JP2008309934A - Terminal device, program used therefor and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a terminal device that provides distance information of a route desired by a user, a program used therefor, and an information processing system.
When a user traces a map display area with an electronic pen, the electronic pen calculates the coordinates of the traced route at predetermined intervals, generates entry information including the coordinates, and uses the entry information as a terminal device. Send to. The terminal device receives the entry information from the electronic pen, forms a locus based on the coordinate data of the entry information, and calculates the length of the locus. In this way, the terminal device acquires the entry information including the coordinate data of the path traced by the electronic pen, and determines the trace traced by the electronic pen if the trace is formed based on the coordinate data of the entry information. can do. Therefore, the terminal device can calculate the distance of the route traced by the user with the electronic pen by calculating the length of the trajectory.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for providing distance information on a map printed on a pen device medium or the like by a pen device.

  In recent years, pen-type input devices called “electronic pens”, “digital pens”, and the like have appeared (hereinafter referred to as “electronic pens” in this specification). The developed “Anoto pen” is known. Anotopen is used in a pair with dedicated paper (hereinafter also referred to as “dedicated paper”) on which a predetermined dot pattern is printed. In addition to the normal ink-type pen tip, the Anoto pen is equipped with a small camera for reading the dot pattern on the dedicated paper and a data communication unit. When a user writes characters on the special paper with an annotation pen, or puts a check mark on the image designed on the special paper, the small camera displays the dot pattern printed on the special paper as the pen moves. Entry information such as characters and images detected and written by the user is acquired. This entry information is transmitted from the Anotopen by the data communication unit to a terminal device such as a nearby personal computer or mobile phone. The system using this anotopen can be used as an input device in place of the keyboard, and is very easy to use for users who are reluctant to use the personal computer and keyboard described above. Therefore, currently, a system using an electronic pen is becoming widespread as a technique for digitizing data entered in various business documents, application forms, contracts, and the like (see Patent Document 1).

  The applicant uses an electronic pen as found in Anoto's technology, and when the user designates a starting place and a destination with the electronic pen on the dedicated paper on which the map is printed, Has proposed a geographical information providing system for providing a route from a destination to a destination and distance information of the route (see Patent Document 1). Even before the applicant's proposal, construction sites, surveying companies, and map companies often find the length, etc. from the drawing, so use a digitizer coordinate input device and hit the panel with a stylus pen. For example, a technique for obtaining a length in an architectural drawing by inputting a coordinate value has been proposed (see Patent Document 3).

Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2003-511761 JP 2004-46424 A Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-50283

  However, in the above geographical information providing system, the shortest route from the departure point to the destination is calculated based on the latitude and longitude information of the departure point and the latitude and longitude information of the destination. Therefore, since this geographical information providing system does not provide distance information of routes other than the shortest straight route, there is a problem in that it cannot necessarily provide distance information regarding a user's desired route. Similarly, the above-described coordinate input device using a digitizer merely hits the panel with a stylus pen and obtains the length between the input coordinate values.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a terminal device that provides distance information according to a user's desired route by operating an electronic pen or a scanner, a program used therefor, and an information processing system.

  The terminal device according to the present invention receives discrete coordinate data calculated by reading a coded pattern printed on a medium from an electronic pen or a scanner, and calculates a distance according to the length of the handwriting from the coordinate data. A data communication means for receiving coordinate data; and a length of a handwriting based on the coordinate data received by the data communication means and calculated by the electronic pen or the scanner along the handwriting. And a distance calculating means for calculating a distance corresponding to the distance.

  According to this configuration, when the user fills in or moves on the medium while touching the medium with the electronic pen or the scanner, the electronic pen or the scanner acquires the discrete coordinate data along the handwriting or the movement locus. Calculate and send to terminal device. In the terminal device, the data communication unit receives the coordinate data transmitted from the electronic pen or the scanner, the distance calculation unit is received by the data communication unit, and the coordinate data is calculated by the electronic pen or the scanner along the handwriting. Based on the above, the distance corresponding to the length of the handwriting is calculated. Therefore, the terminal device can calculate the distance according to the handwriting or the like when the user enters a desired character or line segment with an electronic pen or a scanner.

  Alternatively, the terminal device according to the present invention receives discrete coordinate data calculated by reading the coded pattern of the medium on which the map area and the coded pattern are printed, from the electronic pen or the scanner, and from the coordinate data A terminal device for calculating a distance on the ground surface corresponding to a route indicated by a handwriting on the map area, the data communication means receiving coordinate data, received by the data communication means, and along the handwriting And a distance calculating means for calculating a distance on the ground surface based on the coordinate data calculated by the electronic pen or the scanner and a scale value of the map in the map area.

