JP2018049413A - Information terminal device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information terminal device that, even when a plurality of writing instruments are properly used according to the purpose and application, can accurately determine and notify a user of the lives of pen points of the writing instruments, and a program.SOLUTION: An information terminal device 1 comprises: a liquid crystal display part 32 that displays an image; a touch pad 33 that receives a touch input with a stylus pen 20 to the liquid crystal display part 32; and a control part 50. The control part 50 acquires identification information identifying the core (pen point) of the stylus pen 20 used for writing on the touch pad 33, acquires the total writing distance of the stylus pen 20 for every identification information, determines the life of the core 22 for every identification information on the basis of the acquired total writing distance, and performs notification based on a result of life determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an information terminal device capable of handwriting input using a writing instrument such as a stylus pen and a program used for the information terminal device.

  Conventionally, in an information terminal device such as a tablet terminal, handwriting input can be performed on a touch panel using a writing tool such as a stylus pen (touch pen). In such an information terminal device, the nib (core) of the writing tool is worn with the use of the writing tool. As the nib wear increases, the writing comfort of the writing instrument deteriorates. Moreover, when the wear of the pen tip advances, the distance between the writing instrument and the touch panel becomes shorter. In the case where the input of the writing instrument is received by an electromagnetic induction type or capacitive type touch panel, the detection accuracy of the input position is reduced when the distance between the writing instrument and the touch panel is shortened in this way. This makes it difficult to input details.

  Patent Document 1 below describes a configuration that predicts the life of a writing instrument based on the writing distance of the writing instrument. In this configuration, since it is displayed that the writing instrument is almost at the end of its life, the user can know when to replace the writing instrument.

JP-A-8-137724

  However, in the method of Patent Document 1, since the life of the writing instrument is determined based on the writing distance to the apparatus, when the user uses the writing instrument (core) properly depending on the purpose and application, The life of the writing instrument (core) could not be determined.

  In view of such a problem, the present invention is capable of appropriately determining the life of each writing instrument (core) and notifying the user of it even when a plurality of writing instruments (cores) are used properly according to the purpose and application. It is an object to provide a terminal device and a program.

  A first aspect of the present invention relates to an information terminal device. The information terminal device according to the present aspect includes a display unit that displays an image, an input reception unit that receives an input from the writing tool with respect to the display unit, and a control unit. The control unit acquires identification information for identifying a core of the writing instrument used for writing to the input receiving unit, acquires a writing distance by the core for each of the identification information, and the identification information based on the writing distance The life of the core is determined every time, and notification based on the determination result of the life is performed.

  According to the information terminal device according to this aspect, the writing distance is managed for each lead of the writing tool, and the life is determined. Therefore, even when a plurality of leads are used depending on the purpose and application, It is possible to appropriately determine the lifetime and notify the user.

  A second aspect of the present invention is used for writing to the input receiving unit in a control unit of an information terminal device including a display unit that displays an image, and an input receiving unit that receives an input by a writing instrument for the display unit. Obtaining identification information for identifying the lead of the writing instrument, obtaining a writing distance by the lead for each of the identification information, determining a life of the lead for each of the identification information based on the writing distance, and determining the life This is a program for giving a function to perform notification based on the result.

  By mounting the program according to this aspect on the information terminal device, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even when a plurality of writing instruments can be properly used according to the purpose and application, an information terminal device capable of appropriately determining the life of the pen tip of each writing instrument and notifying the user A program can be provided.

  The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example when the present invention is implemented, and the present invention is not limited to what is described in the following embodiment.

FIG. 1A is a front view of an information terminal device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a cross section of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the stylus pen (writing instrument) according to the first embodiment before the lead is attached. FIG. 2B is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the stylus pen (writing instrument) after the lead is attached according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the stylus pen (writing instrument) according to the first embodiment. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the user according to the first embodiment starts a handwriting application and performs handwriting input on the touch panel with a stylus pen. FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating processing for registering a pen ID and specifying a target pen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the management table according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the life determination process according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing display forms when the pen core according to the first embodiment has reached the end of its life. FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a management table according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 8B is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the stylus pen according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information terminal device according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing for registering a pen tip and specifying a target pen tip according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a screen that prompts the user to image the pen tip according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a management table according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12A is a flowchart illustrating processing for registering a pen tip and specifying a target pen tip according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a management table according to the third embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a tablet terminal which is a kind of information terminal device. The information terminal device of this embodiment is assumed to be used for education. The present invention is not limited to a tablet terminal, and may be applied to other types of information terminal devices such as a mobile phone, a portable game machine, and a notebook computer.

