JP2014115831A - Coded pattern reader device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coded pattern reader device and a program which enable transmission of appropriately read coded pattern information even in different communication environments.SOLUTION: An electronic pen 1 has a first communication device 111a which allows Bluetooth communication, a second communication device 111b which allows WiFi communication, and a third communication device 111c which allows portable communication. A processor 108 of the electronic pen 1 refers to communication method determination information and determines a communication method to be used for transmitting written information based on coordinate position shown by a dot pattern read by the electronic pen 1.

Description

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

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

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

  Further, Patent Document 5 discloses an electronic pen that reads an encoded pattern and transmits generated entry information to a receiver if the communication range is within a wireless communication system, and stores the entry information in a buffer when out of the communication range. Have been described.

Japanese Patent No. 3842283 Special table 2003-529853 gazette JP 2006-260345 A JP 2008-306721 A Special table 2003-50077 gazette

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

  A coding pattern reading device according to the present invention is a coding pattern reading device that performs communication by selecting a communication method within a communication range from a plurality of types of communication methods, and is provided for each medium on which the coding pattern is printed. Storage means for associating and storing the coordinate range of the coded pattern and the communication method to be used when the coded pattern indicating the coordinate position belonging to the coordinate range is read, and the coordinate position indicated by the read coded pattern Communication control means for transmitting the information of the read coding pattern to the receiver by a communication method associated with the coordinate range to which.

  The coded pattern reading apparatus performs coding by reading a coded pattern and selecting a communication method within a communication range from a plurality of types of communication methods. In addition, the coded pattern reading device is a communication to be used when a coordinate pattern of the coded pattern for each medium on which the coded pattern is printed and a coded pattern indicating a coordinate position belonging to the coordinate range are read. It is stored in association with the method. Then, the coded pattern reading device transmits the read coded pattern information to the receiver by a communication method associated with the coordinate range to which the coordinate position indicated by the read coded pattern belongs. According to this aspect, the coded pattern reading apparatus can suitably transmit the entry information by selecting an appropriate communication method for each medium on which the coded pattern is to be read.

  In one aspect of the coding pattern reading apparatus, the storage unit stores a communication method having the narrowest communicable range among communication methods assumed to be within a communication range as a communication method associated with each coordinate range. To do. According to this aspect, the coded pattern reading apparatus can suitably use a communication method in which a wireless communication distance is shortened, and can improve safety.

  In another aspect of the coded pattern reading apparatus, the communication control means has a narrow communication range when there are a plurality of communication methods associated with the coordinate range to which the coordinate position indicated by the read coded pattern belongs. A communication method is preferentially selected, and the coding pattern information is transmitted by the selected communication method. According to this aspect, the coded pattern reading device can use a communication method with a short communication distance as long as possible even when there are a plurality of communication methods associated with the coordinate range of the coded pattern. Safety can be increased.

  In another aspect of the coding pattern reading apparatus, the communication control means, when wired communication is possible, the code by wired communication regardless of the coordinate range to which the coordinate position indicated by the read coding pattern belongs. Send information about the activation pattern. By doing in this way, the reading apparatus of a coding pattern can transmit the information of a coding pattern reliably.

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

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

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

  An electronic pen system according to the present invention can communicate with the electronic pen described above, the electronic pen by a first communication method, a computer device disposed in front of the classroom, a coding pattern printed thereon, and a classroom An entry form for filling in with the electronic pen on the student desk inside, a coding pattern attached to the surface, provided in front of the classroom, a screen for filling in with the electronic pen, and transmitted from the computer device A projector that emits light based on an image signal to the surface of the screen, and a communication device that interconnects the electronic pen and the computer device by a second communication method having a wider communication range than the first communication method; An electronic pen system comprising: the storage means includes a second area within a coordinate range of a coded pattern printed on the entry sheet. Stored in association with signal system, the coordinate range of the printed coded pattern on the screen is stored in association with the first communication method. In this aspect, when the instructor or the like fills in the screen provided in front of the classroom, the reading device of the coded pattern which is an electronic pen uses the first communication method to the computer device provided in front of the classroom. When the entry information is transmitted and the student fills in the entry form on the student desk in the classroom, the entry information is transmitted by the second communication method via the communication device. As described above, the coded pattern reading apparatus can appropriately transmit the entry information according to the medium to be entered.

