JP2017068793A - Signal generation device and stamp system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a stamp system requiring small introduction cost to be configured while using a user communication terminal.SOLUTION: A signal generation device 2 generates a virtual touch signal which allows a touch panel 35 to virtually detect touch. The signal generation device comprises: a signal output unit 23 that is configured to be able to come close to the touch panel 35 and generates an electric field that can reach the touch panel 35; and a control unit 21 for controlling the signal output unit 23 to change the electric field intensity of the electric field. The control unit 21 generates a virtual touch signal by changing the electric field intensity of the electric field in time series so as to synchronize with timing when the touch panel 35 detects touch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a signal generation device and a stamp system.

  In recent years, stamp systems and point systems using communication terminals such as mobile phones have been used in place of conventional paper stamp cards and point cards. By using a portable communication terminal, it is possible to save the trouble of issuing a paper stamp card in the store and the cost for issuing the card. As a stamp system using a portable communication terminal, a QR code (registered trademark) issued by the store using a camera built into the portable communication terminal every time a user visits the store or purchases a product. A system that adds the number of stamps by reading a two-dimensional bar code such as, and a device that communicates with a store terminal using a non-contact communication chip of a mobile communication terminal to exchange stamps (for example, patents) Reference 1 and Patent Document 2).

  For example, according to the system of Patent Document 1, a dedicated cash register is prepared in a store, and a customer transmits a member number from a mobile phone to the cash register. The cash register issues a two-dimensional bar code including each information of the received member number, the number of added points, and the store identifier. Points are added by the customer reading this two-dimensional bar code using a mobile phone camera.

  Further, in the system of Patent Document 2, the processing device provided in the store includes a non-contact IC reader / writer, and customer identification information is obtained from a contact type IC chip of a customer's mobile phone when the customer purchases a product. It is acquired and transmitted to the server device together with the point acquisition information. And a server apparatus adds the accumulated point of the customer currently hold | maintained in a database based on customer identification information and point acquisition information.

JP 2012-234270 A JP 2010-257165 A

  However, in a conventional stamp system, a dedicated bar code issuing terminal and a non-contact communication terminal are required on the store side. For this reason, in the stamp system using the conventional portable user communication terminal, there is a problem that the cost for introduction is large.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention, which has been made paying attention to these points, is to provide a signal generation device and a stamp system that make it possible to configure a stamp system with a low introduction cost while using a user communication terminal. is there.

The invention of a signal generating device that achieves the above object is as follows:
A signal generation device that generates a virtual touch signal capable of virtually detecting a touch on a touch panel,
A signal output unit configured to be close to the touch panel and generating an electric field that can reach the touch panel;
A control unit for controlling the signal output unit so as to change the electric field strength of the electric field,
The control unit generates the virtual touch signal by changing the electric field strength of the electric field in time series so as to synchronize with a timing at which a touch is detected on the touch panel.

The invention of a stamp system that achieves the above object is as follows.
A stamp system including a signal generation device that generates a virtual touch signal that can cause a touch panel to virtually detect a touch, and a server device,
The signal generator is
A signal output unit configured to be close to the touch panel and generating an electric field that can reach the touch panel;
A control unit for controlling the signal output unit so as to change the electric field strength of the electric field,
The control unit generates the virtual touch signal by changing the electric field strength of the electric field in time series so as to be synchronized with a timing at which a touch is detected on the touch panel,
The server device
The server control part which acquires the data converted from the said virtual touch signal with the user terminal which has the said touch panel, and authenticates the information contained in the said virtual touch signal based on the said data is provided.

  According to the signal generation device and the stamp system according to the present invention, it is possible to configure a stamp system with a low introduction cost while using the user communication terminal.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a stamp system according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the state which made the signal output part approach on the surface of a touch panel. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure which concerns on a signal output part and its input-output. It is a flowchart which shows the method of controlling a signal output part. It is a time chart which shows an example of the relationship between the voltage pulse signal produced | generated by the apparatus control part, the charge amount of a charge holding part, and the electric field strength in a touch panel. It is a figure which shows the example which mounted the signal generation apparatus as the form of a stamp. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the signal generation apparatus made into the form of a stamp. It is a time chart which shows an example of the relationship between the voltage pulse signal which concerns on the modification 1, and the electric field strength in a touchscreen.