<Embodiment 1>
In the first embodiment, it is premised that a plurality of types of stylus pens are prepared for each color, and a corresponding color core is attached to each stylus pen. Furthermore, a stylus pen may be prepared for each core hardness (2B, B, HB, etc.).

  FIG. 1A is a front view of the information terminal device 1, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a cross section of the information terminal device 1. 1A and 1B show XYZ axes orthogonal to each other for convenience. The X-axis direction is a direction in which a short side of an input receiving surface 31a described later extends, the Y-axis direction is a direction in which a long side of the input receiving surface 31a extends, and the Z-axis direction is perpendicular to the input receiving surface 31a. Direction.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the information terminal device 1 includes a housing 10, a plurality of stylus pens 20, a touch panel 30, and a camera unit 40. The housing 10 is provided with a plurality of housing portions 11 for housing the stylus pens 20. The stylus pen 20 includes a round bar-shaped body 21 held by a hand and a core 22 that can be attached to and detached from the body 21. The core 22 of each stylus pen 20 has different colors such as black, red, and blue. The color of the core 22 corresponds to the color of the line to be written. Along with the core 22, the body 21 may also be given a line color.

  In FIG. 1 (a), three accommodating portions 11 and three stylus pens 20 are shown. However, the number of accommodating portions 11 and the number of stylus pens 20 are not limited to three. There may be two, or four or more.

  The touch panel 30 has a configuration in which a cover 31, a liquid crystal display unit 32, and a touch pad 33 are stacked in the Z-axis direction.

  The cover 31 is transparent and covers the housing 10. The front side surface (the surface on the Z-axis positive side) of the cover 31 is a flat surface. Input to the liquid crystal display unit 32, that is, the touch pad 33 is performed via the input receiving surface 31 a of the cover 31. The input receiving surface 31 a is a rectangular surface located at the center portion of the front side surface of the cover 31, and corresponds to an area on the touch pad 33 that can receive input. The input receiving surface 31a is configured to have different vertical and horizontal lengths.

  The liquid crystal display unit 32 includes a liquid crystal panel and an LED backlight that illuminates the liquid crystal panel, and displays various images. The information terminal device 1 may use a display unit other than the liquid crystal display unit 32, for example, an organic EL type display unit.

  The touch pad 33 is transparent, is disposed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display unit 32, and receives input (hereinafter referred to as “touch input”) to the liquid crystal display unit 32 by the stylus pen 20 via the input reception surface 31a. The touch pad 33 is an electromagnetic induction type digitizer. On the touch pad 33, coils are arranged at coordinate positions of the X axis and the Y axis. The input coordinates of the stylus pen 20 are detected by detecting current excited by electromagnetic induction with the coil on the stylus pen 20 side by these coils. Since the configuration of the digitizer and the detection principle are already known, a detailed description is omitted here.

  The camera unit 40 is disposed at a peripheral position of the touch panel 30 in the housing 10 and photographs a subject in front of the touch panel 30.

  FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the configuration of the stylus pen 20.

  As described above, the stylus pen 20 includes the body 21 and the core 22. The core 22 has a cylindrical shape with a predetermined length, and the tip is rounded into a hemisphere. A cylindrical hole 21 a into which the core 22 can be inserted is formed at the tip of the body 21. The depth of the hole 21 a is shallower than the length of the core 22. By inserting the core 22 into the hole 21 a, the core 22 is attached to the body 21 with the tip protruding from the body 21. Thereby, the stylus pen 20 can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, a plurality of the cores 22 of each color are set. When the tip of the lead 22 attached to the body 21 is worn by writing, the lead 22 is pulled out from the hole 21a and replaced with a new lead 22.

  FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information terminal device 1.

  The information terminal device 1 includes a control unit 50 and a storage unit 60 in addition to the liquid crystal display unit 32, the touch pad 33, the stylus pen 20, and the camera unit 40 shown in FIGS. The control part 50 and the memory | storage part 60 are accommodated in the housing | casing 10 shown to Fig.1 (a).

  The control unit 50 includes a CPU, a timer, and the like. The control unit 50 receives signals from each unit of the information terminal device 1, and controls each unit of the information terminal device 1 according to a program stored in the storage unit 60.

  The storage unit 60 includes a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, and the like. The storage unit 60 stores a life determination program 61 and a management table 62. As will be described later, the life determination program 61 executes a life determination process for the lead 22 while referring to the management table 62. The management table 62 holds the writing distance of the lead 22 for each stylus pen 20. The storage unit 60 stores programs for various applications such as a handwriting application in addition to the life determination program 61 and the management table 62.

