 1 repeatedly executes the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the processor 108 determines whether or not the electronic pen 1 is in a state in which communication is possible using a wired communication method (step S301). Then, when the electronic pen 1 is in a state in which communication is possible by the wired communication method (step S301; Yes), the processor 108 transmits the entry information in the memory 109 to the computer apparatus 3 by wired communication (step S302). On the other hand, when the electronic pen 1 is not in a state in which communication is possible using the wired communication method (step S301; No), the processor 108 advances the processing to step S303.

  Next, the processor 108 determines whether pen-down is detected based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 107 (step S303). When the pen-down is detected (step S303; Yes), the processor 108 generates entry information that associates the pen-down information with the pen ID. At the time of entering a stroke after pen-down, the processor 108 generates entry information including coordinate information calculated from the read dot pattern (step S304). Then, when the electronic pen 1 is in a state in which communication is possible by the wired communication method (step S305; Yes), the processor 108 transmits entry information to the computer apparatus 3 by wired communication (step S306). On the other hand, when the electronic pen 1 is not in a state in which communication is possible by the wired communication method (step S305; No), the processor 108 performs wireless communication processing shown in FIG. 15 (step S307). This wireless communication process will be described later.

  Next, the processor 108 determines whether or not pen-up has been detected (step S308). If pen-up is not detected (step S308; No), the process returns to step S304. If pen-up is detected (step S308; Yes), pen-up entry information is transmitted (step S309). ).

  On the other hand, when pen-down is not detected in step S303 (step S303; No), the processor 108 deletes the transmitted entry information from the memory 109 (step S310). Even after the pen-up entry information is transmitted in step S309, the processor 108 similarly deletes the transmitted entry information from the memory 109.

  Next, the wireless communication process in step S307 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of wireless communication processing.

  First, the processor 108 determines whether or not Bluetooth communication is possible (step S401). If Bluetooth communication is possible (step S401; Yes), the processor 108 performs Bluetooth communication between the computer apparatus 3 and the first communication device 111a, and transmits entry information to the computer apparatus 3 (step S402). As described above, when the Bluetooth communication is possible, the processor 108 transmits the entry information by the Bluetooth communication regardless of whether the WiFi communication or the mobile communication is possible. On the other hand, when the Bluetooth communication is not possible (step S401; No), the processor 108 advances the process to step S403.

  Next, the processor 108 determines whether WiFi communication is possible (step S403). If WiFi communication is possible (step S403; Yes), the processor 108 transmits the entry information to the server device 7 via the wireless LAN router 4 by the second communication device 111b (step 304).

  On the other hand, when WiFi communication is not possible (step S403; No), the processor 108 determines whether portable communication is possible (step S405). If mobile communication is possible (step S405; Yes), the processor 108 transmits the entry information together with the identification information stored in the SIM to the server device 7 through the third communication device 111c (step S406). On the other hand, when portable communication is not possible (step S405; No), the processor 108 stores the generated entry information in the memory 109 (step S407). Then, the processor 108 transmits the entry information stored in the memory 109 to the computer apparatus 3 in step S402 when wired communication becomes possible. As a result, the processor 108 can cause the computer apparatus 3 to receive the entry information temporarily stored without being transmitted safely and reliably.

[Operational effects of the electronic pen system of the third embodiment]
According to the electronic pen system of the third embodiment, the electronic pen 1 has the wired communication terminal 113 capable of performing wired communication with the computer device 3 via the cable 10. Then, when both wired communication and wireless communication are available, the electronic pen 1 transmits entry information by wired communication. Thereby, the electronic pen 1 can transmit entry information safely and reliably. In addition, the electronic pen system of the third embodiment has the same effects as the electronic pen systems of the first and second embodiments.

[Modification of Third Embodiment]
Next, a modification of the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the following modification 4 may be applied in addition to the modifications 1 to 3 of the first embodiment described above.

(Modification 4)
The electronic pen system may include a cradle (holding device) connected to the computer device 3 instead of the cable 10. Also by this, the electronic pen 1 can perform wired communication with the computer apparatus 3 suitably.

  In this case, when the electronic pen 1 is inserted into a predetermined position so as to be held by the cradle, the wired communication terminal 113 of the electronic pen 1 is electrically connected to a terminal (not shown) of the cradle. Then, the electronic pen 1 automatically communicates with the computer device 3 via the cradle and transmits entry information. Further, the electronic pen 1 is supplied with electric power from the computer device 3 via the cradle and charges the battery 112.

  Here, the cradle will be described more specifically. The cradle includes a cap-shaped portion that can hold the electronic pen 1 inserted at a predetermined position, and a base (stand) portion on which the electronic pen 1 held by the cap-shaped portion is placed. The cap-like portion includes a terminal (not shown) that can be electrically connected to the wired communication terminal 113 when the electronic pen 1 is gripped. Further, the cap-like portion has an interface for electrical connection with an external device according to the USB standard, and is connected to the computer device 3 with a USB cable. The cap-shaped portion relays the entry information transmitted from the electronic pen 1 to the computer device 3 while holding the electronic pen 1 and supplies the charging power supplied from the computer device 3 to the terminal 113. Relay. The base portion includes a lock mechanism for locking the attached cap-shaped portion, and fixes the cap-shaped portion and the electronic pen 1 inserted into the cap-shaped portion.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic pen 2A-2C (2) ... Filling sheet 3 ... Computer apparatus 4 ... Wireless LAN router 6 ... Network hub 7 ... Server apparatus 8 ... Network 9 ... Base station

Claims (9)

A coding pattern reading device that performs communication by selecting a communication method within a communication range from a plurality of types of communication methods,
When there are a plurality of communication methods within the communication range among the plurality of types of communication methods, according to a predetermined priority order, one communication method is selected from the communication methods within the communication range, and the code pattern read by the communication method is selected. An apparatus for reading an encoded pattern, comprising: communication control means for transmitting information to a receiver.   2. The coding pattern reading according to claim 1, wherein the communication control unit preferentially selects a communication method having a narrow communication range when the communication method in the communication area is a wireless communication method. apparatus.   The communication control means, in accordance with the predetermined priority order, sequentially selects one communication method from the plurality of types of communication methods to determine whether or not the communication range is within the communication range, and first determines that communication is possible The coding pattern reading device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coding pattern information is transmitted by the method.   The communication control means, when the communication method within the communication area includes both a wireless communication method and a wired communication method, preferentially selects from the wired communication method. The reading device of the coding pattern as described in any one of 1-3.   5. The communication control unit according to claim 1, wherein the receiver of the transmission destination of the coding pattern information is changed according to a communication method for transmitting the coding pattern information. The coding pattern reader described in 1. Display means;
The coding pattern reading according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising display control means for causing the display means to display a communication method used for transmitting the information of the coding pattern. apparatus. If there is no communication method within the communication area, further comprising storage control means for storing information of the coding pattern in the storage means,
The communication control means, when any one of the plurality of types of communication methods is in a communication range, transmits the information of the coding pattern stored in the storage means by the communication method. The coding pattern reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The coded pattern reading device according to claim 1, wherein the coded pattern reading device is an electronic pen that reads a coded pattern and generates entry information according to the coded pattern.   A program that functions as a device for reading the coded pattern according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images