(Embodiment)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a stamp system 1 according to an embodiment. A stamp system 1 (also referred to as an information transmission system 1) according to the present embodiment includes a signal generation device 2, a user terminal 3, and a server 4. The user terminal 3 and the server 4 are communicably connected as indicated by a broken line. Further, the signal generation device 2 and the server 4 may be connected so as to be communicable as indicated by a broken line. This communicable connection may be wired or wireless. Further, this connection does not have to be directly communicable, and it is sufficient if communication is possible via a network such as the Internet.

  A user of the stamp system 1 according to the present embodiment visits a store or the like in which the signal generation device 2 is provided, and the signal generation device in a state where the application 312 corresponding to the stamp system 1 is activated on the user terminal 3. 2 to obtain a signal. The user terminal 3 communicates with the server 4 based on the signal acquired from the signal generation device 2 and acquires information related to a stamp, a coupon, and the like associated with the signal generation device 2.

  The signal generation device 2 according to the embodiment includes a device control unit 21, a device storage unit 22, a signal output unit 23, a discharge / static discharge unit 24, a power supply unit 25, a position information acquisition unit 26, and a device communication unit 27.

  The device control unit 21 is, for example, a CPU, and can acquire a program or an instruction stored in the device storage unit 22 and execute software processing. In addition, the device control unit 21 generates a voltage pulse signal based on the information stored in the device storage unit 22. Here, the voltage pulse signal is in an on state when the pulse voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, and is in an off state when the pulse voltage is lower than the predetermined threshold.

  The device storage unit 22 stores programs or instructions that can be executed by the device control unit 21, information acquired from the device control unit 21, information that identifies the signal generation device 2, and other information. These pieces of information may be acquired from an external server or device via the apparatus communication unit 27.

  The signal output unit 23 generates a charge based on the voltage pulse signal generated by the device control unit 21, and generates an electric field toward the outside of the signal generation device 2, thereby outputting the pulse signal to the outside. The signal output unit 23 will be described later.

  The discharge / static discharge unit 24 discharges charges generated in the signal output unit 23 in accordance with control by the device control unit 21.

  The power supply unit 25 supplies power to the entire signal generation device 2. The power supply unit 25 may include a dry battery or a rechargeable battery. However, the power supply unit 25 is not limited thereto, and may be supplied with power from the power system through a power line or wireless power feeding. Further, the power supply unit 25 may include means for displaying the remaining battery level or the supply status of power to the signal generation device 2. The means for displaying is, for example, an LED and can indicate the state by a red / green lighting pattern, but is not limited thereto.

  The position information acquisition unit 26 can acquire position information of an area where the signal generation device 2 is installed, for example, by acquiring an ultrasonic wave including the position information with a microphone. The method for acquiring position information is not limited to this, and for example, GPS or wireless LAN may be used.

  The device communication unit 27 performs communication with the server 4 or other devices. For example, it is possible to acquire update information from the server 4 and update the information stored in the device storage unit 22 or to transmit the information of the signal generation device 2 to the server 4.

  The user terminal 3 includes a terminal control unit 31, a terminal storage unit 32, a terminal communication unit 33, a display unit 34, and an input unit 35.

  The terminal control unit 31 is a CPU, for example, and can acquire a program or an instruction stored in the terminal storage unit 32 and execute software processing. The terminal control unit 31 includes a library (LIB) 311 and an application 312 as layers for executing software processing. The library 311 executes a process common to different types of user terminals 3, and the application 312 executes a process corresponding to each user terminal 3.

  The terminal storage unit 32 stores programs or instructions that can be executed by the terminal control unit 31, information acquired from the terminal control unit 31, information for specifying the user terminal 3, and other information.

  The terminal communication unit 33 communicates with the server 4 to output and acquire information.

  The display unit 34 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and can display information so that a user can perceive information.

  The input unit 35 is, for example, a touch panel, and can accept an operation input when the user touches the touch panel. Hereinafter, the input unit 35 is also referred to as a touch panel 35. The touch panel 35 may be integrated with the display unit 34. The touch panel 35 is a capacitive touch panel, and preferably a projected capacitive touch panel.

  The server 4 includes a server control unit 41, a server storage unit 42, and a server communication unit 43.

  The server control unit 41 is, for example, a CPU, and can acquire a program or an instruction stored in the server storage unit 42 and execute software processing.