  FIG. 3B is a block diagram showing the configuration of the stylus pen 20.

  The stylus pen 20 includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a writing pressure detection unit 203, a coil unit 204, and a power supply unit 205.

  The control unit 201 controls each unit according to a program stored in the storage unit 202. The storage unit 202 stores writing tool information (pen ID) for identifying the stylus pen 20 together with a program executed by the control unit 201. The writing pressure detection unit 203 detects the writing pressure applied to the core 22 during writing. For example, the writing pressure detection unit 203 includes a pressure sensor such as a piezoelectric element installed at the bottom of the hole 21a in FIG.

  As described above, the coil unit 204 includes a coil for exciting a current by electromagnetic induction with respect to the coil arranged at each coordinate position on the touch pad 33 of the information terminal device 1. The power supply unit 205 includes power storage means such as a capacitor, and accumulates electric power excited in the coil of the coil unit 204 by the coil on the touch pad 33 side during the writing operation. The power supply unit 205 supplies the accumulated power to the control unit 201, the storage unit 202, and the writing pressure detection unit 203.

  The coil unit 204 also functions as a communication unit for transmitting / receiving data to / from the information terminal device 1. That is, signal transmission / reception is performed between the coil of the coil unit 204 and the coil of the touch pad 33 by electromagnetic induction. Signal transmission / reception is performed, for example, by superimposing a signal waveform on a current excited from one coil to the other during a writing operation by the stylus pen 20.

  When the writing operation is started, the control unit 201 transmits the identification information (pen ID) stored in the storage unit 202 to the information terminal device 1 via the coil unit 204 at a constant cycle. The transmitted identification information (pen ID) is acquired by the control unit 50 on the information terminal device 1 side via the coil of the touch pad 33. In addition, during the writing operation, the control unit 201 samples a detection signal (writing pressure information) input from the writing pressure detection unit 203 at any time during a predetermined sampling period, and the sampling value is transmitted through the coil unit 204 at any time. To the information terminal device 1. The transmitted sampling value (writing pressure information) is acquired by the control unit 50 on the information terminal device 1 side via the coil of the touch pad 33.

  4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the user starts a handwriting application and performs handwriting input on the touch panel 30 with the stylus pen 20. 4A shows a state when writing is performed with the black core 22, and FIG. 4B shows a state when writing is performed with the red core 22. FIG. .

  When the handwriting application is activated, the handwriting input screen S is displayed on the touch panel 30 (liquid crystal display unit 32). The handwriting input screen S includes a handwriting input area S1. The user performs handwriting input with the stylus pen 20 in the handwriting input area S <b> 1 on the surface of the cover 31.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the user holds the stylus pen 20 in the right hand and brings the stylus pen 20 close to the touch panel 30, the coordinate position of the stylus pen 20 is detected. Thereafter, when the user moves the lead 22 of the stylus pen 20 into a character or picture shape while touching the handwriting input area S1, a line is displayed along the locus of the tip of the lead 22.

  Here, the color of the line displayed along the locus of the core 22 is adjusted to the color of the core 22. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), when writing is performed with a black core 22, a line is displayed in black, and as shown in FIG. 4 (b), writing is performed with a red core 22. A line is displayed in red when is done. The color of the lead 22 used for writing is identified by the pen ID received from the stylus pen 20. That is, the black lead 22 is attached to the black stylus pen 20, and the red lead 22 is attached to the red stylus pen 20. The same applies to the cores 22 of other colors. For example, the stylus pen 20 is marked so as to visually recognize which color core 22 should be attached. The same color as the color of the core 22 to be attached may be attached to all or part of the stylus pen 20.

  The storage unit 60 of the information terminal device 1 stores a table in which pen IDs and colors are associated with each other. When writing with the stylus pen 20 is performed, the control unit 50 displays a line along the writing locus with a color associated with the pen ID received from the stylus pen 20. Further, the control unit 50 controls the thickness of the line to be displayed according to the writing pressure information received from the stylus pen 20.

  By the way, the core 22 attached to the stylus pen 20 is worn by friction with the cover 31 during writing. Here, slipping of the surface of the cover 31 can be suppressed to improve writing feeling. However, this increases the amount of wear of the core 22 during writing.

