Communication system and terminal device

Abstract

In a communication system in which provision information generated by inputting a position indication by a user of a terminal device corresponding to provided prescribed provision information is transmitted to a server device, the provision information correspondence reply information is efficiently collected. The communication system includes a server device and a terminal device communicably connected. The terminal device includes a position detection sensor for detecting a position indication input, a discrimination section for distinguishing and determining a position indication input in a reply information region corresponding to an input field of the provision information correspondence reply information in a position detection region of the position detection sensor and a position indication input in a region outside the reply information region, and a transmission control section for transmitting the position indication input in the reply information region determined by the discrimination section to the server device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system and a terminal device that transmits electronic data, such as answer information for a test question, as corresponding response information generated by a user of a terminal device that has been provided with information such as test questions, to a server device. Background Technology

[0002] In the past, entrance examinations and qualification examinations typically involved distributing paper sets of questions and answer sheets to candidates gathered in the examination room, collecting the answer sheets, and grading them. However, this method requires collecting the answer sheets and grading them, which increases the labor costs on the examination side and is time-consuming to manage the answer sheets.

[0003] As a solution to this problem, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-156996 and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-122475 have proposed a method for an online system that connects a server device on the test question providing side and a terminal device on the test taker side through a communication network.

[0004] According to the method based on this online system, the answer information is sent as electronic data from the terminal device to the server device and managed by the server device. Therefore, there is no need for manpower and effort to collect answer sheets, and management becomes easier.

[0005] Previously, in order to improve the efficiency of scoring, answers were often multiple-choice. However, in recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on the examinee's thinking and expression abilities. To construct an online system that meets these requirements, a terminal device is needed that can detect the examinee's handwritten input and acquire it as electronic data. Such a terminal device uses a device that includes a position detection sensor that detects handwritten input based on the position indication of an electronic pen, and is capable of displaying the handwritten input detected by the position detection sensor on a display screen and acquiring the handwritten input based on the position indication as electronic data (see, for example, Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-029519)).

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-156996

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-122475

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-029519 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] In the exams described above, test takers sometimes take notes or draft answers in order to obtain the responses recorded in the answer sheet. In the past, when only paper was used, test takers would use the back or gaps of the answer sheet containing the question sentences to draft their answers. However, in the cases described above where the information in the question sentences and the answer information are communicated as electronic data, since paper is not required, there is sometimes no paper available for drafting.

[0013] When using a terminal device like the one described in Patent Document 3 (for example, refer to Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-029519)), the examinee uses the blank space outside the answer column of the electronic page for inputting answers displayed on the screen to take notes and draft.

[0014] In this case, when all the electronic data entered by the user with location indication in the electronic page for inputting the answer displayed on the screen is sent to the server device as answer information, there is a problem that it is necessary to divide the input information of the answer field and the blank space outside it when evaluating based on the answer information collected by the server device, which is an unnecessary waste of time.

[0015] To avoid this problem, it is also possible to ask candidates to delete the blank entries. However, in this case, candidates would have to spend extra time and there is a problem of limited answer time, which is unsatisfactory.

[0016] Furthermore, not limited to the examinations described above, the same problem arises when, in cases where a response is sent to the server device along with information other than the required response, in relation to the specified information provided.

[0017] The purpose of this invention is to provide a communication system that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0018] Methods for solving problems

[0019] In order to solve the above problems,

[0020] A communication system is provided, comprising a server device and a terminal device communicatively connected, wherein the terminal device sends a response message corresponding to location indication input by a user of the terminal device, generated based on provided information corresponding to specified information provided, to the server device, characterized in that...

[0021] The terminal device includes:

[0022] A position detection sensor is used to detect the position indication input;

[0023] The discrimination unit distinguishes and determines the position indication input within the response information area corresponding to the input field of the provided information in the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor, and the position indication input in the area outside the response information area; and

[0024] The sending control unit sends the location indication input within the response information area determined by the discrimination unit to the server device.