  The server storage unit 42 stores programs or instructions that can be executed by the server control unit 41, information acquired from the server control unit 41, and other information.

  The server communication unit 43 communicates with the user terminal 3 and outputs and acquires information.

  Up to this point, the system configuration has been described. Next, the operation of each unit will be described.

[Touch detection]
When the touch panel 35 is a capacitive touch panel, the touch panel 35 detects a touch on the surface by detecting a change in the capacitance of the surface. When a human finger touches the touch panel 35, the human touches the surface of the touch panel 35 because the human becomes a parasitic capacitance and changes the electrostatic capacity of the surface of the touch panel 35.

  On the other hand, even if an object insulated from humans or other conductors, such as a ballpoint pen, touches the surface of the touch panel 35, the touch panel 35 does not detect the touch on the surface because the change in capacitance is small. That is, the capacitive touch panel 35 does not detect a touch on the surface of the touch panel 35 when the change in capacitance is less than a predetermined amount, and moves to the surface of the touch panel 35 when the change in capacitance is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. Detect touch of.

  According to the touch detection mechanism of the capacitive touch panel as described above, the capacitance on the surface of the touch panel 35 can be changed even if it is an insulator that has little change in capacitance even if it is originally touched. If it can be made, it can be detected that the touch panel 35 is touched.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the signal output unit 23 of the signal generation device 2 is brought close to the surface of the touch panel 35. As described above, the signal output unit 23 of the signal generation device 2 generates an electric field. When the signal output unit 23 is configured to be close to the surface of the touch panel 35 so that the electric field generated by the signal output unit 23 can reach the surface of the touch panel 35, the electric field generated by the signal output unit is the surface of the touch panel 35. Affects. Thereby, the capacitance of the surface of the touch panel 35 changes apparently. Then, the touch panel 35 detects a change in electrostatic capacitance on the surface, and determines that a touch such as a human finger or a touch pen is present at this place. That is, the signal output unit 23 can output a signal (hereinafter also referred to as a virtual touch signal) that can cause the touch panel 35 to detect a touch virtually by generating an electric field.

[Signal generator]
Next, the operation of the signal generation device 2 will be described. When the power supply unit 25 of the signal generation device 2 starts power supply, the device control unit 21 of the signal generation device 2 first performs an initialization operation of the entire signal generation device 2. Subsequently, the device control unit 21 generates an initial signal for notifying the touch panel 35 that signal output is to be started, and causes the signal output unit 23 to execute output in accordance with the initial signal. Subsequently, the device control unit 21 generates an information signal including device identification information or stamp information of the signal generation device 2 and causes the signal output unit 23 to execute an output corresponding to the information signal. Here, the stamp information is information related to the type of stamp associated with the signal generation device 2.

  When the device control unit 21 generates an information signal related to information that the touch panel 35 wants to acquire, the device control unit 21 sequentially performs calculation processing, conversion processing, and encryption processing using a predetermined algorithm for the information, Generate a signal.

<Signal output section>
Here, while the operation of the signal output unit 23 is described, the process in which the signal output unit 23 virtually detects the touch on the touch panel 35 will be further described. In the following description, it is assumed that the distance between the signal output unit 23 and the touch panel 35 is kept constant when the signal generation device 2 is brought close to the touch panel 35.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration related to input / output of the signal output unit 23 and the signal output unit 23. The signal output unit 23 includes a charge generation unit 231 and a charge holding unit 232. The charge generation unit 231 generates charges according to the pulse signal generated by the device control unit 21. In addition, the charge generation unit 231 includes a charge backflow prevention unit that prevents the generated charge from moving to the device control unit 21. This charge backflow prevention means may be provided as a different unit. The charge holding unit 232 holds the charge supplied from the charge generation unit 231. Then, the charge holding unit 232 outputs an electric field formed by the held charge toward the outside of the signal generation device 2. The discharge / charge removing unit 24 removes charges held in the charge holding unit 232.

<Control of signal output unit>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which the device control unit 21 controls the signal output unit 23. First, the device control unit 21 generates a voltage pulse signal (step S101). Here, when the voltage pulse signal is in an ON state (the pulse voltage of the voltage pulse signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value), the device control unit 21 causes the touch panel 35 to detect a touch. On the other hand, when the voltage pulse signal is in an off state (the pulse voltage of the voltage pulse signal is less than a predetermined threshold value), the device control unit 21 prevents the touch panel 35 from detecting a touch.