  Thus, as the wear of the lead 22 progresses, the lead 22 becomes difficult to slip on the surface of the cover 31, so that the writing comfort of the stylus pen 20 deteriorates. Further, when the wear of the lead 22 proceeds, the distance between the stylus pen 20 and the touch panel 30 becomes shorter than the distance assumed at the time of design. As described above, when the distance between the stylus pen 20 and the touch panel 30 is shortened, the detection accuracy of the input position is lowered. This makes it difficult to input details.

  For this reason, when the wear amount of the lead 22 reaches a predetermined amount, it is preferable to notify the user that the lead 22 has been replaced, assuming that the lead 22 has reached the end of its life. For example, when the writing distance using the lead 22 reaches a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the lead 22 has reached the end of its life.

  Here, when the user uses a plurality of stylus pens 20 depending on the purpose and application, it is necessary to determine the life of the core 22 in each stylus pen 20. For example, as described above, when the user uses different stylus pens 20 of different colors, it is necessary to determine the life of the core 22 for each stylus pen 20.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the writing distance is managed for each stylus pen 20 to determine whether or not the core 22 attached to each stylus pen 20 has reached the end of its life.

  FIG. 5A is a flowchart showing a process for registering a pen ID and specifying a pen to be used. The processing flow of FIG. 5A is repeatedly executed while writing is performed on the input receiving surface 31a.

  When the writing operation starts, the control unit 50 determines whether pen information including a pen ID is received from the stylus pen 20 (S101). When the pen information is received (S101: YES), the control unit 50 acquires a pen ID from the received pen information (S102), and determines whether the acquired pen ID is registered in the management table 62 (S103). .

  FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the configuration of the management table 62.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the management table 62 holds the total writing distance using the stylus pen 20 of each pen ID in association with the pen ID.

  In step S103 in FIG. 5A, it is determined whether or not the management table 62 already includes a pen ID. If the acquired pen ID is already registered in the management table 62 (S103: YES), the control unit 50 determines that the stylus pen 20 with the acquired pen ID is currently in use (S105). In this case, with the writing operation, the total writing distance associated with the pen ID on the management table 62 is updated.

  When the acquired pen ID is not registered in the management table 62 (S103: NO), the control unit 50 newly registers the acquired pen ID in the management table 62 (S104). At this time, the total writing distance associated with the pen ID on the management table 62 is set to zero. Then, the control unit 50 determines that the stylus pen 20 of the acquired pen ID is currently in use (S105), and the total writing distance associated with the pen ID on the management table 62 in accordance with the writing operation. Update.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the life determination process. The processing flow in FIG. 6 is repeatedly executed while writing is performed on the input receiving surface 31a.

  When the writing operation is started, the control unit 50 starts a predetermined time (for example, about 0.1 second) from the timing at which the routine of FIG. 6 was executed last time, that is, the determination at step S201 in the previous routine becomes YES. ) Has passed. When a certain time has elapsed since the previous routine (S201: YES), the control unit 50 obtains the distance ΔD0 written with the stylus pen 20 during this certain time (S202). Here, the control unit 50 stores the trajectory (coordinate data group) written during the predetermined time in the storage unit 60 as needed, and acquires the distance ΔD0 based on the trajectory (coordinate data group). When the information terminal device 1 is activated, the distance written until a predetermined time has elapsed from the first touch input is acquired as the distance ΔD0.

  Next, the control unit 50 adds the acquired distance ΔD0 to the total writing distance D0 accumulated from the start of use of the stylus pen 20 (core 22) to update the total writing distance D0 (S203). Here, of the total writing distances in the management table 62 in FIG. 5B, the total writing distance D0 corresponding to the pen ID specified in step S105 in FIG. 5A is updated. Then, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the updated total writing distance D0 exceeds the threshold value Dth (S204). Here, the threshold value Dth is set to the total writing distance until the lead 22 reaches the end of its life.

  When the updated total writing distance D0 does not exceed the threshold value Dth (S204: NO), the control unit 50 ends the current process, returns the process to step S201, and executes the next process. When the updated total writing distance D0 exceeds the threshold value Dth (S204: YES), the control unit 50 notifies that the lead 22 is to be replaced, assuming that the lead 22 has reached the end of its life (S205).

  FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a display form when the core 22 reaches the end of its life.

  In step S205 of FIG. 6, the screen shown in FIG. The screen includes a text area 301 in which a sentence for prompting replacement of the core 22 is described, and two keys 302 and 303. The key 302 is a key that is operated when the lead 22 is replaced, and the key 303 is a key that is operated when the replacement of the lead 22 is skipped.