  According to this configuration, when the user traces the medium with the electronic pen or the scanner in contact with the map area of the medium, the electronic pen or the scanner calculates discrete coordinate data along the traced path, Send to terminal device. In the terminal device, the data communication unit receives the coordinate data transmitted from the electronic pen or the scanner, the distance calculation unit is received by the data communication unit, and the coordinate data is calculated by the electronic pen or the scanner along the handwriting. The distance corresponding to the handwriting is calculated based on the scale value of the map in the map area. Therefore, when the user traces a desired route on the map area with the electronic pen or the scanner, the terminal device can calculate the distance on the ground surface according to the handwriting traced on the map area.

  Further, in the above terminal device, the distance calculation means calculates the distance using line integration. With this configuration, it is possible to accurately calculate the distance according to the path traced with the electronic pen or the scanner and the handwriting by line integration.

  Or the said terminal device WHEREIN: The said distance calculating means calculates the said distance by linearly interpolating between coordinate data. With this configuration, the distance according to the path and handwriting traced by the electronic pen or the scanner can be accurately calculated between the coordinate data by linear interpolation.

  Further, the program according to the present invention receives discrete coordinate data calculated by reading a coded pattern printed on a medium from an electronic pen or scanner, and calculates a distance corresponding to the length of the handwriting from the coordinate data. A program executed by a computer for computing, based on the coordinate data received by the data communication means for receiving coordinate data, the data communication means, and computed by the electronic pen or the scanner along the handwriting The computer is made to function as a distance calculation means for calculating a distance according to the length of the handwriting.

  Alternatively, the program according to the present invention receives discrete coordinate data calculated by reading the coded pattern of the medium on which the map area and the coded pattern are printed, from an electronic pen or scanner, and from the coordinate data, A program executed by a computer that calculates a distance on the ground surface corresponding to a route indicated by a handwriting on a map area, the data communication means receiving coordinate data, received by the data communication means, and along the handwriting The computer is caused to function as distance calculation means for calculating a distance on the ground surface based on the coordinate data calculated by the electronic pen or the scanner and a map scale value in the map area. .

  By executing the above program by a computer, the above-described terminal device can be realized.

  According to the terminal device and the program used therefor according to the present invention, it is possible to provide distance information corresponding to a user's desired route by operating an electronic pen or a scanner.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic pen system according to the present embodiment includes an electronic pen 10A (10), a dedicated paper (medium) 20, and a terminal device 25A (25). Here, FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing how the electronic pen 10A is used, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the electronic pen 10A in the first embodiment. A dot pattern (coded pattern) is printed on the dedicated paper 20. The electronic pen 10A includes a pen tip portion 17 similar to that of a normal ink pen. When a user writes a path or the like on the dedicated paper 20 using the pen tip portion 17 in the same manner as a normal ink pen, The pen 10A reads the dot pattern printed on the dedicated paper 20 locally and continuously along the movement locus (handwriting) of the pen tip portion 17 and calculates the coordinates of the local position on the dedicated paper 20, Coordinate data and the like are transmitted to the terminal device 25A. The electronic pen 10A is used in the vicinity of the terminal device 25A so that data can be reliably transmitted to the terminal device 25A. The terminal device 25A calculates a distance corresponding to the movement locus of the electronic pen 10A based on the received coordinate data and the like. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described in detail.

[Dedicated paper]
First, the dedicated paper (medium) 20 will be described. The dedicated paper 20 is a paper in which a dot pattern is printed on a sheet of paper, and a design such as a map, items, words, illustrations, and the like are printed thereon. The dot pattern is printed with ink containing carbon that absorbs infrared rays. In addition, the design and the like are printed with ordinary ink that does not contain carbon. The dot pattern and the design may be printed on the paper at the same time, or either one may be printed first.

  FIG. 3A shows an example of the dedicated paper 20A (20) on which a map or the like used in this embodiment is printed. The dedicated paper 20A shown in FIG. 3A has a map display area 100 for displaying a map.

[Dot pattern]
Next, a dot pattern (coded pattern) will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the dots of the dot pattern printed on the dedicated paper 20 and the values to which the dots are converted. As shown in FIG. 4, 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 grid (intersection of the vertical line and horizontal line). 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 dedicated paper 20 are determined by the combination of information thus associated.

  FIG. 5A shows an arrangement of a certain dot pattern. As shown in FIG. 5A, 6 × 6 dots are arranged in a range of about 2 mm in length and width so that a unique pattern can be obtained regardless of where 6 × 6 dots are taken on the dedicated paper 20. ing. The dot pattern formed by these 36 dots holds position coordinates (for example, on which position on the dedicated paper 20 the dot pattern is located). FIG. 5B is a diagram in which each dot shown in FIG. 5A is converted into a value associated with the regularity shown in FIG. 4 according to the shift direction from the reference position of the lattice. This conversion is performed by the electronic pen 10A (10) that captures an image of a dot pattern.