  Subsequently, the device control unit 21 determines whether or not the pulse voltage of the generated voltage pulse signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold (step S102). When the pulse voltage is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold (step S102: YES), the apparatus control unit 21 determines whether or not the charge amount held in the charge holding unit 232, that is, the charge amount is equal to or higher than the charge reference amount ( Step S103). If the charge amount is equal to or greater than the charge reference amount (step S103: YES), the apparatus control unit 21 ends the process of the flowchart of FIG.

  Here, a method for determining the charging reference amount will be described. As described above, the capacitive touch panel 35 detects a touch on the surface of the touch panel 35 when the change in the electrostatic capacitance is a predetermined amount or more. In order to change the electrostatic capacity by a predetermined amount or more, the electric field strength of the electric field formed on the surface of the touch panel 35 needs to be equal to or higher than the predetermined electric field strength. The electric field strength of the electric field formed by the charge is proportional to the amount of charge and inversely proportional to the distance from the charge. As described above, in the description according to the present embodiment, since the distance between the signal output unit 23 and the touch panel 35 is constant, the electric field strength of the electric field formed on the surface of the touch panel 35 is equal to the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232. Proportional. That is, in order for the electric field formed on the surface of the touch panel 35 to be equal to or greater than a predetermined electric field strength, the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232 needs to be equal to or greater than the predetermined charge amount. Can be determined. Actually, in consideration of the touch detection margin of the touch panel 35, the charging reference amount is determined to be larger than a predetermined charging amount.

  When the charge amount is less than the charge reference amount (step S103: NO), the apparatus control unit 21 causes the charge generation unit 231 to generate a charge, and holds the generated charge in the charge holding unit 232 (step S104). Thereafter, the apparatus control unit 21 returns to step S103 and continues the process until the charge amount becomes equal to or greater than the charge reference amount.

  Returning to step S102, when the pulse voltage is less than the predetermined threshold (step S102: NO), the apparatus control unit 21 determines whether the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232 is equal to or greater than the charge removal reference amount (step S105). .

  When the charge amount is equal to or greater than the charge removal reference amount (step S105: YES), the apparatus control unit 21 causes the discharge / charge removal unit 24 to remove the charge held in the charge holding unit 232 (step S106). Thereafter, the apparatus control unit 21 returns to step S105 and continues the process until the charge amount becomes less than the charge removal reference amount. When the charge amount is less than the charge removal reference amount (step S105: NO), the apparatus control unit 21 ends the process of the flowchart of FIG.

  Here, a method of determining the charge removal reference amount will be described. As described above, the capacitive touch panel 35 does not detect a touch on the surface of the touch panel 35 when the change in capacitance is less than a predetermined amount. Considering in the same way as the description of the method for determining the charge reference amount, the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232 needs to be less than the predetermined charge amount. Therefore, this predetermined charge amount can be determined as the charge removal reference amount. Actually, the charge removal reference amount is determined to be smaller than a predetermined charge amount in consideration of the touch detection margin of the touch panel 35. As a result, normally, the charge removal reference amount is determined to be smaller than the charge reference amount.

<Time change of voltage pulse signal>
FIG. 5 is a time chart showing an example of the relationship between the voltage pulse signal generated by the device control unit 21, the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232, and the electric field strength on the touch panel surface. The time chart of FIG. 5 shows the passage of time in the horizontal direction. In FIG. 5, the time elapses from left to right, and is divided by a broken line at every predetermined time. The divided time zones are represented by symbols, and are T1 to T7 in order from the left. In the vertical direction of the time chart of FIG. 5, how the voltage pulse signal generated by the device control unit 21, the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232, and the electric field strength on the touch panel surface change in each time zone. It is represented. In the bottom row, a timing signal indicating the timing at which the application 312 performs touch detection is shown. Touch detection is performed in synchronization with the timing signal in each time slot. The length of the touch detection timing signal is determined by the specification of the touch panel 35 or the specification of the application 312.

  In the time zone T1, the voltage pulse signal is 0 (off). In this case, according to the flowchart of FIG. 4, the device control unit 21 controls the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232 to be less than the charge removal reference amount. Further, the electric field strength at the touch panel 35 is also less than a predetermined electric field strength.