  When exchanging the lead 22, the user touches the key 302. As a result, a sentence and an image explaining a method for replacing the lead 22 and a completion key operated when the replacement of the lead 22 is completed are displayed. The user refers to the displayed replacement method and replaces the core 22 with respect to the stylus pen 20. Thereafter, the user touches the completion button. As a result, the screen returns to the screen before the interruption. Further, in response to the touch of the completion button, the total writing distance D0 of the pen ID corresponding to the stylus pen 20 whose replacement of the lead 22 is urged is reset to 0 in the management table 62 of FIG.

  When not replacing the lead 22, the user touches the key 303. As a result, the screen returns to the screen before the interruption. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7B, the key 304 on which the character for exchanging the core is displayed is displayed at a position where the operation is not hindered on the screen after the return. The user can grasp with the key 304 that the core 22 needs to be replaced. When the user touches the key 304, the same screen as when the key 302 in FIG. 7A is touched is displayed. Thereby, the user can exchange the core 22 smoothly.

  In the example of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the notification in step S205 of FIG. 6 is performed by the display on the liquid crystal display unit 32. However, with this display or instead of this display, voice or The notification in step S205 may be performed by another notification method such as lighting of a lamp.

  In the example of FIG. 6, in steps S201 and S202, the distance ΔD0 written during that time is acquired and added to the total writing distance D0, but every time a predetermined distance is written. The distance may be added to the total writing distance D0 sequentially. Alternatively, the distance written between the touch input on the input receiving surface 31a and the touch release may be acquired as the distance ΔD0 and added to the total writing distance D0.

<Effect of Embodiment 1>
As mentioned above, according to Embodiment 1, the following effects are produced.

  Since the total writing distance D0 is managed for each stylus pen 20 and the life of the core 22 attached to each stylus pen 20 is determined, a plurality of stylus pens 20 may be used properly depending on the purpose and application. The life of the core 22 of the stylus pen 20 can be appropriately determined and notified to the user.

  Moreover, since the control part 50 manages the total writing distance D0 of the lead | read | reed 22 with which each stylus pen 20 was mounted | worn for every pen ID received from the stylus pen 20, the total written distance D0 used for the lifetime determination of each wick 22 is carried out. Can be updated and managed smoothly by a simple process.

  When it is determined that the core 22 has reached the end of its life, the control unit 50 causes the liquid crystal display unit 32 to display the screen shown in FIG. Thereby, the user can grasp | ascertain that the core 22 is a lifetime and can advance replacement | exchange of the core 22 appropriately. Also, when the user touches the key 303 on the screen of FIG. 7A, the key 304 is displayed on the screen after the return as shown in FIG. 7B. Thereby, the user can touch the key 304 at any time after the skip operation to proceed with the replacement of the lead 22.

<Modification 1>
In the first embodiment, the common threshold value Dth is set for the plurality of stylus pens 20, but as shown in FIG. 8A, even if different threshold values Dthx, Dthy, and Dthz are set for each pen ID. Good. For example, when the stylus pen 20 has a different texture and slip of the lead 22, and thus the wearability of the lead 22 is different, as shown in FIG. 8A, as shown in FIG. It is preferable to set the threshold value Dth for each. Thereby, the lifetime of the core 22 in each stylus pen 20 can be determined more appropriately.

<Modification 2>
In the first embodiment, pen information such as pen ID and writing pressure is transmitted to the information terminal device 1 by the coil unit 204 of the stylus pen 20, but as shown in FIG. In addition, a wireless communication unit 206 using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like may be provided separately to transmit pen information to the information terminal device 1. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, a wireless communication unit 70 for communicating with the wireless communication unit 206 is provided in the information terminal device 1.

  In the first embodiment, the power source 205 is charged with the power excited by the coil unit 204. However, as shown in FIG. 8B, the storage battery 205a can be attached to and detached from the power unit 205. It may be.

  In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 8B, the stylus pen 20 can be multi-functionalized by arranging operation buttons for executing various functions on the stylus pen 20. For example, the stylus pen 20 can be provided with an eraser function for using the core 22 as an eraser, a function for detecting attachment / detachment of the core 22, and the like. Information indicating that the eraser function is set and information indicating that the attachment / detachment of the core 22 is detected are transmitted from the wireless communication unit 206 to the information terminal device 1 as needed.

  Note that the communicable distance is longer in the configuration of FIG. 8B than in the first embodiment. For this reason, various information can be appropriately transmitted from the stylus pen 20 to the information terminal device 1 in scenes other than the writing operation.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of types of stylus pens 20 are prepared in advance for each color, and a corresponding color core 22 is attached to each stylus pen 20. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the core 22 having a different color (black, red, etc.) and hardness (2B, B, HB, etc.) of the core 22 can be exchanged for one stylus pen 20. Is assumed.