[0025] In the communication system described above, when the information provided is, for example, a test question, and the corresponding response information is an answer to that test question, the position indicator input in the input field (answer field) corresponding to the response information can be sent to the server device as the response information. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the communication system of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of an examination server device constituting the communication system of the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 This diagram is used to illustrate the communication system of the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 This diagram is used to illustrate the communication system of the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the external structure of a terminal device constituting the communication system of the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a terminal device constituting the communication system of the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the electrical structure of a terminal device constituting the communication system of the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the position detection sensor and position detection circuit section of the terminal device constituting the communication system of the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 9This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the examination server device constituting the communication system of the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a flowchart that is part of an example of the process for explaining the operation of a terminal device constituting the communication system of the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a flowchart that is part of an example of the process for explaining the operation of a terminal device constituting the communication system of the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a flowchart that is part of an example of the process for explaining the operation of a terminal device constituting the communication system of the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a flowchart that is part of an example of the process for explaining the operation of a terminal device constituting the communication system of the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 14 This is a flowchart that is part of an example of the process for explaining the operation of a terminal device constituting the communication system of the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the communication system of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a response terminal in a communication system constituting the second embodiment.

[0042] Figure 17 This is a flowchart, which is part of an example of the process for explaining the operation of a relay control terminal in a communication system constituting a terminal device according to the second embodiment.

[0043] Figure 18 This is a flowchart, which is part of an example of the process for explaining the operation of a relay control terminal in a communication system constituting a terminal device according to the second embodiment.

[0044] Figure 19 This is a flowchart, which is part of an example of the process for explaining the operation of a relay control terminal in a communication system constituting a terminal device according to the second embodiment.

[0045] Figure 20 This is a flowchart that is part of an example illustrating the process by which a terminal device in a communication system constituting the second embodiment responds to a terminal's actions.

[0046] Figure 21This is a flowchart that is part of an example illustrating the process by which a terminal device in a communication system constituting the second embodiment responds to a terminal's actions.

[0047] Figure 22 This is a flowchart that is part of an example illustrating the process by which a terminal device in a communication system constituting the second embodiment responds to a terminal's actions.

[0048] Figure 23 This is a flowchart that is part of an example illustrating the process by which a terminal device in a communication system constituting the second embodiment responds to a terminal's actions.

[0049] Figure 24 This is a flowchart that is part of an example illustrating the process by which a terminal device in a communication system constituting the second embodiment responds to a terminal's actions.

[0050] Figure 25 This is a diagram illustrating a summary of a third embodiment of the communication system of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process by which a terminal device in a communication system constituting the third embodiment responds to a terminal's actions.

[0052] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the examination server device constituting the communication system of the first embodiment.

[0053] Figure 28 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a terminal device for demonstrating other embodiments of the communication system of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 29 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic pen used in other embodiments of the communication system of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 30 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an erasing unit used in other embodiments of the communication system of the invention.

[0056] Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the fourth embodiment of the communication system of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 32 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a fourth embodiment of the communication system of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The following is a reference. Figure 1The following describes embodiments of the communication system and terminal device of the present invention. The communication system described below is configured by connecting a server device and multiple terminal devices as client terminals through a communication network, and is an example of a system used for standardized examinations such as university entrance examinations.

[0059] In this example, the server device is an examination server device, and the terminal device is a device for each examinee to input answers and send them to the examination server device. In this example, the prescribed information provided to the terminal device includes examination schedule information and a multi-page examination question information sheet including an answer field. The corresponding response information provided is the examinee's identification information, consisting of the examinee's name and examination number entered in writing, and the written answer information relative to the examination question.

[0060] [First Implementation Method]

[0061] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a schematic structure of a first embodiment of the communication system of the present invention, which is configured by connecting an examination server device 1 and multiple terminal devices 2 via a communication network NW. In this first embodiment, the terminal device 2 is a standalone device, which is provided to each candidate, for example, in an examination room where candidates are gathered. It should be noted that, as will be described later, in this example of the first embodiment, the examination question information consists of information on a cover page with fields for filling in the names and examination numbers of each candidate, and information on one or more question pages following the cover page. In this first embodiment, the question page includes a question and an answer field corresponding to the question.

[0062] The examination server device 1 consists of a personal computer.

[0063] In this example, the terminal device 2 includes an electronic paper 21 as a display unit for showing each page of exam questions, and a position detection sensor 22 is provided on the back of the electronic paper 21 to detect the position indication input of the electronic pen 3, which serves as a position indicator. An image of writing marks generated by the writing input, which serves as the position indication input of the electronic pen 3, is also displayed on the electronic paper 21.