[Electronic pen]
Next, the electronic pen 10A will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic pen 10A includes a processor 11, a data communication unit 13, a battery 14, an LED 15, a camera 16, a pressure sensor 18, and a clock 22 therein. The electronic pen 10A includes an ink cartridge (not shown) as a component similar to a normal ink pen.

  The battery 14 is for supplying power to each component in the electronic pen 10A. For example, the power of the electronic pen 10A itself is turned on / off by attaching / detaching a cap (not shown) of the electronic pen 10A. May be. The clock 22 transmits time information indicating the current time (time stamp) and supplies the time information to the processor 11. The pressure sensor 18 detects the pressure applied to the pen tip portion 17 when the user writes characters or the like on the dedicated paper 20 with the electronic pen 10 </ b> A, that is, the writing pressure, and supplies the detected pressure to the processor 11.

  The processor 11 switches on / off the switches of the LED 15 and the camera 16 based on the writing pressure data given from the pressure sensor 18. That is, when a user writes characters or the like on the dedicated paper 20 with the electronic pen 10 </ b> A, writing pressure is applied to the pen tip 17, and when the pressure sensor 18 detects a writing pressure higher than a predetermined value, the processor 11. Determines that the user has started writing and activates the LED 15 and the camera 16. On the other hand, if the writing pressure detected by the pressure sensor 18 is less than the predetermined value, the processor 11 determines that the writing by the user has ended, and ends the operation of the LED 15 and the camera 16.

  The LED 15 is attached in the vicinity of the pen tip of the electronic pen 10A, and irradiates infrared rays toward the vicinity of the pen tip portion 17 (region 15a) on the dedicated paper 20A (see FIG. 1). The region 15 a is slightly shifted from the position where the pen tip portion 17 contacts the dedicated paper 20. The camera 16 captures a dot pattern in the area 15 a illuminated by the LED 15 and supplies image data of the dot pattern to the processor 11. Here, since carbon absorbs infrared rays, the infrared rays irradiated by the LED 15 are absorbed by the carbon contained in the dots at the dot portions. 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. Therefore, the area of the dot containing carbon and the other area can be distinguished from the difference in the amount of reflected infrared light by photographing with the camera 16. Even if a design or the like is printed in the shooting region, the ink of the design or the like does not contain carbon, so that the dot pattern can be recognized. Note that the imaging area of the camera 16 is a range including a size of about 2 mm × about 2 mm as shown in FIG. 5A, and the imaging of the camera 16 is performed about 50 to 100 times per second.

  The processor 11 performs X, X on the dedicated paper 20 of the stroke to be entered by the user from the dot pattern of the image data supplied by the camera 16 while the camera 16 is in operation while the entry is performed by the user. The Y coordinate (also simply referred to as “coordinate data”) is continuously calculated. That is, the processor 11 converts the image data of the dot pattern as shown in FIG. 5A supplied by the camera 16 into the data array shown in FIG. 5B, and further converts the X coordinate bit value · Y By converting to coordinate bit values, X and Y coordinate data are calculated from the data array by a predetermined calculation method, and a dot pattern address is calculated. Here, the dot pattern address is an identifier set for each page or each type of the dedicated paper 20, but at least for each map display area 100, the dot pattern address can correspond to the map scale information. A pattern address is associated.

  The processor 11 associates the time information 251 acquired from the clock 22, the dot pattern address 252, the X and Y coordinate data 253, and the writing pressure data 254, and acquires these information as entry information 250. Then, the processor 11 causes the data communication unit 13 to transmit the entry information 250 to the terminal device 25A. FIG. 6 shows a conceptual diagram of the entry information 250. Here, since the 6 × 6 dot pattern in one sheet of dedicated paper (medium) 20 does not overlap within the dedicated paper 20, when the user traces the map area 100 with the electronic pen 10A, It is possible to specify from the entry information 250 which position in the map area 100 the traced location is.

  The data communication unit 13 wirelessly transmits the entry information 250 associated with the time information 251, the dot pattern address 252, the X and Y coordinate data 253, and the writing pressure data 254 supplied by the processor 11 to the terminal device 25A. Transmission by the data communication unit 13 is preferably by wireless transmission of Bluetooth (registered trademark). Note that data transmission from the data communication unit 13 to the terminal device 25A may be performed by other methods such as wired transmission using a USB cable or data transmission by contact with a terminal. The transmission of the entry information 250 to the terminal device 25A by the data communication unit 13 is performed immediately and sequentially.