  It should be noted that the cores 22 of each hardness are different from each other in the slipping feeling and material of the core 22 so that the writing comfort of the corresponding hardness is obtained. Each hardness core 22 is configured to be able to acquire different feature amounts by image processing. For example, the cores 22 of each hardness are configured such that the texture, shape, and the like are different from each other.

  In the second embodiment, the stylus pen 20 and the information terminal device 1 have the configurations shown in FIGS. 8B and 9, for example. As long as information necessary for processing can be transmitted from the stylus pen 20 to the information terminal device 1, the stylus pen 20 and the information terminal device 1 may have the configurations shown in FIGS. 3B and 3A, respectively.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing for registering a pen tip and specifying a target pen tip according to the second embodiment.

  The control unit 50 determines whether or not the lead 22 (pen nib) has been changed in the stylus pen 20 in use (S111). For example, the control unit 50 performs the determination in step S111 depending on whether information indicating that the lead 22 (pen tip) has been changed is received from the stylus pen 20 being used. Here, the stylus pen 20 detects a change in the lead 22 (pen nib) by the following processing, for example.

  In the configuration of FIG. 8A, the control unit 201 of the stylus pen 20 detects a change in the lead 22 based on, for example, a writing pressure signal from the writing pressure detection unit 203. In general, when the core 22 is attached to the hole 21a of the stylus pen 20, the core 22 is temporarily fixed to the hole 21a in a state where the core 22 is lightly pressed against the writing pressure detection unit 203 arranged at the bottom of the hole 21a. In this case, an inherent change occurs in the output of the writing pressure detection unit 203 when the core 22 is extracted from the hole 21a and when the core 22 is mounted in the hole 21a. The control unit 201 detects this change and detects that the lead 22 has been changed. When the replacement of the lead 22 is detected in this way, the control unit 201 of the stylus pen 20 transmits information indicating this to the information terminal device 1 through the wireless communication unit 206 together with the pen ID.

  When this information is received, the control unit 50 of the information terminal device 1 determines that the lead 22 (pen nib) has been changed. However, the method of detecting the change of the lead 22 (pen nib) is not limited to this. For example, when the period in which continuous writing is interrupted is a predetermined time, the determination in step S111 may be set to YES because the core 22 may be changed. In addition, while writing is interrupted, the control unit 50 continuously receives writing pressure information from the stylus pen 20 to monitor changes in writing pressure. It may be determined that 22 (pen nib) has been changed.

  In addition, after the information terminal device 1 is activated, the determination in step S111 is YES until writing is performed.

  When the determination in step S111 is YES, the control unit 50 notifies the user to hold the tip of the stylus pen 20 over the camera unit 40 (S112). Here, the control unit 50 causes the liquid crystal display unit 32 to display a screen that prompts the user to image the pen tip. Instead of displaying the screen, or together with the display of the screen, the user may be prompted to image the pen tip by voice or the like.

  FIG. 11A shows the screen displayed in step S112 of FIG. This screen includes a text area 311 for displaying characters that prompt the user to image the pen tip, and an OK key 312. With reference to this screen, the user touches the OK key 312 and holds the pen tip of the stylus pen 20 over the camera unit 40.

  Returning to FIG. 10, when it is detected that the OK key 312 is touched (S113: YES), the control unit 50 activates the camera unit 40 and performs imaging (S114). Then, the control unit 50 analyzes the captured image and determines whether or not a pen tip image (hereinafter referred to as “pen tip image”) has been acquired (S115). When the pen tip image cannot be acquired (S115: NO), the control unit 50 executes error processing (S116). In the error processing, for example, the control unit 50 displays a screen including text indicating that the pen tip image could not be acquired on the screen of FIG. 11A, and returns the processing to step S113.

  When the pen tip image can be acquired (S115: YES), the control unit 50 analyzes the acquired pen tip image and extracts the feature amount of the pen tip (S117). For example, the control unit 50 extracts the color, shape (width, length, area, etc.), texture, and the like of the core 22 included in the nib image as feature amounts. Then, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the acquired feature amount is already registered in the management table 62 (S118).

  FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the management table 62.

  The management table 62 has a configuration in which the total writing distance D0 is associated with each feature amount of the pen tip. The pen tip number is automatically assigned as a serial number when a new pen tip feature value is registered in the management table 62. In FIG. 11B, C1 and C2 are feature quantities indicating the color of the lead 22 (pen nib), and F1 and F2 are feature quantities indicating the shape of the lead 22 (pen nib). In the management table 62, the total writing distance is managed and updated for each pen tip number, that is, for each pen tip feature amount. Note that the pen tip image itself may be registered as the feature amount.