[0064] In this embodiment, the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor 22 is approximately the same size as the display area of ​​the electronic paper 21, and is configured such that the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor 22 and the display area of ​​the electronic paper 21 exactly overlap. In this embodiment, the position detection sensor 22 is an electromagnetic induction type position detection sensor that detects the indicated position of the electronic pen 3 by interacting with the electronic pen 3 through a signal based on electromagnetic induction coupling.

[0065] Furthermore, in this first embodiment, the communication network NW is composed of a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) network, and the examination server device 1 and multiple terminal devices 2 are configured to conduct wireless communication through access points installed in or near the examination room.

[0066] In this embodiment, the terminal device 2 includes a communication unit for communicating with the examination server device 1 via a communication network NW, and multiple operation buttons such as a next page button 23a for changing the page of the exam questions to the next page, a previous page button 23b for returning to the previous page, and a submit button 23c. The submit button 23c is used to submit answer information. If the submit button 23c is activated, the answer information, including the examinee's identification information (examinee's name and examination number), is sent to the examination server device 1 via the communication network NW.

[0067] It should be noted that, in this example, a recess 24 for mounting the electronic pen 3 is formed in the terminal device 2. In addition, the terminal device 2 is provided with an indicator 25, for example, made of an LED (Light Emitting Diode), for notifying power on / off status, communication, etc.

[0068]

[0069] In this first embodiment, before the exam begins, the exam server device 1 sends a power-on command to all of the multiple terminal devices 2 via the communication network NW, causing the terminal devices 2 to switch from standby mode to power-on mode.

[0070] Next, the examination server device 1 broadcasts the examination schedule information, including the examination start time and examination end time, to all of the multiple terminal devices 2 via the communication network NW. Each of the multiple terminal devices 2 stores the received examination schedule information in its storage unit.

[0071] Next, in this embodiment, before the start of the exam, the exam server device 1 broadcasts the exam questions, including the answer field, to all of the multiple terminal devices 2 via the communication network NW. Each of the multiple terminal devices 2 stores the received exam question information in its storage unit until at least the end of the exam.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal device 2 that receives the exam schedule information and exam question information performs control to ensure fairness among multiple candidates based on the exam start time and exam end time included in the exam schedule information.

[0073] In this embodiment, as a control for ensuring fairness, the terminal device 2 performs the following control, for example.

[0074] • The area for detecting the writing input of the electronic pen 3 within the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor is controlled by time. For example, before the start time of the exam and after the end time of the exam, writing input is only allowed in the fields for the examinee's name and exam number. In addition, writing input is allowed in the answer field from the start time of the exam to the end time of the exam.

[0075] • Communication with external devices other than the examination server device 1 via the communication network NW is prohibited before the start of the examination and from the start of the examination to the end of the examination.

[0076] • Disable all button operations before the exam starts; after the exam ends, only the submit button operation is allowed.

[0077] • If the submit button 23c is pressed during the period from the start of the exam to the end of the exam, subsequent writing input will be invalidated, and all subsequent button operations will be disabled (disallowed).

[0078] • The next page button 23a or the previous page button 23b can only be used during the period from the start time of the exam to the end time of the exam.

[0079] If the submit button 23c is activated, the terminal device 2 sends the answer information to the examination server device 1 via the communication network NW. In this case, regarding the answer information, it is also possible to send all the information, including the written input information of the answer entered into the answer field, from each page of the test question information provided by the examination server device 1, to the examination server device 1. However, this would increase the communication load, which is unsatisfactory in terms of communication capacity. Therefore, in this embodiment, the answer information consists of the information of each page (page number information) and the written input information of the answer on that page (i.e., the timing information of the coordinate position information in the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor 22), excluding the test question information.

[0080] Even with this structure, since the position range of the answer column for each question number contained on each page of the exam is fixed on each page, the exam server device 1 can identify which question number the answer is relative to if it knows the page number and the coordinate position information of the written input as the answer information.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after a period of time that takes into account the time it takes for the examinee to exit has elapsed since the end of the exam, the exam server device 1 sends a power-off command to the terminal device 2 via the communication network NW, and the terminal device 2 accepts the power-off command and performs the power-off operation.

[0082] With the configuration described above, the communication system consisting of the examination server device 1 and the terminal device 2 according to this embodiment can be used to construct an examination system that eliminates unfairness among candidates using the terminal device 2.