  When transitioning from the time zone T1 to the time zone T2, the voltage pulse signal changes from 0 (off) to 1 (on). In this case, the apparatus control unit 21 controls the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232 to be equal to or greater than the charge reference amount according to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 5, the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232 increases slightly after the rise of the voltage pulse signal generated by the device control unit 21. This is because it takes time to accumulate charges in the charge holding unit 232. In addition, the electric field strength at the touch panel 35 increases in proportion to the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232 and becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined electric field strength.

  When transitioning from the time zone T2 to the time zone T3, the voltage pulse signal changes from 1 (on) to 0 (off). In this case, the device control unit 21 controls the charge holding unit 232 so that the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232 is less than the charge reference amount according to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 5, the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232 decreases slightly after the fall of the voltage pulse signal generated by the device control unit 21. This is because it takes time to neutralize the charge holding portion 232. Further, the electric field strength at the touch panel 35 decreases in proportion to the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232 and becomes less than a predetermined electric field strength.

  The transition from the time zone T3 to the time zone T4 is the same as the transition from the time zone T1 to the time zone T2.

  When transitioning from the time zone T4 to the time zone T5, the voltage pulse signal remains 1 (on). In this case, according to the flowchart of FIG. 4, the apparatus control unit 21 performs control so that the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232 remains equal to or higher than the charge reference amount. In addition, the electric field intensity at the touch panel 35 also remains higher than the predetermined electric field intensity.

  The transition from the time zone T5 to the time zone T6 is the same as the transition from the time zone T2 to the time zone T3.

  When transitioning from the time zone T6 to the time zone T7, the voltage pulse signal remains 0 (off). In this case, the apparatus control unit 21 performs control so that the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232 remains below the charge removal reference amount according to the flowchart of FIG. Further, the electric field strength at the touch panel 35 also remains below a predetermined electric field strength.

  As described above, the touch panel 35 is virtually touched by controlling the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232 of the signal output unit 23 in a state where the signal output unit 23 of the signal generation device 2 is close to the touch panel 35. Can be detected.

  When the width of each time slot shown in the time chart of FIG. 5 is set to the millisecond order, the touching state (on) and the non-touching state cannot be achieved by operation with a human finger or a touch pen. (Off) can be switched. In this way, information stored in the signal generation device 2 is encoded and converted into a voltage pulse signal, and a virtual touch signal whose electric field strength changes in time series is output to the touch panel 35 virtually. The touch can be detected, and the user terminal 3 can acquire the information.

  The operation of the signal output unit 23 of the signal generation device 2 has been described above. By doing so, it is possible to cause the touch panel 35 to detect a virtual touch signal including encoded information that cannot be input by human operation, and to allow the touch panel 35 to acquire a large amount of information quickly.

[Implementation example of signal generator]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the signal generation device 2 is mounted in the form of a stamp. By pressing the stamp-shaped signal generation device 2 on the touch panel 35 of the user terminal 3, the operation of stamping the stamp is reproduced.

<Example of structure>
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the signal generation device 2 in the form of a stamp. FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the structure of the signal generation device 2. The signal generation device 2 according to the example of FIG. 7 includes a main body 51 that also serves as a handle, a tip 52, and a buffer 53.

  The main body 51 includes a circuit unit 56, a display unit 57, a terminal unit 58, an output unit 59, and a wiring 60. The circuit unit 56 includes a circuit board on which a CPU, a memory, a signal processing chip, or the like that functions as the device control unit 21 or the device storage unit 22 of the signal generation device 2 is mounted, the power supply unit 25, and the like. The display unit 57 is, for example, an LED, and can display the state of the signal generation device 2 to the outside by the emission color. The terminal unit 58 is, for example, a USB terminal or a microUSB terminal, and is used for receiving external power supply or communicating with the outside. The output unit 59 includes a circuit board on which a CPU or a signal processing chip that functions as the signal output unit 23 of the signal generation device 2 and the like are mounted. The output unit 59 further includes a switch 61. The switch 61 may be included in the power supply unit 25 of FIG. 1 to turn on / off the entire power supply of the signal generation device 2. The switch 61 may serve as a trigger for the device control unit 21 to start generating a signal in a state where the signal generating device 2 has already been activated. The wiring 60 connects the circuit unit 56 and the output unit 59.