  Returning to FIG. 10, when the feature quantity matching the feature quantity extracted in step S117 is already registered in the management table 62 (S118: YES), the control unit 50 corresponds to the feature quantity in the management table 62. The pen tip (pen tip number) is specified as the pen tip used for writing (S120). On the other hand, when the feature quantity identical to the feature quantity extracted in step S117 is not registered in the management table 62 (S118: NO), the control unit 50 registers the feature quantity in the management table 62 (S119), and The pen tip (pen tip number) corresponding to the feature amount is specified as the pen tip used for writing (S120).

  Thereafter, the control unit 50 performs the process of FIG. 6 on the pen tip (pen tip number) identified in step S120. Thereby, the total writing distance D0 corresponding to the pen point (pen point number) specified in step S120 is updated in the management table 62 along with the writing. Then, when the updated total writing distance D0 exceeds the threshold value Dth, it is determined that the pen tip (core 22) specified in step S120 has reached the end of its life, and the notification screen for core replacement shown in FIG. 7A is displayed. .

  Note that the color and shape of the nib (core 22) may change with use. At least the shape of the nib (core 22), that is, the length and area change with use. Therefore, it is preferable that the pen tip feature amount registered in the management table 62 is updated at a predetermined timing. For example, the pen tip feature amount in FIG. 11B may be updated at a timing when the total writing distance has increased by a certain distance from the previous registration or at a timing when a certain time has elapsed. In this case, when the processing of FIG. 10 is performed at these timings, the pen point feature amount in the management table 62 may be updated using the feature amount extracted in step S117 as a new feature amount.

<Effect of Embodiment 2>
According to the second embodiment, the total writing distance D0 is managed for each nib (core 22), and the life of the nib (core 22) is determined. Therefore, the nib (core 22) according to the purpose and application. ) Can be used properly, the life of each nib (core 22) can be appropriately determined and notified to the user.

  Moreover, whenever it determines with the change of the pen tip (core 22) having been made, the control part 50 images a pen tip, extracts a feature-value, and specifies the pen tip used. For this reason, even when the user changes to a nib with a different color or changes to a nib with a different hardness during writing, the total writing distance is appropriately updated for each nib. Therefore, the lifetime of each nib (core 22) can be determined appropriately.

  In addition, when acquiring an image of the pen tip, the control unit 50 performs notification that prompts the user to hold the pen tip of the stylus pen 20 over the camera unit 40. As a result, the user holds the pen tip over the camera unit 40 and can reliably acquire the pen tip image in the information terminal device 1.

<Embodiment 3>
In the first and second embodiments, the touch pad 33 is an electromagnetic induction touch pad, but in the third embodiment, the touch pad 33 is a capacitive touch pad. In Embodiment 3, the pen tip used for writing is specified by the capacitance value detected at the time of writing. In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of types of pen tips can be attached to one stylus pen 20. Each nib is configured such that the capacitances detected by the touch pad 33 during writing differ from each other.

  FIG. 12A is a flowchart illustrating processing for registering a pen tip and specifying a target pen tip according to the third embodiment.

  When writing is started on the input reception surface 31a (S131: YES), the control unit 50 acquires the capacitance value during the writing from the touch pad 33 (S132). The capacitance value acquired here may be, for example, an average value of capacitance values during the writing, or may be a capacitance value immediately after touch input. Then, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the acquired capacitance value is already registered in the management table 62 (S133).

  FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the management table 62 according to the third embodiment.

  The management table 62 has a configuration in which the total writing distance D0 is associated with each capacitance value. The pen tip number is automatically assigned as a serial number when a new pen tip feature value is registered in the management table 62.

  Returning to FIG. 12A, when a capacitance value that is substantially the same as the capacitance value acquired in step S <b> 133 has already been registered in the management table 62 (S <b> 133: YES), the control unit 50 causes the management table 62. The pen tip (pen tip number) corresponding to the capacitance value in the inside is specified as the pen tip used for writing (S135). On the other hand, when the feature amount substantially the same as the feature amount acquired in step S132 is not registered in the management table 62 (S133: NO), the control unit 50 registers the capacitance value in the management table 62 (S134). ), The pen tip (pen tip number) corresponding to the capacitance value is specified as the pen tip used for writing (S135).