[0083] The following describes a detailed structural example and an operational example of the examination server device 1 and terminal device 2 constituting the communication system of this embodiment.

[0084] <Example of electrical structure of an exam server device>

[0085] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical structure of the examination server device 1. As shown... Figure 2 As shown, the examination server device 1 is configured by connecting a control unit 101, an information storage unit 102, a setting table information storage unit 103, a transmission information generation unit 104, an answer information receiving and processing unit 105, an answer information storage unit 106, and a communication unit 107 to the system bus 100.

[0086] The control unit 101, for example, is composed of a processor, which controls the overall operation of the examination server device 1. As mentioned earlier, in this example, the communication unit 107 is composed of a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) wireless communication unit.

[0087] The information storage unit 102 stores power-on commands, power-off commands, exam schedule information, and exam question information, including the answer column.

[0088] In this implementation, the exam information consists of multiple pages, including a one-page cover and one to several pages of questions, with each page assigned a page number. For example... Figure 3 As shown in (A), the cover page includes a field for the candidate's name (NA) and a field for their exam number (NB). Figure 3 As shown in (B), each page of the test question information includes one or more questions. Each question consists of its question number LA, question sentence LB, and answer field LC. Terminal device 2 receives the test question information, as follows: Figure 3 As shown in (B), the electronic paper 21 displays the candidate's name field NA, the candidate number field NB, the question number LA, the question sentence LB, and the answer field LC.

[0089] The size of each page of the exam information cover and question page is approximately equal to the size of the display area of ​​the electronic paper 21. Therefore, the size of each page of the exam information is also equal to the size of the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor 22. Thus, as described later, the position ranges of the candidate's name field NA and the candidate number field NB on the cover page, and the position ranges of the answer fields for each question on each page of the question page, can be established as corresponding coordinate ranges within the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor 22.

[0090] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown in (A) and (B), when the candidate's name field NA and the candidate number field NB on the cover page and the answer field LC on the question page are rectangular areas, the position range of each rectangular area can be determined by using the coordinates of the upper left corner and the lower right corner of the corresponding rectangular area in the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor 22.

[0091] In this case, such as Figure 4 As shown, the setting table information storage unit 103 stores setting table information that stores the correspondence between the page numbers of each page of the cover page and the title page, the column names contained in each page, and the position range of each column name (the position range within the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor). In this example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the cover page is numbered "0", and the title pages are numbered "1", "2", and so on.

[0092] And, as Figure 4 As shown, the setting table information includes information on the position range of the position detection sensor 22 relative to the candidate's name and examination number fields on the cover page, and information on the position range of the position detection sensor 22 relative to the answer fields for each question on each page of the question page. The setting table information determines the fields for filling in the corresponding response information, such as the candidate's name, examination number, and answer fields.

[0093] Under the control of the control unit 101, the information generation unit 104 reads the power-on command, power-off command, exam schedule information, and exam question information including the answer column from the information storage unit 102, and reads the setting table information from the setting table information storage unit 103 to generate the information to be sent. The information is then broadcast to multiple terminal devices 2 via the communication unit 107 and the communication network NW.

[0094] The answer information receiving and processing unit 105 saves the answer information received from the terminal device 2 via the communication unit 107 to the answer information storage unit 106. Furthermore, regarding each answer information saved to the answer information storage unit 106, the answer information receiving and processing unit 105 uses the setting table information from the setting table information storage unit 103 to obtain the information in the candidate's name field and the candidate number field of the cover page as identification information for the answer information, and performs a correspondence establishment process between each question number on each question page and the information in the answer field corresponding to that question number.

[0095] Thus, in this embodiment, the answer information collected from the examination server device 1 is stored for each examinee as information consisting of question numbers and their answers. Therefore, there is an advantage that the examination server device 1 can easily grasp the correspondence between question numbers and their answers for each examinee, and can easily score (evaluate) each examinee's answers.

[0096] It should be noted that, even when the answer to a question number is not descriptive but uniquely determined, by preparing the correct answer information for the question number, the scoring of the question with that number can be performed electronically, for example, in the examination server device 1, without the examiner's involvement.

[0097] It should be noted that, in Figure 2 In the block diagram, each processing unit of the sending information generation unit 104 and the reply information receiving processing unit 105 is a structure of a functional processing unit that can be executed by the control unit 101 using a software program.