[Terminal device]
Next, the terminal device 25A will be described with reference to FIG. The terminal device 25A includes, as hardware, an antenna device capable of data communication with the electronic pen 10A, a processor such as a CPU, a memory such as ROM and RAM, a speaker, a display, and the like, a PC, a mobile phone, or a mobile terminal It is. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the terminal device 25A. The terminal device 25A performs a predetermined process by executing a dedicated application using the entry information 250 including the X and Y coordinate data received from the electronic pen 10A.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the terminal device 25A includes an information storage unit 40, a data communication unit 41, a distance calculation unit 42, an audio output unit 43, and a display unit 44. Physically, the information storage means 40 is constituted by a memory such as a ROM or a RAM, the data communication means 41 is constituted by a data communication unit, a processor or the like, the audio output part 43 is a speaker, the display part 44 is a display or the like. Composed. The distance calculation means 42 is incorporated in a processor such as a CPU.

  The information storage means 40 stores the scale value of the map drawn in the map area 100 in correspondence with the dot pattern address 252 in the map area 100, and the entry information 250 acquired from the electronic pen 10A and the distance This is a memory for storing the length of the trajectory (handwriting) calculated by the calculation means 42 and the distance (path) on the ground surface.

  The data communication unit 41 is a unit that immediately and sequentially acquires the entry information 250 transmitted by the data communication unit 13 of the electronic pen 10A. The data communication unit 41 uses an antenna or the like that receives radio waves of a communication method using Bluetooth (registered trademark). Composed.

  The distance calculation means 42 refers to the plurality of entry information 250 received by the data communication means 41, reads out the scale value associated with the dot pattern address 252 included in the entry information 250 from the information storage means 40, and A trajectory (handwriting) is determined along the coordinate data 253 from the start point 701 to the end point 703 (see FIG. 9) of the (handwriting), the length of the trajectory (handwriting) is obtained by line integration represented by the following equation, and the scale is reduced. Referring to the value, the distance (distance) on the ground surface is calculated.

  That is, when calculating the length of the trajectory with the X coordinate from a to b, the length of the trajectory (handwriting) is calculated based on the following equation.

Specifically, the distance calculation means 42 regards a straight line connecting the position coordinates of two points of coordinate data continuous in time series as a locus (handwriting) between two points, and starts from a start point 701 to an end point 703. The lengths of the trajectories between the two points are integrated, and the integrated length is taken as the length L of the trajectory. Then, if the scale value (for example, 1 / 25,000) is c, the distance calculation means 42 obtains the distance (path) D on the ground surface by the following equation.
D = L / c

  The distance calculation means 42 informs the audio output unit 43 of the calculated distance D on the ground surface by voice. An example of a voice guidance message is “The distance from the departure point to the destination is XX km.”

[Dedicated application]
Next, the dedicated application (program) 55 installed in the terminal device 25A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows a module configuration of the dedicated application 55. The dedicated application 55 executes a predetermined process based on the entry information 250 regarding the route that the electronic pen 10A traces the dedicated paper 20, and is installed in the terminal device 25A in advance by downloading or the like. The dedicated application 55 is associated with the dedicated paper 20, and the dedicated application 55 operates when the terminal device 25 </ b> A receives the entry information 250 by filling the dedicated paper 20 with the electronic pen 10 </ b> A.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, the dedicated application 55 includes a data communication module 300, an information storage module 301, and a distance calculation module 302.

  The data communication module 300 has a function of downloading the dedicated application 55 or receiving entry information 250 from the electronic pen 10A, and is a module that configures the data communication means 41 in the terminal device 25A.

  The information storage module 301 holds the scale value of the map drawn in the map area 100 in correspondence with the dot pattern address 252 in the map area 100, and the entry information 250 acquired from the electronic pen 10A and the distance calculation means 42 is a module for storing the trajectory (handwriting) length calculated by 42 and the distance (path) on the ground surface in a memory, and is a module for configuring the information storage means 40 in the terminal device 25A.

  The distance calculation module 302 refers to a plurality of entry information 250, determines a locus along the coordinate data 253, obtains the length of the locus, and further reduces the scale associated with the dot pattern address 252 of the entry information 250. A function of reading a value from the information storage means 40, calculating a distance (path) on the ground surface with reference to the scale value, and causing the voice output unit 43 to notify the distance D on the ground surface by voice; This is a module that configures the distance calculation means 42 in the device 25A.

[Distance calculation notification processing flow by electronic pen system]
Next, a distance calculation notification processing flow performed by the electronic pen system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an outline of handwriting by the electronic pen 10A on the dedicated paper 20 in the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the distance calculation notification process in the electronic pen 10A.