  In one aspect of the electronic pen system, the student further includes a learning material that is used for home study and printed with an encoded pattern, and a server device that receives entry information from the electronic pen via a network, The electronic pen is capable of communication by a third communication method having a wider communication range than the second communication method, and the communication control means reads the coded pattern printed on the teaching material, The entry information is transmitted by the communication method within the communication range with the highest priority according to the priority order of the first communication method, the second communication method, and the third communication method. In this aspect, since the electronic pen system assumes various communication environments at the student's home, the communication method is not limited in advance, and the communication method that shortens the communication distance among communication methods within the communication range is preferentially used. The entry information is transmitted to the server device. In this way, the electronic pen system can preferably manage the entry information generated based on the entry to the learning material for home learning with the server device.

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

  According to the present invention, the coded pattern reading apparatus can select the appropriate communication method and transmit the entry information for each medium on which the read coded pattern is printed.

The structure of the electronic pen system in the classroom in the school is shown. The structure of the electronic pen system in a student's home is shown. The relationship between the dot pattern dot and the value to which the dot is converted is shown. (A) shows a dot pattern typically, and (b) is a figure showing an example of information corresponding to it. It is the schematic which shows the structure of an electronic pen. The data structure of communication system decision information is shown. It is a functional block diagram of a computer apparatus. It is a functional block diagram of a server apparatus. It is a flowchart of the communication control process of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of an entry information transmission process. The structure of the electronic pen system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is shown. The schematic structure of the electronic pen which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is shown. It is a flowchart of the communication control process of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of a wireless communication process.

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

<First Embodiment>
[Configuration of electronic pen system]
1 and 2 show the configuration of the electronic pen system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an electronic pen system in a classroom in a school, and FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the electronic pen system in a student's home.

  First, the electronic pen system shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The electronic pen system shown in FIG. 1 is used in a classroom, and electronic pens 1A to 1E (1) used by students and lecturers, and a dot pattern (coded pattern) are printed on almost the entire surface, and are placed on each student's desk. A computer 3A, a wireless LAN router 4A, a computer that receives the written information 2A to 2D (2) placed thereon, receives the written information from the electronic pen 1, and reproduces and displays the written contents on the written paper 2 based on the written information The projector 5 which projects the same image as the display screen of apparatus 3A on the dot screen 6, and the dot screen 6 on which the dot pattern was printed are provided. The entry form 2 is filled in with an electronic pen on each student's desk placed in the classroom. The computer device 3A is placed on a teacher's desk placed near the classroom platform. The dot screen 6 is installed on the front wall in the classroom and is close enough to communicate with the computer 3A and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The wireless LAN router 4A is installed on the ceiling above the student desk in the classroom.

  The wireless LAN router (communication device) 4A performs wireless communication (also referred to as “WiFi communication”) based on Wi-Fi (registered trademark) with the electronic pen 1 and the computer device 3A, and the electronic pen 1 and the computer device 3A. Connect to each other. Further, when the electronic pen 1 is close to the computer device 3A, the electronic pen 1 performs wireless communication (also referred to as “Bluetooth communication”) with the computer device 3A using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) system.

  Next, the electronic pen system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 2 shows, as an example, an electronic pen system for a student's home having the electronic pen 1B. The electronic pen system shown in FIG. 2 is used by an electronic pen 1B, a student 3 having the electronic pen 1B, and a computer device 3B for transferring entry information to the server device 7, a wireless LAN router 4B, and entry information from the electronic pen 1. The server apparatus 7 which receives and memorize | stores, the drill 8 for home learning by which the dot pattern was printed on the substantially whole surface of each page, and the base station 9 connected with the network 12 containing a mobile telephone communication network.

  In FIG. 2, the computer device 3 </ b> B and the wireless LAN router 4 </ b> B are connected to the server device 7 via the network 12. The electronic pen 1 </ b> B has a configuration capable of communication using a mobile phone communication system (also referred to as “mobile communication”), and is connected to the server device 7 via the base station 9 and the network 12. Then, the server device 7 receives the entry information generated and transmitted by the entry of the electronic pen 1B on the drill 8 through any of the computer device 3A, the wireless LAN router 4A, or the base station 9. The server device 7 and the computer device 3A are preferably connected via a network so that data can be transmitted and received.