[0098] <Example of the appearance and structure of terminal device 2>

[0099] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the terminal device 2 in this embodiment. Additionally, Figure 6 (A) is a top view of the terminal device 2 of the first embodiment. Figure 6 (B) is a side view of terminal device 2. Figure 6 (C) is in Figure 6 (B) is a partial sectional view of the part enclosed by 〇.

[0100] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in (A), the terminal device 2 has a rectangular plate-like structure, consisting of a sheet-like portion 2S and an electronic component housing portion 2K. In the terminal device 2 of this embodiment, the electronic component housing portion 2K is formed at one end of the long side of the rectangular sheet-like portion 2S.

[0101] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in (A) and (B), the sheet-like portion 2S has an extremely thin thickness of, for example, 3 millimeters, and is a sheet of, for example, A4 size. Figure 6 As shown in (C), the sheet portion 2S is equipped with electronic paper 21 and position detection sensor 22.

[0102] That is, such as Figure 6As shown in the cross-sectional view (C), a thin base member 26, for example made of resin, is disposed on the bottom side of the terminal device 2, and a frame shell 27, for example made of resin, is disposed around the base member 26. Furthermore, a position detection sensor 22, for example having multiple annular coils formed on a flexible substrate, is disposed in a recess, and an electronic paper 21 is disposed thereon. This recess is formed on the base member 26 by being surrounded by the frame shell 27.

[0103] In this example, the electronic paper 21 is composed of a microencapsulated electrophoretic module (EPD (Electrophoretic Display)). Furthermore, in this example, as... Figure 6 As shown in (C), the upper surface of the electronic paper 21 is protected by a transparent protective layer 28.

[0104] In this case, the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor 22 and the display area of ​​the electronic paper 21 are approximately the same size, and the electronic paper 12 and the position detection sensor are arranged with the two areas exactly overlapping. In this example, as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown by the dashed line in (A), the size of the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor 22 and the display area of ​​the electronic paper 21 occupies approximately the entire surface of the sheet portion 2S.

[0105] Therefore, the user can observe the image of the question sentence displayed on the electronic paper 21 of the sheet-like portion 2S, and write the answer in the answer field indicated by the displayed image using the writing input of the electronic pen 3. The writing input of the answer written in the answer field is read by the position detection sensor and becomes electronic data.

[0106] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in (B), the electronic component housing 2K is configured as a platform with a predetermined height, for example, 15 mm, from the bottom surface of the terminal device 2. Inside, it houses circuit components such as a position detection circuit connected to the position detection sensor 22 and a display control circuit for the electronic paper 21. In this example, the width of the electronic component housing 2K is approximately equal to the length of the terminal device 2, and the length of the electronic component housing 2K is the length capable of housing the electronic component, which in this example is approximately 60 to 70 mm.

[0107] And, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in (A), the aforementioned next page button 23a, previous page button 23b, and submit button 23c are operably exposed in the electronic component housing 2K. In addition, a recess 24 for holding the electronic pen 3 is formed in the electronic component housing 2K, and an indicator 25 is provided.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a terminal is provided on the side of the electronic component housing 2K for charging the rechargeable battery of the terminal device 2 and exchanging data with the electronic circuit inside the electronic component housing 2K. In this example, it is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 29.

[0109] <Example of electrical structure of terminal device 2>

[0110] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical structure of terminal device 2. As shown... Figure 7 As shown, the terminal device 2 is connected to the system bus 200 via the control unit 201, wireless communication unit 202, receiving information processing unit 203, examination schedule information storage unit 204, examination question information storage unit 205, clock circuit unit 206, transmitting information generation unit 207, display information generation unit 208, display control unit 209, position detection circuit unit 210, writing input information validity / invalidity determination unit 211, answer information storage unit 212, and operation button interface (in... Figure 7 The interface is referred to as I / F (hereinafter the same). It consists of a button operation valid / invalid determination unit 213, an indicator interface 214, a buzzer sound reporting unit 216, a USB interface 217, and a charging control unit 218.

[0111] The control unit 201, for example, is composed of a processor, and performs overall control of the terminal device 2. In this embodiment, the terminal device 2 is in a standby state, supplying power voltage to the control unit 201 and the wireless communication unit 202, before power is turned on based on a power-on command from the examination server device 1.