  Here, the distance calculation notification process in the present embodiment is a process in which a dot pattern is created by the electronic pen 10A along a path traced by the user from contacting the map area 100 with the electronic pen 10A until leaving. The entry information 250 including the coordinate data 253 is generated by reading, and the length of the traced route is calculated by the terminal device 25A based on the entry information 250, and the distance (distance) D on the ground surface is calculated. This is the processing to be sought.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the user uses the pen tip portion 17 of the electronic pen 10 </ b> A to contact the start point 701 of the route desired by the user as a departure point in the map area 100 of the dedicated paper 20 </ b> A. Then, the electronic pen 10 </ b> A detects contact with the map area 100 when the pressure sensor 18 detects a writing pressure with a writing pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined value (step S <b> 1), and the camera 16 irradiates infrared rays with the LED 15. The dot pattern is imaged, and the processor 11 calculates the coordinate data 253 and the dot pattern address 252 at the contact position with the map area 100 from the image data of the captured dot pattern (step S2). Then, the processor 11 acquires entry information 250 in which time information 251 indicating the current time transmitted by the clock 22, dot pattern address 252, coordinate data 253, and writing pressure data 254 are associated (step S 3). Furthermore, the electronic pen 10A transmits the entry information 250 to the terminal device 25A (step S4).

  If the user keeps tracing the route desired by the user while the pen tip portion 17 of the electronic pen 10A is in contact with the map area 100, the electronic pen 10A is not separated from the map area 100 (step S5; No). Then, the process proceeds to step S2, and steps S2 to S5 are repeated according to the dot pattern image data photographed by the camera 16 at a predetermined interval (for example, 75 times per second). That is, the electronic pen 10A calculates the coordinate data 253 and the dot pattern address 252 of each point (passing points 702A, 702B, 702C, 702D...) Of the route (step S2), and the coordinate data 253 and the like as described above. Is created (step S3), and the entry information 250 is transmitted to the terminal device 25A (step S4). Then, the user finishes tracing the route from the starting point to the destination, and at the end point 703, the electronic pen 10A is detached (pen-up) from the dedicated paper 20. Then, when the electronic pen 10A detects that the pen pressure by the pressure sensor 18 has become less than a predetermined value, and detects that the electronic pen 10A has left the map area 100 (step S5; Yes), the processing is terminated. As described above, the electronic pen 10 </ b> A transmits the entry information 250 to the terminal device immediately and sequentially while contacting the dedicated paper 20.

  Here, “immediately” means that when the electronic pen 10A generates the entry information 250, the entry information 250 is immediately transmitted to the terminal device 25A and acquired by the terminal device 25A. Means that while the electronic pen 10A continuously acquires the entry information, the entry information 250 is sequentially transmitted to the terminal device 25A and is acquired by the terminal device 25A.

  The data communication means 41 of the terminal device 25A receives the entry information 250 immediately and sequentially from the electronic pen 10A (step S11). Thus, when the user traces the map area 100 of the dedicated paper 20A with the electronic pen 10A, the terminal device 25A acquires the coordinate data corresponding to the dot pattern under the path traced by the electronic pen 10A in real time in chronological order. To do.

  When the data communication means 41 receives the entry information 250 from the electronic pen 10A, it saves the entry information 250 in the information storage means 40 and transmits it to the distance calculation means 42 (step S11). When it is determined that the acquired entry information 250 is the first received data, that is, the start point entry information 250 (step S12; Yes), the distance calculation means 42 includes the entry information 250 from the information storage means 40. The scale value corresponding to the dot pattern address 252 to be read is read (step S13), and the process returns to step S11.

  On the other hand, when the distance calculation means 42 determines that the acquired entry information 250 is not the entry information 250 of the starting point (step S12; No), the coordinate data 253 of the acquired entry information 250 and the entry information acquired immediately before that are obtained. A straight line connecting the position coordinates of the two points indicated by the coordinate data 253 of 250 is regarded as a locus (handwriting) between the two points (step S14).

  Subsequently, the distance calculation means 42 calculates the length of the locus (handwriting) between the two points, and stores the calculated result in the information storage means 40 (step S15).

  When the data communication means 41 receives the next entry information 250 from the electronic pen 10A and transmits it to the distance calculation means 42, the distance calculation means 42 determines that the next entry information 250 exists (step S16; YES). The process proceeds to step S14. In this way, while the entry information 250 is continuously transmitted from the electronic pen 10A, the distance calculation means 42 repeats step S11 and step S14 to step 16, and processes two points adjacent in time series. The length of the straight line connecting the position coordinates of the coordinate data is repeatedly calculated.