  Hereinafter, each component of the electronic pen system described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described in detail. Hereinafter, when the computer devices 3A and 3B are not particularly distinguished, they are also simply referred to as “computer device 3”.

(drill)
First, the drill (book for electronic pens) 8 will be described. The drill 8 is a learning material for home learning distributed to each student. On each page of the drill 8, dot patterns having different coordinate ranges are printed. The dot pattern is printed with ink containing carbon that absorbs infrared rays so that it can be read by the electronic pen 1, and other characters and drawings are printed with ink that does not absorb infrared rays.

(projector)
The projector 5 is a projector that emits light obliquely downward from a vertically upward direction with respect to the dot screen 6, and is installed on the ceiling of the classroom in FIG. The projector 5 receives an image signal from the computer apparatus 3A, and projects light constituting the same image as the screen of the computer apparatus 3A onto a predetermined projection range. The projector 5 may be a front projector that emits light toward the front of the dot screen 6 or a rear projector that emits light toward the back of the dot screen 6.

(Dot screen)
The dot screen 6 has a dot pattern (coded pattern) printed on a white resin substrate with ink containing carbon that absorbs infrared rays so that the electronic pen 1 can read the image. It has a layer structure protected by a resin layer or the like. On the dot screen 6, light constituting the same image as the screen of the computer device 3 </ b> A is projected by the projector 5.

(Dot pattern)
First, an Anoto dot pattern (coded pattern) printed on the entry sheets 2A to 2D (2) and the dot screen 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between dots in a dot pattern and values to which the dots are converted. As shown in FIG. 3, each dot of the dot pattern is associated with a predetermined value depending on its position. That is, each dot is associated with a value of 0 to 3 depending on which direction the top, bottom, left, or right is shifted from the reference position of the virtual grid (the intersection of the vertical and horizontal lines). The value of each dot can be further converted into a first bit value for the X coordinate and a second bit value for the Y coordinate. The position coordinates on the entry sheet 2 are determined by the combination of information thus associated. A dot pattern is formed on each page of the entry sheet 2, the dot screen 6, and the drill 8 so that the coordinate areas do not overlap each other.

  FIG. 4A shows an arrangement of a certain dot pattern. As shown in FIG. 4 (a), 6 × 6 dots within a range of about 2 mm in length and width are taken from any part on each page of the entry sheet 2, dot screen 6, and drill 8. Even so, they are arranged in a unique pattern. The dot pattern formed by these 36 dots holds position coordinates (for example, on which position on the pages of the entry sheet 2, the dot screen 6, and the drill 8 the dot pattern is located). FIG. 4B is a diagram in which each dot shown in FIG. 4A is converted into a value associated with the regularity shown in FIG. 3 according to the shift direction from the reference position of the lattice. This conversion is performed by the electronic pen 1 that captures an image of a dot pattern.

(Electronic pen)
Next, the electronic pen 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the structure of the electronic pen 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic pen 1 includes an ink cartridge 104, an LED 105, a CMOS camera 106, a pressure sensor 107, a processor 108 including a CPU, a memory 109 such as a ROM and a RAM, A communication unit 111 including a real time clock 110, an antenna, and the like, and a battery 112 are provided. The tip of the ink cartridge 104 is a pen tip portion 103, and the user makes a stroke by bringing the pen tip portion 103 of the electronic pen 1 into contact with each page of the entry sheet 2, the dot screen 6, or the drill 8. Enter (handwriting stroke). Here, the first contact of the pen tip portion 103 of the electronic pen 1 with the entry sheet 2 or the like is referred to as “pen down”, and the separation of the pen tip portion 103 from the contacted (contacted) state “ Called “pen-up”. A trajectory written between the pen-down and pen-up of the electronic pen 1 is one stroke, and characters, figures, etc. are composed of one or a plurality of strokes.