[0112] In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 202 is a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) wireless communication unit, used for communicating with the examination server device 1 via the communication network NW.

[0113] Under the control of the control unit 201, the receiving information processing unit 203 determines the information received through the wireless communication unit 202, stores the examination schedule information received from the examination server device 1 to the examination schedule information storage unit 204, and stores the examination question information and setting table information to the examination question information storage unit 205.

[0114] Furthermore, when the receiving information processing unit 203 determines that a power-on command has been received from the examination server device 1, although... Figure 7The diagram is omitted, but the control unit 201 controls the supply of power voltage from the battery 219 to each part. Furthermore, when the receiving information processing unit 203 determines that a power-off command has been received from the examination server device 1, the control unit 201 controls the supply of power voltage from the battery 219 to each part.

[0115] The clock circuit section 206 provides time information in hours, minutes, and seconds, and as described later, it is used to perform controls related to writing input of the electronic pen 3 via the position detection sensor 22 based on the exam start time and exam end time included in the exam schedule information, controls related to accepting operations of operation buttons 23a, 23b, and 23c, and controls related to display of the electronic paper 21.

[0116] The clock circuit 206 has been pre-synchronized with all the terminal devices 2 installed in the examination room. Time synchronization can be performed via a time synchronization command from the examination server device 1, or it can be performed using other devices. Alternatively, the clock circuit 206 can be configured as a radio-controlled clock, thus autonomously and consistently recording accurate times.

[0117] The information generation unit 207 generates information, i.e., response information, that is, information sent from the terminal device 2 via the wireless communication unit 202.

[0118] It should be noted that, as described below, in this embodiment, the receiving information processing unit 203 processes only the information from the examination server device 1 as received information, the sending information generation unit 207 generates only the sending information to the examination server device 1, and the wireless communication unit 202 communicates only with the examination server device 1.

[0119] The display information generation unit 208 generates display image information for display on the electronic paper 21 and sends it to the display control unit 209. The electronic paper 21 is connected to the display control unit 209, and the display control unit 209 controls the display of the display image based on the display image information generated by the display information generation unit 208 on the electronic paper 21.

[0120] In this embodiment, the display information generation unit 208, under the control unit 201, controls the display image information displayed on the electronic paper 21 based on the examination schedule information stored in the examination schedule information storage unit 204.

[0121] That is, before the start of the exam, the display information generation unit 208 can only read the information of the cover page of the exam questions from the exam question information storage unit 205, generate display image information of the cover page showing only the fields for filling in the examinee's name and exam number, and display it on the electronic paper 21 via the display control unit 209. Furthermore, between the start and end of the exam, the display information generation unit 208 can read all the information of the cover page and the question page of the exam questions from the exam question information storage unit 205, generate display image information of the page of exam questions indicated by the examinee, and display it on the electronic paper 21 via the display control unit 209. Furthermore, after the end of the exam, the display information generation unit 208 can only read the information of the cover page of the exam questions from the exam question information storage unit 205, generate display image information of the cover page showing only the fields for filling in the examinee's name and exam number, and display it on the electronic paper 21 via the display control unit 209.

[0122] A position detection sensor 22 is connected to the position detection circuit section 210. The position detection circuit section 210 detects the position indicated by the electronic pen 3 within the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor 22, obtains writing trace information (writing input information) as timing information of the detection result of the indicated position, and sends it to the system bus 200. Figure 8 The diagram shows a detailed structural example of the position detection circuit 210 and the position detection sensor 22.

[0123] like Figure 8 As shown, the electronic pen 3, which interacts with the position detection sensor 22 of this embodiment, has a built-in resonant circuit consisting of a coil 31 and a capacitor 32 connected in parallel with the coil 31.

[0124] Furthermore, in Figure 8 In the example where the longitudinal direction of the sheet-like portion 2S is set as the X-axis direction and the transverse direction as the Y-axis direction, the position detection sensor 22 is composed of an X-axis direction loop coil 22X and a Y-axis direction loop coil 22Y. The X-axis direction loop coil 22X consists of n (n is an integer greater than 2) rectangular loop coils 22X1 to 22X arranged in the X-axis direction. n The structure consists of m (where m is an integer greater than or equal to 2) ring coils 22Y1 to 22Y arranged along the Y-axis. m constitute.