  Thereafter, the control unit 50 performs the process of FIG. 6 on the pen tip (pen tip number) identified in step S120. Thereby, the total writing distance D0 corresponding to the pen point (pen point number) specified in step S120 is updated in the management table 62 along with the writing. Then, when the updated total writing distance D0 exceeds the threshold value Dth, it is determined that the pen tip (core 22) specified in step S120 has reached the end of its life, and the notification screen for core replacement shown in FIG. 7A is displayed. .

  Note that the capacitance value of the nib (core 22) can change with use. As the nib (core 22) becomes shorter due to wear, the capacitance value changes. Therefore, the capacitance value registered in the management table 62 is preferably updated at a predetermined timing. For example, the capacitance value in FIG. 12B may be updated at a timing when the total writing distance has increased by a certain distance since the previous registration or at a timing when a certain time has elapsed. In this case, when the processing of FIG. 12A is performed at these timings, the capacitance value acquired in step S132 is set as a new capacitance value, and the capacitance value of the management table 62 is set. Update it.

<Effect of Embodiment 3>
According to the third embodiment, the total writing distance D0 is managed for each nib (core 22), and the life of the nib (core 22) is determined, so that the nib (core 22) depends on the purpose and application. ) Can be used properly, the life of each nib (core 22) can be appropriately determined and notified to the user.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, it is not necessary to prompt the user to image the pen tip as in the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the pen tip is identified and specified during a normal writing operation. Therefore, the convenience of the information terminal device 1 can be improved.

<Other changes>
In the second and third embodiments, the feature amount extracted from the pen tip image or the capacitance value derived from the pen tip is used as the information for specifying the pen tip. Information is not limited to this. For example, if the stylus pen 20 is configured to transmit information that can specify the pen tip, such as the pen tip ID, this information is used to specify the pen tip in the management table 62 of the information terminal device 1. You may manage as.

  In Embodiments 1, 2, 3 and Modifications 1 and 2, the core 22 can be replaced or changed with respect to the stylus pen 20, but the core 22 of the stylus pen 20 is not necessarily replaced or changed. Also good. In this case, in step S205, a notification that prompts replacement of the entire stylus pen 20 is made.

  In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can be variously modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

1 Information terminal device 20 Stylus pen (writing instrument)
21 body 22 core 32 liquid crystal display (display)
33 Touchpad (input reception part)
50 Control Unit 60 Storage Unit 61 Life Judgment Program 62 Management Table

Claims (9)

A display for displaying an image;
An input receiving unit for receiving input by a writing instrument for the display unit;
A control unit,
The controller is
Obtaining identification information for identifying the core of the writing instrument used for writing to the input receiving unit;
Get the writing distance by the core for each identification information,
Determining the life of the core for each of the identification information based on the writing distance;
Informing based on the determination result of the life,
An information terminal device. The information terminal device according to claim 1,
A communication unit that communicates with the writing instrument;
The control unit receives writing tool information for identifying the writing tool from the writing tool via the communication unit, and acquires the received writing tool information as the identification information.
An information terminal device. The information terminal device according to claim 1,
A camera unit capable of imaging the tip of the writing instrument;
The control unit acquires, as the identification information, feature information based on an image of the tip of the writing instrument imaged by the camera unit.
An information terminal device. In the information terminal device according to claim 3,
The control unit determines whether or not the lead has been changed in the writing instrument, and if it is determined that the lead has been changed, obtains the feature information by capturing an image of the tip of the writing instrument by the camera unit. To
An information terminal device. The information terminal device according to claim 4,
A communication unit that communicates with the writing instrument;
The control unit performs the determination based on whether or not information indicating that the lead has been changed from the writing instrument is received via the communication unit.
An information terminal device. In the information terminal device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The control unit, when acquiring an image of the tip of the writing instrument via the camera unit, performs a notification that prompts the user to hold the tip of the writing instrument over the camera unit.
An information terminal device. In the information terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The writing instrument has a replaceable core,
The control unit performs notification regarding the necessity of replacement of the core as notification based on the determination result of the life,
An information terminal device. In the information terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A plurality of types of writing instruments;
A storage section for storing these writing instruments;
An information terminal device. In a control unit of an information terminal device comprising: a display unit that displays an image; and an input receiving unit that receives an input by a writing instrument for the display unit;
Obtaining identification information for identifying the core of the writing instrument used for writing to the input receiving unit;
Get the writing distance by the core for each identification information,
Determining the life of the core for each of the identification information based on the writing distance;
Informing based on the determination result of the life,
A program that adds functionality.

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