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

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

  The LED 105 and the CMOS camera 106 are attached near the pen tip portion 103 of the electronic pen 1, and an opening 102 is formed in a portion of the housing 101 that faces the LED 105 and the CMOS camera 106. The LED 105 illuminates infrared light toward the vicinity of the pen tip portion 103 on each page of the entry sheet 2, the dot screen 6, or the drill 8. The area is slightly shifted from the position where the pen tip portion 103 contacts the entry sheet 2 or the like. The CMOS camera 106 is provided with an infrared transmission filter that transmits infrared rays and blocks non-infrared rays. The CMOS camera 106 captures a dot pattern in an area illuminated by the LED 105, and the image data of the dot pattern is captured. This is supplied to the processor 108. Here, since carbon absorbs infrared rays, the infrared rays irradiated by the LED 105 are absorbed by the carbon contained in the dots. Therefore, the dot portion has a small amount of infrared reflection, and the portion other than the dot has a large amount of infrared reflection. By photographing with the CMOS camera 106, a threshold value is provided based on the difference in the amount of reflected infrared light, so that a dot region containing carbon can be distinguished from other regions. Therefore, even when characters, drawings, or the like are printed on the entry sheet 2 or the like, the processor 108 can recognize the dot pattern because the printed ink does not absorb in the infrared region. Note that the shooting area by the CMOS camera 106 is a range including a size of about 2 mm × about 2 mm as shown in FIG. 4A, and the shooting by the CMOS camera 106 is performed at regular intervals of about 50 to 100 times per second. Is called. Further, the CMOS camera 106 has a sufficient depth of field in order to photograph dots clearly.

  While the user performs the entry, the processor 108 uses the dot pattern of the image data supplied by the CMOS camera 106 to print the stroke (handwriting) entry sheet 2, dot screen 6, or drill 8 on each page of the user. X and Y coordinates (hereinafter simply referred to as “coordinate data” or “coordinate information”) are continuously calculated. That is, the processor 108 converts the image data of the dot pattern as shown in FIG. 4 (a) supplied by the CMOS camera 106 into the data array shown in FIG. 4 (b). The data is converted into a Y coordinate bit value, and X and Y coordinate data are calculated from the data array by a predetermined calculation method. Note that the processor 108 has a rotation correction processing function for correcting the arrangement of dots on the image due to the angle of the electronic pen 1 facing the dot pattern, and that function is executed during coordinate calculation. Then, the processor 108 associates the current time (time stamp: entered time information) transmitted from the real-time clock 110, writing pressure data, and X and Y coordinate data. Hereinafter, these associated data are collectively referred to as “coordinate attribute information”. The 6 × 6 dot pattern on each page of the entry sheet 2, the dot screen 6, and the drill 8 does not overlap within each page of the entry sheet 2, the dot screen 6, and the drill 8. When characters or the like are entered with the electronic pen 1, it can be specified by coordinate calculation by the processor 108 which position on the entry sheet 2, the dot screen 6, or each page of the drill 8 corresponds to the entered position.

  Further, the processor 108 determines whether to perform communication by Bluetooth communication by the first communication device 111a of the communication unit 111 described later, WiFi communication by the second communication device 111b, or portable communication by the third communication device 111c. Further, the processor 108 stores the generated entry information in the memory 109 when none of Bluetooth communication, WiFi communication, and mobile communication can be used. Thus, the processor 108 functions as “communication control means” in the present invention. These specific controls of the processor 108 will be described in detail in the section [Communication Control Processing].

  The memory 109 stores property information such as a pen ID such as “pen01” for identifying the electronic pen 1, a pen manufacturer number, and a pen software version. The memory 109 stores communication addresses such as IP addresses of the computer device 3A and the server device 7. Further, the memory 109 stores entry information generated by the processor 108 when there is no communication method in which the communication unit 111 is in a communication range based on the control of the processor 108.

  Further, the memory 109 associates information (“communication method determination”) with each coordinate range indicated by the dot pattern printed on each page of the entry sheet 2, the dot screen 6, and the drill 8. It is also called “information”. As a result, the processor 108 refers to the communication method determination information when transmitting the entry information, and selects an appropriate communication method.

  FIG. 6 shows the data structure of communication method determination information. As shown in FIG. 6, the communication method determination information includes an item “medium” indicating a medium to be filled in and an item “coordinate range” indicating a coordinate area (range) of a dot pattern assigned to each medium. And an item of “communication method” indicating a communication method to be used when each medium becomes an entry target. In FIG. 6, the coordinate range is defined by corner position coordinates (Xn, Yn), height (Y direction), and width (X direction).