  The tip portion 52 includes an insulating cover portion 54 and a conductive electrode 55. The cover part 54 may come into contact with the touch panel 35, and a rubber material is preferably used. The electrode 55 is provided inside the cover portion 54 and is provided so as to be able to contact or be close to the touch panel 35. It is provided so as to be close to the touch panel 35. Preferably, the electrode 55 is not in contact with the touch panel 35 and is close to the touch panel 35 with a certain distance, and is not flush with the cover portion 54 but slightly inward from the outer surface of the cover portion 54. It is provided lowered.

  The buffering part 53 is a buffering member provided between the main body 51 and the front-end | tip part 52, Preferably, an elastic body is used. As the elastic body, for example, a spring is used, but is not limited thereto.

<Operation example>
The operation of the signal generation device 2 according to the example of FIG. 7 will be described. When the signal generating device 2 is in a standby state, the main body 51 and the distal end portion 52 are urged away from each other by the buffer portion 53. When the user presses the signal generation device 2 against the touch panel 35 of the user terminal 3, the main body 51 is pressed toward the distal end portion 52. At this time, the switch 61 provided in the main body 51 is turned on, and the power supply unit 25 of the signal generation device 2 supplies power to the whole. In this way, it is only necessary to supply power to the signal generator 2 only when necessary.

  The device control unit 21 of the signal generation device 2 starts operation upon receiving power supply from the power supply unit 25. The device control unit 21 first performs an initialization operation of the entire signal generation device 2. Subsequently, the device control unit 21 generates an initial signal for notifying the touch panel 35 that signal output is started, and causes the signal output unit 23 to generate an electric field corresponding to the initial signal.

  When the signal output unit 23 generates an electric field, in the signal generation device 2 according to the example of FIG. 7, the electrode 55 is electrically connected to the charge holding unit 232 of the signal output unit 23, and the electrode 55 is also charged. Then, the electric charge charged on the electrode 55 forms an electric field toward the touch panel 35. Here, as described above, the electrode 55 is not in contact with the touch panel 35 and is close to the touch panel 35 with a certain distance depending on the positional relationship with the cover portion 54. Therefore, the electric field strength of the electric field formed on the touch panel 35 is proportional to the charge amount, and the device control unit 21 can control the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232 and the electrode 55 to reliably detect a touch.

  Subsequently, the device control unit 21 generates an information signal including device identification information or stamp information of the signal generation device 2 and causes the signal output unit 23 to generate an electric field corresponding to the information signal.

  During the series of operations performed by the device control unit 21, the user keeps the signal generation device 2 pressed against the touch panel 35, but may be separated from the touch panel 35 when the operation is completed. Here, in order to notify the user of the end of the operation, the user may be notified visually using the display unit 57 or may be notified by emitting a sound. By doing in this way, the period for which the signal generation device 2 should be pressed against the touch panel 35 becomes clear for the user, and the user can be prevented from feeling uneasy or stressed.

  When the switch 61 functions as a trigger for starting signal generation, power is already supplied to the signal generation device 2, and the device control unit 21 of the signal generation device 2 is turned on when the switch 61 is turned on. Starts from the initialization operation described above.

  The example in which the signal generation device 2 is mounted in the form of a stamp has been described above. By doing in this way, the user can make the user terminal 3 acquire information only by performing the familiar work of stamp stamping, and the number of users can be increased. Further, since the user can turn on the switch 61 by the stamping operation without being aware of the switch 61, the operation becomes simpler.

[Operation of user terminal and server]
As described above, the stamp system 1 according to the present embodiment includes the user terminal 3 and the server 4. Hereinafter, operations of the user terminal 3 and the server 4 will be described with reference to the configuration shown in FIG.

  The user terminal 3 acquires information indicated by the signal generated by the signal generation device 2 and queries the server 4 for the acquired information. When it is confirmed that the acquired information is legitimate information, the user terminal 3 uses the application 312 to stamp a stamp or issue a coupon. When it cannot be confirmed that the acquired information is legitimate information, the user terminal 3 performs error processing. The error processing is, for example, display of an error message, but is not limited thereto.

  The terminal control unit 31 of the user terminal 3 acquires a signal from the signal generation device 2 via the touch panel 35. The library 311 of the terminal control unit 31 performs a decoding process, a processing process, and a conversion process using a predetermined algorithm on the acquired signal, and converts the acquired signal into data that can be obtained from the server 4 for authentication. The library 311 performs API (Application Programming Interface) processing and outputs data usable by the application 312. The application 312 of the terminal control unit 31 transmits data acquired from the library 311 to the server 4 via the terminal communication unit 33. Then, the application 312 acquires the authentication result from the server 4, and issues a stamp or coupon corresponding to the device identification information of the signal generation device 2 when authenticated.