  On the other hand, in the distance calculation means 42, the data communication means 41 does not receive the next entry information 250 from the electronic pen 10A, and transmission of the next entry information 250 from the data communication means 41 to the distance calculation means 42 is performed for a predetermined time or more. If not, it is determined that the next entry information 250 does not exist (step S16; No). Then, the distance calculation means 42 integrates the lengths of the locus (handwriting) between the two points calculated from the start point 701 to the end point 703 and stored in the information storage means 40. Further, the distance calculation means 42 calculates a distance (distance) D on the ground surface from the length L of the locus (handwriting) obtained by integration and the scale value c, and stores it in the information storage means 40 (step). S17).

As described above, if the length L of the trajectory (handwriting) obtained by integration and the scale value c (for example, 1/25 thousand) are used, the distance (path) D on the ground surface is expressed by the following equation. Desired.
D = L / c

  Then, the distance calculation means 42 informs the calculated distance (distance) D on the surface of the earth by means of an audio output unit (speaker) 43, for example, “The distance from the departure point to the destination is OO km” ( Step S18). Thereby, the distance calculation notification process ends.

  In this way, when the user traces the electronic pen 10A along the desired route on the map area 100, the entry information 250 including the position coordinates of the route traced by the electronic pen 10A is generated accordingly, and the terminal device The entry information 250 is transmitted to 25A. The terminal device 25 </ b> A can calculate a distance (distance) D on the ground surface based on the acquired entry information 250 and notify the distance by the sound output unit (speaker) 43.

[Operational effects of the electronic pen system of the first embodiment]
According to this electronic pen system, when the user traces the map display area 100 with the electronic pen 10A, the electronic pen 10A calculates the coordinates on the traced path at predetermined intervals, and fills in information including the coordinates. 250 is generated, and the entry information 250 is immediately and sequentially transmitted to the terminal device 25A. Then, the terminal device 25A acquires the entry information 250 from the electronic pen 10A, determines a locus (handwriting) based on the coordinate data 253 of the entry information 250, and calculates the length L of the locus. The scale value c is referred to, and a distance (path) D on the ground surface is calculated. In this way, the terminal device 25A obtains the entry information 250 including the coordinate data 253 calculated along the path traced by the electronic pen 10A, and thereby the trajectory (based on the coordinate data 253 of the entry information 250 ( The terminal device 25A can calculate the distance D on the ground surface in an arbitrary route traced by the user with the electronic pen 10A by calculating the length L of the locus (handwriting). .

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Parts similar to those in the second embodiment and the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that, in the first embodiment, the electronic pen 10A fills in the entry information 250 while the user enters a route to the map display area 100 with the electronic pen 10A. In contrast to the second embodiment, the terminal device 25A calculates the path D by calculating the trajectory at any time immediately and sequentially to the terminal device 25A, and in the second embodiment, the user uses the electronic pen 10B to display the map display area 100. While the route is being entered, the electronic pen 10B stores the entry information 250 generated along the entered route in the memory 12, and when the user completes the entry of the route, the electronic pen 10B. The entry information 250 is collectively transmitted to the terminal device 25B, and the terminal device 25B calculates the trajectory collectively to obtain the path D. Therefore, the electronic pen 10B of the second embodiment includes a memory 12 for storing entry information 250 as shown in FIG.

  In the second embodiment, when the user traces the map display area 100 on the electronic paper 20B having the transmission area 110 shown in FIG. 3B with the electronic pen 10B, the electronic pen 10B is traced (handwriting). ), The coordinate data 253 is sequentially calculated, and the entry information 250 including the coordinate data 253 is stored in the memory 12.

  The processor 11 of the electronic pen 10B stores the entry information 250 based on the handwriting in the transmission area 110 in the calculation of the coordinate data from the image data of the dot pattern in the memory 12 for the data communication unit 13. It has a function of collectively sending the entry information 250 that has been sent to the terminal device 25B. Therefore, when the user finishes entering the route to the map display area 100 with the electronic pen 10B and the user touches the transmission area 110 with the electronic pen 10B, the electronic pen 10B stores the entry information 250 stored in the memory 12 in the terminal. Transmit to device 25B.

  Then, the terminal device 25B reads and specifies the scale value c of the map display area 100 on the electronic paper 20B from the information storage unit 40 based on the dot pattern address 252 included in the entry information 250 received from the electronic pen 10B. By calculating the length of the trajectory (handwriting) from the start point 701 to the end point 703, the distance (path) D on the ground surface is calculated, and the distance D on the ground surface is notified by the audio output means 43.