[0125] Furthermore, in Figure 8 In the example, the position detection circuit 210 is configured to include a selection circuit 2101, an oscillator 2102, a current driver 2103, a transmit / receive switching circuit 2104, a receiver amplifier 2105, an indication position detection circuit 2106, and a processing control unit 2107.

[0126] The selection circuit 2101 sequentially selects one of the multiple X-axis loop coils 22X and multiple Y-axis loop coils 22Y, and uses the selected loop coil to send signals to the electronic pen 3 and receive signals fed back from the electronic pen 3.

[0127] The selection circuit 2101 is connected to the transmit / receive switching circuit 2104, which is controlled by the processing control unit 2107. When the transmit / receive switching circuit 2104 is connected to the transmit-side terminal T, an AC signal is supplied from the oscillator 2102 to the selection circuit 2101. When the transmit / receive switching circuit 2104 is connected to the receive-side terminal R, the signal from the selection circuit 2101 is supplied to the position detection circuit 2106 through the receive amplifier 2105.

[0128] The position detection circuit 2106 detects the induced voltage generated by the loop coil of the position detection sensor 22, i.e., the received signal, converts the detected output signal into a digital signal, and outputs it to the processing control unit 2107. The processing control unit 2107 calculates the coordinate values ​​of the indicated position of the electronic pen 3 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions based on the digital signal from the position detection circuit 2106, i.e., the voltage level of the induced voltage generated in each loop coil. Furthermore, the processing control unit 2107 sends writing input information, composed of timing data of the calculated coordinate values, to the system bus 200.

[0129] The valid / invalid input information determination unit 211 determines the validity / invalidity of the written input information from the position detection circuit unit 210 based on the time determined by the examination schedule information stored in the examination schedule information storage unit 204. In this embodiment, before the start time of the examination and after the end time of the examination, the written input information determination unit 211 determines the written input information on the cover page of the examination questions, which displays the fields for filling in the examinee's name and examination number, as valid, and determines the written input information on pages other than the cover page as invalid. Furthermore, the written input information determination unit 211 determines the written input information on all pages of the examination questions as valid from the start time of the examination to the end time of the examination.

[0130] It should be noted that the display information generation unit 208 generates display image information based on the written input information that is determined to be valid, and the display control unit 209 displays the display image on the electronic paper 21 at the position where the written input information was input as indicated by the electronic pen 3.

[0131] In the answer information storage unit 212, written input information deemed valid by the written input information validity / invalidity determination unit 211 is stored as answer information. In this case, the written input information of the examinee's name and examination number on the cover page of the exam questions is stored as the examinee's identification information regarding the answer information.

[0132] An operation button group 23 consisting of a next page button 23a, a previous page button 23b, and a submit button 23c is connected to the operation button interface 213. The operation button interface 213 detects which operation button among the next page button 23a, previous page button 23b, and submit button 23c of the operation button group 23 has been operated, and sends the information of the detected operation button to the system bus 200.

[0133] The button operation validity / invalidity determination unit 214 determines the validity / invalidity of the operation button information detected by the operation button interface 213 based on the time determined by the examination schedule information stored in the examination schedule information storage unit 204. In this embodiment, before the examination start time, the button operation validity / invalidity determination unit 214 determines the operation of all operation buttons in the operation button group 23 as invalid. After the examination end time, it determines only the operation of the submit button 23c as valid and the operation of the other operation buttons as invalid. Furthermore, the button operation validity / invalidity determination unit 214 determines the operation of all operation buttons in the operation button group 23 as valid from the examination start time to the examination end time.

[0134] The control unit 201 performs processing corresponding to the operation of the button that is determined to be valid by the button operation validity / invalidity determination unit 214. That is, when the operation button determined to be valid is the next page button 23a, the control unit 201 reads the exam question information of the next page displayed on the electronic paper 21 from the exam question information storage unit 205; and when the operation button determined to be valid is the previous page button 23b, the control unit 201 reads the exam question information of the previous page displayed on the electronic paper 21 from the exam question information storage unit 205, and controls the display of these information on the electronic paper 21. In addition, when the operation button determined to be valid is the submit button 23c, the control unit 201 controls the transmission of the answer information stored in the answer information storage unit 212 to the examination server device 1 via the transmission information generation unit 207 and the wireless communication unit 202.