  The server control unit 41 of the server 4 acquires information from the user terminal 3 via the server communication unit 43. Subsequently, the server control unit 41 authenticates whether the information acquired from the signal generation device 2 by the user terminal 3 is legitimate information based on the information related to the signal generation device 2 stored in the server storage unit 42. . The authentication condition may be, for example, a condition related to position information of the signal generation device 2 or a condition that limits a period during which a stamp or a coupon can be issued. Subsequently, the server control unit 41 transmits information related to whether or not the acquired information is regular information to the user terminal 3.

  The stamp system 1 according to the present embodiment has been described above. By doing in this way, since it is possible to participate in the stamp system 1 only by providing the signal generation device 2 on the store side, the participation cost can be kept low and participation can be promoted. In addition, the user can obtain a feeling of use similar to that of a stamp familiar to the user, and can be used without a sense of incongruity.

  Further, in the stamp system 1 according to the present embodiment, since it is difficult to copy the stamp by outputting the encrypted signal, fraud can be prevented and there is no disadvantage for the store or the user. .

  The use of the stamp system 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to store sales promotion. For example, this system can also be used for events such as stamp rally, where stamps are collected by visiting different places in a sightseeing spot, a railway station, amusement facilities such as a theme park, and the like. In that case, the signal generation device 2 according to the present embodiment is arranged at each stamp installation location, and the stamp rally participant virtually stamps the user terminal 3 such as a smartphone. The server device identifies the place where the event participant has visited by the device identification information or the position information of the signal generation device 2, and when the participant goes through all the stamp installation locations and stamps the last stamp, the privilege is given. It can be displayed on a smartphone.

  Or the stamp system 1 which concerns on this embodiment can also be used for the attendance management of an office. In that case, the employee virtually stamps the touch panel of the user terminal 3 at the time of leaving the office and leaving the office, and the user terminal 3 transmits the device identification information of the signal generation device 2 and the like together with the user identification information to the server device. . The server device can store the received information together with the time when the information is transmitted in a database for attendance and attendance management.

(Modification 1)
In the signal generation device 2 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, that the pulse voltage of the voltage pulse signal is equal to or higher than the threshold corresponds to the ON signal. In the first modification, a configuration in which the length of time during which the pulse voltage of the voltage pulse signal is equal to or greater than the threshold corresponds to the on signal or the off signal will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a time chart illustrating an example of the relationship between the voltage pulse signal according to the first modification and the electric field strength on the touch panel 35. The configuration of the time chart is the same as that of the time chart shown in FIG. However, the charge amount of the charge holding unit 232 shown in FIG. 5 is not shown in FIG.

  The voltage pulse signal according to the modified example 1 is shown to be in the ON state when the period in which the pulse voltage is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold is longer than the ON period in each time period from T1 to T7. On the other hand, when the period during which the pulse voltage is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold is only less than the off period, the off state is indicated. When the period in which the pulse voltage is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold is greater than or equal to the off period and less than the on period, it may be determined that the signal in this portion includes an error. Here, the on period or the off period is a threshold value indicating the length of the period for defining the on state or the off state of the voltage pulse signal according to the first modification, and is arbitrarily determined.

  For example, the voltage pulse signal generated by the device control unit 21 in the time period T1 is assumed to have a period in which the pulse voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold less than the off period. In this case, the period in which the electric field strength on the touch panel 35 of the electric field formed according to the voltage pulse signal is equal to or higher than the predetermined electric field strength is shorter than the period indicated by the touch detection timing of the application 312. Therefore, in this case, no touch is detected on the touch panel 35.

  On the other hand, for example, in the time period of T2, the voltage pulse signal generated by the device control unit 21 is assumed to have a period during which the pulse voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold being on the on period. In this case, the period in which the electric field strength of the electric field formed in response to the voltage pulse signal on the touch panel 35 is equal to or higher than the predetermined electric field strength is longer than the period indicated by the touch detection timing of the application 312. Therefore, in this case, a touch is detected by the touch panel 35.