  Next, distance calculation notification processing performed by the information processing system of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an outline of handwriting by the electronic pen 10B on the dedicated paper 20B in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the distance calculation notification process in the electronic pen 10B.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the user contacts the start point 701 of the route desired by the user in the map area 100 of the dedicated paper 20 </ b> B by the pen tip portion 17 of the electronic pen 10 </ b> B. Then, the electronic pen 10B detects a contact with the map area 100 when the pressure sensor 18 detects a writing pressure with a writing pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined value (step S21), and corresponds to the contact position with the map area 100. The coordinate data 253 and the dot pattern address 252 are calculated (step S22). Then, the electronic pen 10B acquires entry information 250 that associates the time information 251, the dot pattern address 252, the coordinate data 253, and the writing pressure data 254 (step S23). Then, the electronic pen 10B stores the entry information 250 in the memory 12 (step S24). Then, when the user keeps tracing the user's desired route while the pen tip portion 17 of the electronic pen 10B is in contact with the map area 100, the electronic pen 10B fills in information based on the handwriting in the transmission area 110. 250 is not acquired (step S25; No), the process proceeds to step S2, and coordinate data (passing points 702A,..., 702D,..., And end point 703 are continuously input at a predetermined interval (for example, 75 times per second). ) While calculating 253, entry information 250 is generated, and the entry information 250 is stored in the memory 12.

  Then, after the user leaves the electronic pen 10B from the map area 100 at the end point 703, when the user touches the transmission area 110 with the electronic pen 10B (step S25; Yes), the electronic pen 10B is held in the memory 12. The entry information 250 is collectively transmitted to the terminal device 25B (step S26).

  The data communication means 41 in the terminal device 25B receives the entry information 250 transmitted by the electronic pen 10B, saves the entry information 250 in the information storage means 40, and transmits it to the distance calculation means 42 (step S31).

  The distance calculation means 42 reads out and obtains the scale value c associated with the dot pattern address 252 included in the entry information 250 from the information storage means 40 (step S32).

  The distance calculating means 42 uses the coordinate data 253 included in the entry information 250 as position coordinates, linearly interpolates these position coordinates in time series order, and determines the locus (step S33). Then, the distance calculation means 42 calculates the length L of the determined locus (handwriting) and saves the result in the information storage means 40 (step S34), and further refers to the scale value c and on the ground surface. A distance (distance) D is obtained and stored in the information storage means 40 (step S35).

  Subsequently, the distance calculation means 42 transmits the calculated distance (distance) D on the ground surface to the audio output unit (speaker) 43, for example, “The distance from the starting point to the destination is OO km”. (Step S36). Thereby, the distance calculation notification process in the second embodiment is completed.

[Operational effects of the electronic pen system of the second embodiment]
According to this electronic pen system, when the user traces the map display area 100 with the electronic pen 10B, the electronic pen 10B calculates the coordinates on the traced path at predetermined intervals, and the entry information including the coordinates. 250 is generated and stored in the memory 12. When the user brings the electronic pen 10B into contact with the transmission area 110, the electronic pen 10B collectively transmits the entry information 250 to the terminal device 25B. Then, the terminal device 25B acquires the entry information 250 from the electronic pen 10B, determines a locus (handwriting) based on the coordinate data 253 of the entry information 250, and calculates the length L of the locus, With reference to the scale value c, the distance (distance) D on the ground surface is calculated. As described above, the terminal device 25B obtains the entry information 250 including the coordinate data 253 calculated along the path traced by the electronic pen 10B, and thereby the trajectory (based on the coordinate data 253 of the entry information 250 ( The terminal device 25B can calculate the distance D on the ground surface in an arbitrary route traced by the user with the electronic pen 10B by calculating the length L of the locus (handwriting). .

  The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments.

  In the above embodiment, the distance calculation means 42 refers to the scale value c to trace the route on the map area 100 to obtain the distance (path) D on the ground surface. In order to simply obtain the length traced on the dedicated paper 20, instead of obtaining the distance (distance), the distance calculation means 42 is allowed to calculate the length of the line integral without referring to the scale value. The voice output unit 43 may output the voice.

  In the above embodiment, the distance calculation unit 42 acquires the scale value c from the information storage unit 40 prior to the calculation of the length L of the trajectory (handwriting), but calculates the length L of the trajectory. Later, the scale value c may be acquired.

  In the above embodiment, if the coordinate data 253 included in the entry information 250 received by the data communication means 41 is the same continuously, the second and subsequent entry information 250 out of the entry information 250 of the same coordinate data 253. May not be stored in the information storage means 40, and the distance calculation means 42 may not be added to the calculation of the length of the trajectory. Thereby, the processing burden of the terminal devices 25A and 25B can be reduced. Similarly, in the electronic pen 10B of the above-described embodiment, if the coordinate data 253 included in the acquired entry information 250 is continuously the same, the second and subsequent pieces of entry information 250 of the same coordinate data 253 are used. The entry information 250 may not be stored in the memory 12.

  In the above embodiment, the electronic pen 10 having an ink cartridge is used. However, a pen type scanner without an ink cartridge may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the terminal devices 25A and 25B notify the distance (distance) D on the ground surface by voice by the voice output unit 43. However, the terminal devices 25A and 25B are not limited to this, and output to the display unit 44 as characters or images. It may be.