  In the item of “communication method” of the communication method determination information shown in FIG. 6, the communication range that is assumed to be within the communication range at the time of filling in each medium is the narrowest communication range (that is, the wireless communication distance is (Short) communication method is defined. In addition, a plurality of communication methods are defined in the item “communication method” in which the item “medium” corresponds to the drill 8. In this case, the processor 108 selects the communication method with the highest priority according to the priority in the order of Bluetooth communication, WiFi communication, and mobile communication. These specific descriptions will be described in detail in the section [Communication Control Processing]. In this way, the memory 109 functions as “storage means” in the present invention.

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

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

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

  The electronic pen 1 may include a pen portion that is not filled with ink instead of the ink cartridge 104. In this case, ink is not output from the nib portion 103.

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

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the computer apparatus 3. Functionally, the computer apparatus 3 includes an input unit 31 such as a mouse and a keyboard, a communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, a processing unit 34, and a display unit 36. The communication unit 32 includes an antenna receiving circuit and the like, receives entry information from the electronic pen 1, and transmits the received information to the processing unit 34. The display means 36 is constituted by a display or the like, and displays the contents instructed by the processing means 34.

  The processing means 34 is constituted by a processor such as a CPU and controls the entire computer device 3. The processing unit 34 stores the entry information generated and transmitted by the electronic pen 1 in the storage unit 33. Further, the processing means 34 of the computer apparatus 3A refers to coordinate definition information to be described later based on the position coordinates indicated by the received entry information, and displays the strokes that are drawn and reproduced from the entry contents on the entry sheet 2 by the electronic pen 1. The information is displayed on the means 36. On the other hand, when receiving the entry information from the electronic pen 1, the processing unit 34 of the computer device 3 </ b> B transfers the entry information to the server device 7 through the communication unit 32.

  The storage means 33 is configured by a memory such as a ROM or a RAM. The storage unit 33 stores the entry information received from the electronic pen 1 for each pen ID according to the processing instruction of the processing unit 34. In addition, the storage unit 33 of the computer apparatus 3A stores information on a coordinate range indicated by the dot pattern printed on the entry sheet 2 and the dot screen 6 (also referred to as “coordinate definition information”).

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

  FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the server device 7. The server device 7 is functionally configured by a communication unit 72, a storage unit 73, a processing unit 74, and the like.

  The communication unit 72 receives the entry information from the electronic pen 1 via any one of the computer device 3A, the wireless LAN router 4A, and the base station 9, and transmits the received information to the processing unit 74. The storage unit 73 is configured by a memory such as a ROM or a RAM. The storage unit 73 stores the entry information received from the electronic pen 1 for each pen ID according to the processing instruction of the processing unit 74.

  The processing means 74 is constituted by a processor such as a CPU, and controls the entire server device 7. When the dot pattern printed on the medium such as the entry sheet 2 is read by the electronic pen 1, the processing unit 74 stores the entry information generated and transmitted by the electronic pen 1 in the storage unit 73. Further, for example, when the processing unit 74 receives a transmission request for entry information stored in the storage unit 73 from a terminal connected via the network 12 such as the computer apparatus 3, the processing unit 74 sends the entry information to the request source by the communication unit 72. Send to the terminal.

[Communication control processing]
Next, communication control processing for the communication unit 111 executed by the processor 108 of the electronic pen 1 will be described. In general, after the entry information is generated, the processor 108 determines a communication method used to transmit the entry information based on the coordinate information included in the entry information. At this time, the processor 108 determines a communication method with reference to the communication method determination information shown in FIG. 6, thereby selecting a communication method within a communication area in which the wireless communication distance is the shortest.

(1) Outline of Processing FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed by the processor 108 of the electronic pen 1. The processor 108 of the electronic pen 1 repeatedly executes the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

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

  Next, the processor 108 refers to the communication method determination information of FIG. 6, and the coordinate value indicated by the generated entry information is the coordinate range of the dot pattern printed on the entry sheet 2 and the dot pattern printed on the dot screen 6. It is determined which of the coordinate range and the coordinate range of the dot pattern printed on the drill 8 is included (step S103).

  When the coordinate value indicated by the generated entry information is included in the coordinate range of the dot pattern printed on the dot screen 6 (step S103: screen), the processor 108 determines the first communication device 111a based on the communication method determination information. Bluetooth communication is performed, and the entry information is transmitted to the computer device 3A close to the dot screen 6 (step S104).