  With the configuration of the voltage pulse signal according to the first modification, it is easy to ensure the stability of the voltage pulse signal when noise such as spike noise is superimposed on the voltage pulse signal. In addition, even when the response time of touch detection on the touch panel 35 varies depending on the specifications of the touch panel 35, by appropriately setting the on period and the off period, it is possible to reliably reduce the voltage while reducing the interval of touch detection as much as possible. The on / off state of the pulse signal can be detected.

(Modification 2)
The stamp system 1 according to the modification 2 has a configuration in which the signal generation device 2 and the server 4 communicate with each other. The signal generation device 2 according to this modification outputs an initial signal including its own device identification information after activation, and then temporarily stops outputting the signal. The user terminal 3 that has detected the information corresponding to the initial signal including the device identification information of the signal generation device 2 transmits the device identification information of the signal generation device 2 to the server 4. The server 4 notifies the signal generation device 2 corresponding to the acquired device identification information that the initial signal has been acquired from the signal generation device 2.

  When the signal generation device 2 can acquire the notification from the server 4, it can confirm that its output has not been read by an unauthorized device, and can restart the output of signals related to other information. it can. On the other hand, if the signal generation device 2 fails to acquire the notification from the server 4 within a predetermined period, it determines that its output may have been read by an unauthorized device. The output of such a signal can be prevented from being resumed. In this case, the signal generator 2 may display an error.

  By making it like the modification 2, it can prevent that the signal which the signal generation device 2 outputs is acquired illegally, and can improve security.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these variations and modifications are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each component, each step, etc. can be rearranged so that there is no logical contradiction, and multiple components, steps, etc. can be combined or divided into one It is. Further, although the present invention has been described centering on an apparatus, the present invention can also be realized as a method including steps executed by each component of the apparatus. Further, although the present invention has been described mainly with respect to the apparatus, the present invention can also be realized as a method, a program executed by a processor included in the apparatus, or a storage medium storing the program, and is within the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that these are also included.

1 Stamp system (information transmission system)
2 Signal Generation Device 21 Device Control Unit 22 Device Storage Unit 23 Signal Output Unit 231 Charge Generation Unit 232 Charge Holding Unit 24 Discharge / Charge Removal Unit 25 Power Supply Unit 26 Location Information Acquisition Unit 27 Device Communication Unit 3 User Terminal 31 Terminal Control Unit 311 Library 312 Application 32 Terminal storage unit 33 Terminal communication unit 34 Display unit 35 Input unit (touch panel)
4 server device 41 server control unit 42 server storage unit 43 server communication unit 51 main body 52 distal end portion 53 buffer unit 54 cover unit 55 electrode 56 circuit unit 57 display unit 58 terminal unit 59 output unit 60 wiring 61 switch

Claims (5)

A signal generation device that generates a virtual touch signal capable of virtually detecting a touch on a touch panel,
A signal output unit configured to be close to the touch panel and generating an electric field that can reach the touch panel;
A control unit for controlling the signal output unit so as to change the electric field strength of the electric field,
The control unit is a signal generation device that generates the virtual touch signal by changing the electric field strength of the electric field in time series so as to be synchronized with a timing at which a touch is detected on the touch panel. The signal output unit is
A charge generation unit for generating a charge;
A charge holding unit configured to be close to the touch panel and charged by the charge;
A charge eliminating unit that neutralizes the charge charged in the charge holding unit,
The signal generation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the charge generation unit and the charge removal unit so as to change a charge amount of the charge holding unit.   The control unit causes the charge generation unit and the charge removal unit to transition the charge holding unit between a state where the charge amount is equal to or greater than a charge reference amount and a state where the charge amount is less than a charge removal reference amount. The signal generation device according to claim 2, wherein: A storage unit for storing information;
The signal generation device according to claim 1, wherein the virtual touch signal is generated based on information stored in the storage unit. A stamp system including a signal generation device that generates a virtual touch signal that can cause a touch panel to virtually detect a touch, and a server device,
The signal generator is
A signal output unit configured to be close to the touch panel and generating an electric field that can reach the touch panel;
A control unit for controlling the signal output unit so as to change the electric field strength of the electric field,
The control unit generates the virtual touch signal by changing the electric field strength of the electric field in time series so as to be synchronized with a timing at which a touch is detected on the touch panel,
The server device
A stamp system comprising a server control unit that acquires data converted from the virtual touch signal by a user terminal having the touch panel and authenticates information included in the virtual touch signal based on the data.

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