  Further, property information (pen information or pen owner information) regarding the pen itself or its owner may be held in the electronic pen 10 so that it can be referred to from the terminal device 25, or property information. May be transmitted to the terminal device 25 together with the entry information. The pen information includes battery level, pen ID, pen manufacturer number, pen software version, subscription provider ID, free memory capacity, and the like. The pen owner information includes nationality, language, time zone, email address, name, address, fax / phone number, mobile phone number, and the like.

  In the above embodiment, the dot is ink containing carbon that absorbs infrared rays, and the LED 15 of the electronic pen 10 is an LED that irradiates infrared rays. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the dot is ink that emits light of a predetermined wavelength by light of a predetermined wavelength, the LED 15 of the electronic pen 10 is irradiated with light that emits ink of the dot, and the region of the wavelength that the ink of the dot is emitted by the camera 16 By detecting the dot pattern, the electronic pen 10 may read the dot pattern. If the dot pattern can be read by the camera 16, the ink type of the dot and the irradiation light of the LED 15 are limited to those shown in the above embodiment. I can't. In addition, as long as the position coordinates on the dedicated paper 20 can be specified, another coded pattern such as a two-dimensional code pattern may be used instead of the dot pattern.

  The present invention provides a map for mountain climbing, a map application such as a town map, an architectural application such as a architectural sketch, a design drawing, and the shortest distance of the route traced to the goal, which are composed of paper (medium) for electronic pens. It can be applied to a maze quiz to compete.

It is a figure which shows the usage pattern of an electronic pen typically. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic pen in 1st Embodiment. (A) shows the exclusive paper in 1st Embodiment, (b) is a figure which shows the exclusive paper in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the expression method of the information by the dot pattern printed on the exclusive paper. (A) shows a dot pattern typically, and (b) is a figure showing an example of information corresponding to it. It is a figure which shows the structure of entry information. It is a functional block diagram of the terminal device in a 1st embodiment. It is a module block diagram of the exclusive application in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline of the handwriting by the electronic pen on the exclusive paper in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the distance calculation notification process in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic pen in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline of the handwriting by the electronic pen on the exclusive paper in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the distance calculation notification process in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  10, 10A, 10B ... electronic pen, 11 ... processor, 12 ... memory, 13 ... data communication unit, 14 ... battery, 15 ... LED, 16 ... camera, 18 ... pressure sensor, 20, 20A, 20B ... dedicated paper (medium , 22 ... clock, 25, 25A, 25B ... terminal device, 40 ... information storage means, 41 ... data communication means, 42 ... distance calculation means, 43 ... sound output part, 44 ... display part, 55 ... dedicated application, 100 ... map area, 110 ... transmission area.

Claims (6)

A terminal device that receives discrete coordinate data calculated by reading a coded pattern printed on a medium from an electronic pen or a scanner, and calculates a distance according to the length of the handwriting from the coordinate data,
Data communication means for receiving coordinate data;
Distance calculating means for calculating a distance according to the length of the handwriting based on the coordinate data received by the data communication means and calculated by the electronic pen or the scanner along the handwriting. A terminal device. A path indicated by handwriting on the map area from the coordinate data received from the electronic pen or scanner by reading the coded pattern of the medium on which the map area and the coded pattern are printed. A terminal device for calculating a distance on the ground surface corresponding to
Data communication means for receiving coordinate data;
Distance calculation for calculating the distance on the ground surface based on the coordinate data received by the data communication means and calculated by the electronic pen or the scanner along the handwriting and the scale value of the map in the map area A terminal device.   The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the distance calculation unit calculates the distance using line integration.   The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the distance calculation unit calculates the distance by linearly interpolating between coordinate data. A program executed by a computer that receives discrete coordinate data calculated by reading a coded pattern printed on a medium from an electronic pen or scanner and calculates a distance corresponding to the length of the handwriting from the coordinate data. There,
Data communication means for receiving coordinate data;
Based on the coordinate data received by the data communication means and calculated by the electronic pen or the scanner along the handwriting, the computer is caused to function as a distance calculating means for calculating a distance according to the length of the handwriting. A program characterized by that. A path indicated by handwriting on the map area from the coordinate data received from the electronic pen or scanner by reading the coded pattern of the medium on which the map area and the coded pattern are printed. Is a program executed by a computer that calculates the distance on the surface corresponding to
Data communication means for receiving coordinate data;
Distance calculation for calculating the distance on the ground surface based on the coordinate data received by the data communication means and calculated by the electronic pen or the scanner along the handwriting and the scale value of the map in the map area A program for causing the computer to function as means.

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