  Here, a supplementary description of step S104 will be given. When the medium to be filled in is the dot screen 6, it is assumed that the distance between the computer device 3 </ b> A and the electronic pen 1 that fills in the dot screen 6 is close to the extent that Bluetooth communication using the electronic pen 1 is within the communication range. In addition, the communication range of Bluetooth communication is narrower than the wireless communication range of WiFi communication and the mobile communication range. Therefore, in this case, the processor 108 can select the communication method that uses the Bluetooth communication based on the communication method determination information, thereby shortening the wireless communication distance and transmitting the entry information safely.

  Further, when the coordinate value indicated by the generated entry information is included in the coordinate range corresponding to the dot pattern printed on the entry sheet 2 (step S103: entry sheet), the processor 108 determines the second based on the communication method determination information. WiFi communication is performed by the communication device 111b, and the entry information is transmitted to the wireless LAN router 4A installed on the ceiling (step S105). In this case, the processor 108 designates the communication address of the computer apparatus 3A stored in the memory 109 as the transmission destination address of the entry information.

  Here, a supplementary explanation will be given of step S105. When the medium to be entered is the entry form 2, it is assumed that the distance between the computer device 3 </ b> A and the electronic pen 1 that fills in the entry form 2 is so far that Bluetooth communication by the electronic pen 1 is out of the communication range. In particular, the distance from the computer device 3A increases as the electronic pen 1 is used at a desk behind the classroom. Further, the communicable range of WiFi communication is narrower than the communicable range of mobile communication. Therefore, the processor 108 can select the communication method that uses the WiFi communication based on the communication method determination information, and can transmit the entry information safely by shortening the wireless communication distance as much as possible.

  In addition, when the coordinate value indicated by the generated entry information is included in the coordinate range corresponding to the dot pattern printed on the drill 8 (step S103: drill), the processor 108 performs entry information transmission processing and transmits entry information. Is performed (step S106). The entry information transmission process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the processor 108 determines whether pen-up has been detected based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 107 (step S107). When pen-up is detected (step S107; Yes), the processor 108 transmits entry information including pen-up information, and deletes all the sent entry information (step S108).

(2) Entry information transmission process FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the entry information transmission process executed in step S106 of FIG. As will be described later, when the drill 108 is entered, the processor 108 transmits entry information by a communication method having the narrowest communicable range among communication methods within the communication range.

  First, the processor 108 determines whether or not Bluetooth communication is possible (step S201). If Bluetooth communication is possible (step S201; Yes), the processor 108 performs Bluetooth communication between the computer apparatus 3 and the first communication device 111a, and transmits entry information to the computer apparatus 3 (step S202). As described above, when the Bluetooth communication is possible, the processor 108 transmits the entry information by the Bluetooth communication regardless of whether the WiFi communication or the mobile communication is possible. On the other hand, when the Bluetooth communication is not possible (step S201; No), the processor 108 advances the process to step S203.

  Next, the processor 108 determines whether WiFi communication is possible (step S203). If WiFi communication is possible (step S203; Yes), the processor 108 transmits the entry information to the server device 7 by the second communication device 111b via the wireless LAN router 4B (step S204). At this time, the processor 108 designates the communication address of the server device 7 stored in the memory 109 as a transmission destination. As described above, when the WiFi communication is possible, the processor 108 transmits the entry information through the Bluetooth communication regardless of whether the mobile communication is possible.

  On the other hand, when WiFi communication is not possible (step S203; No), the processor 108 determines whether portable communication is possible (step S205). If mobile communication is possible (step S205; Yes), the processor 108 transmits the entry information together with the identification information stored in the SIM to the server device 7 by the third communication device 111c (step S206). At this time, the processor 108 designates the communication address of the server device 7 stored in the memory 109 as a transmission destination. On the other hand, when mobile communication is not possible (step S205; No), the processor 108 stores the generated entry information in the memory 109 (step S207). Note that the processor 108 sends the entry information stored in the memory 109 to the computer apparatus 3 or the server apparatus 7 when the Bluetooth communication, the WiFi communication, or the mobile communication becomes possible by the processing shown in FIG. Send.

[Operational effects of the electronic pen system according to the first embodiment]
According to the electronic pen system of the first embodiment, the electronic pen 1 refers to the communication method determination information and determines a communication method for transmitting entry information based on the coordinate position indicated by the read dot pattern. Thereby, the electronic pen 1 can appropriately select a communication method within a communication area in which the wireless communication distance is the shortest for each medium to be filled out from Bluetooth communication, WiFi communication, and mobile communication. Therefore, the electronic pen 1 can transmit entry information safely and reliably.

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

(Modification 1)
In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the electronic pen 1 may have a display for displaying a communication method for transmitting entry information. In this case, for example, the processor 108 displays on the display that the Bluetooth communication is being performed during the communication by the first communication device 111a. Further, the processor 108 displays on the display that the WiFi communication is being performed during the communication by the second communication device 111b. Further, the processor 108 displays on the display that mobile communication is being performed during communication by the third communication device 111c. Thereby, a user can be made to grasp | ascertain easily the communication system which the electronic pen 1 transmits entry information. The above-described display functions as the “display unit” in the present invention, and the processor functions as the “display control unit” in the present invention.

(Modification 2)
In the first embodiment, the Anoto method is used for the electronic pen, the dot pattern (coded pattern), and the entry information. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the Anoto method. Further, the dot pattern (coded pattern) is not limited to the one indicating the position coordinates, and may be a code value for identifying the icon or a code value for identifying the association area. Also, an apparatus for reading a dot pattern (coded pattern) is not limited to a pen form such as an electronic pen, and may take various forms.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, the electronic pen 1 has a configuration capable of wired communication in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 shows a configuration of an electronic pen system at home according to the second embodiment. In the electronic pen system according to the second embodiment, the computer device 3 </ b> B and the electronic pen 1 </ b> B perform wired communication by inserting the cables 10 provided with terminals that can be inserted at both ends into predetermined positions. The cable 10 is a USB cable, for example. Other components that are the same as those of the electronic pen system according to the first embodiment are appropriately denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 12 shows a schematic configuration of the electronic pen 1 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the electronic pen 1 according to the second embodiment includes a wired communication terminal 113 into which the terminal of the cable 10 can be inserted. Then, in a state where the terminal of the cable 10 is inserted into the wired communication terminal 113, the student can hold the electronic pen 1 and perform an entry operation on the drill 8. In this case, the processor 108 transmits the generated entry information to the computer apparatus 3B via the wired communication terminal 113.

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

  FIG. 13 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the processor 108 of the electronic pen 1 in the second embodiment. The processor 108 of the electronic pen 1 repeatedly executes the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

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

  Next, the processor 108 determines whether pen-down is detected based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 107 (step S303). When the pen-down is detected (step S303; Yes), the processor 108 generates entry information that associates the pen-down information with the pen ID. At the time of entering a stroke after pen-down, the processor 108 generates entry information including coordinate information calculated from the read dot pattern (step S304). Then, when the electronic pen 1 is in a state in which communication is possible by the wired communication method (step S305; Yes), the processor 108 transmits entry information to the computer apparatus 3 by wired communication (step S306). On the other hand, when the electronic pen 1 is not in a state in which communication is possible using the wired communication method (step S305; No), the processor 108 performs wireless communication processing shown in FIG. 14 (step S307). This wireless communication process will be described later.

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

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

  Next, the wireless communication process in step S307 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of wireless communication processing.

  First, the processor 108 refers to the communication method determination information in FIG. 6, and the coordinate value indicated by the generated entry information is the coordinate range of the dot pattern printed on the entry sheet 2 and the coordinate of the dot pattern printed on the dot screen 6. It is determined which of the range and the coordinate range of the dot pattern printed on the drill 8 is included (step S401).

  When the coordinate value indicated by the generated entry information is included in the coordinate range corresponding to the dot pattern printed on the dot screen 6 (step S401: screen), the processor 108 performs the first communication based on the communication method determination information. Bluetooth communication is performed by the device 111a, and the entry information is transmitted to the computer device 3A close to the dot screen 6 (step S402). Further, when the coordinate value indicated by the generated entry information is included in the coordinate range corresponding to the dot pattern printed on the entry sheet 2 (step S401: entry sheet), the processor 108 determines the second value based on the communication method determination information. WiFi communication is performed by the communication device 111b, and the entry information is transmitted to the wireless LAN router 4A installed on the ceiling (step S403). In this case, the processor 108 designates the communication address of the computer apparatus 3A stored in the memory 109 as the transmission destination address of the entry information.

  Further, when the coordinate value indicated by the generated entry information is included in the coordinate range corresponding to the dot pattern printed on the drill 8 (step S401: drill), the processor 108 is shown in FIG. 10 described in the first embodiment. An entry information transmission process is performed to transmit entry information (step S404). That is, in this case, the processor 108 transmits the entry information by the communication method in the communication area with the highest priority according to the priority in the order of Bluetooth communication, WiFi communication, and mobile communication. Note that the processor 108 stores the entry information in the memory 109 in step S207 of the flowchart in FIG. 10 because there is no communication method within the communication range, and when the wired communication becomes possible, the processor 108 in step S302 in FIG. The entry information is transmitted to the computer device 3B. As a result, the processor 108 can cause the server device 7 to receive the entry information temporarily stored without being transmitted safely and reliably.

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

[Modification of Second Embodiment]
Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the following modification 3 may be applied in addition to the modifications 1 to 2 of the first embodiment described above.

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

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

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A-1E (1) ... Electronic pen 2A-2D (2) ... Filling sheet 3A, 3B (3) ... Computer apparatus 4A, 4B ... Wireless LAN router 5 ... Projector 6 ... Dot screen 7 ... Server apparatus 8 ... Drill 9 ... Base station 12 ... Network

Claims (10)

A coding pattern reading device that performs communication by selecting a communication method within a communication range from a plurality of types of communication methods,
Storage means for associating and storing a coordinate range of the coded pattern for each medium on which the coded pattern is printed and a communication method to be used when a coded pattern indicating a coordinate position belonging to the coordinate range is read ,
Communication control means for transmitting information of the read coded pattern to the receiver by a communication method associated with the coordinate range to which the coordinate position indicated by the read coded pattern belongs,
An apparatus for reading a coded pattern, comprising:   2. The code according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores, as a communication method associated with the coordinate range, a communication method having a narrowest communicable range among communication methods assumed to be within a communication range. Pattern reader.   When there are a plurality of communication methods associated with the coordinate range to which the coordinate position indicated by the read coding pattern belongs, the communication control unit preferentially selects a communication method having a narrow communication range, and selects the communication method according to the selected communication method. The coding pattern reading device according to claim 1, wherein the coding pattern information is transmitted.   The communication control means, when wired communication is possible, transmits information of the coded pattern by wired communication regardless of the coordinate range to which the coordinate position indicated by the read coded pattern belongs. The reading device of the coding pattern as described in any one of 1-3.   5. The communication control unit according to claim 1, wherein the receiver of the transmission destination of the coding pattern information is changed according to a communication method for transmitting the coding pattern information. The coding pattern reader described in 1. Display means;
The coding pattern reading according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising display control means for causing the display means to display a communication method used for transmitting the information of the coding pattern. apparatus.   The coded pattern reading device according to claim 1, wherein the coded pattern reading device is an electronic pen that reads a coded pattern and generates entry information according to the coded pattern. An electronic pen according to claim 7,
A computer device capable of communicating with the electronic pen by a first communication method and disposed in front of the classroom;
An entry form on which a coded pattern is printed and filled in with the electronic pen on a student desk in the classroom;
A coding pattern is attached to the surface, provided in front of the classroom, and a screen for writing with the electronic pen;
A projector for emitting light based on an image signal transmitted from the computer device to the surface of the screen;
An electronic pen system comprising: a communication device that interconnects the electronic pen and the computer device by a second communication method having a wider communication range than the first communication method;
The storage means stores the second communication method in association with the coordinate range of the coded pattern printed on the entry sheet, and the first communication method in the coordinate range of the coded pattern printed on the screen. An electronic pen system characterized by storing the information in association with each other. Teaching materials used by the student for home study and printed with coding patterns;
A server device for receiving entry information from the electronic pen via a network;
Further comprising
The electronic pen is capable of communication by a third communication method having a wider communication range than the second communication method,
When the communication control unit reads the coded pattern printed on the teaching material, the communication control unit has the highest priority according to the priority in the order of the first communication method, the second communication method, and the third communication method. 9. The electronic pen system according to claim 8, wherein the entry information is transmitted by a communication method within a communication area.   A program that functions as a device for reading the coded pattern according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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