[0135] An indicator 25 is connected to the indicator interface 215. Under the control of the control unit 201, the indicator interface 215 notifies the power supply to be turned on / off by lighting up or turning off the LEDs constituting the indicator 25, and notifies the electronic pen 3 that writing input is deemed invalid or the operation of the operation buttons of the operation button group 23 is deemed invalid by flashing the LEDs constituting the indicator 25.

[0136] The buzzer reporting unit 216 reports the invalidity of the written input information of the electronic pen 3 and the invalidity of the operation of the operation button group 23 by playing a buzzer.

[0137] A USB connector 29 is connected to the USB interface 217. If an external device is connected to the USB connector 29 via a USB cable, the USB interface 217 sends a connection notification to the control unit 201. If the control unit 201 accepts the connection notification, it activates the charging control unit 218. The charging control unit 218 is connected to the USB connector 29 and to the battery 219, and charges the battery 219 using the charging current transmitted through the USB connector 29.

[0138] It should be noted that, in Figure 7 In the block diagram shown, the receiving information processing unit 203, the sending information generation unit 207, the display information generation unit 208, the display control unit 209, the writing input information valid / invalid determination unit 211, and the button operation valid / invalid determination unit 214 are the structure of the functional processing unit that the control unit 201 executes using a software program.

[0139] <An example of the operation flow of the communication system in the first embodiment>

[0140] The following describes the operation flow of the examination server device 1 and the terminal device 2 when conducting a unified examination using the first embodiment of the communication system configured as described above.

[0141] <<Example of the operation flow of exam server device 1>>

[0142] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the examination server device 1 when conducting a unified examination using a communication system configured as described above, according to a first embodiment. In the following description, the structure of the control unit 101 of the examination server device 1, which configures the transmission information generation unit 104 and the response information receiving processing unit 105, as functional processing units executed by software programs, will be explained.

[0143] The control unit 101 first reads the power-on command from the information storage unit 102 and broadcasts it to multiple terminal devices 2 via the communication network NW (step S101). Next, the control unit 101 reads the exam schedule information from the information storage unit 102 and broadcasts it to multiple terminal devices 2 via the communication network NW (step S102). Next, the control unit 101 broadcasts the exam question information read from the information storage unit 102 and the setting table information read from the setting table information storage unit 103 to multiple terminal devices 2 via the communication network NW (step S103).

[0144] Then, the control unit 101 monitors the reception of response information from the terminal device 2 (step S104), and when it is determined that response information has been received, it saves the received response information to the response information storage unit 106 (step S105).

[0145] Then, the control unit 101 determines whether the reception of the answer information has ended by judging whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the exam (step S106). If it is determined that the reception of the answer information has not ended, the process returns to step S104, and the process after step S104 is repeated. In addition, if it is determined in step S106 that the reception of the answer information has ended, the control unit 101 reads the power disconnect command from the information storage unit 102 and broadcasts it to multiple terminal devices 2 via the communication network NW (step S107), thus ending the processing routine.

[0146] <<An example of the operation flow of terminal device 2>>

[0147] Figures 10-14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the terminal device 2 when conducting a unified examination using a first embodiment of a communication system configured as described above. In the following description, the control unit 201 of the terminal device 2 will be described as a functional processing unit that is executed by a software program, comprising the receiving information processing unit 203, the transmitting information generation unit 207, the display information generation unit 208, the display control unit 209, the writing input information validity / invalidity determination unit 211, and the button operation validity / invalidity determination unit 214.

[0148] In standby mode, the control unit 201 of terminal device 2 monitors the reception of power-on commands from examination server device 1 via communication network NW, and waits for the reception of power-on commands. Figure 10 Step S201). In step S201, when it is determined that a power-on command has been received, the control unit 201 supplies the power voltage from the battery 219 to each part to connect the power to the terminal device 2 (step S202).

[0149] Next, the control unit 201 monitors the reception of examination schedule information from the examination server device 1 via the communication network NW, and waits for the reception of examination schedule information (step S203). Furthermore, when it is determined in step S203 that examination schedule information has been received, the received examination schedule information is stored in the examination schedule information storage unit 204 (step S204).

[0150] Next, the control unit 201 monitors the reception of exam question information and setting table information from the exam server device 1 via the communication network NW, and waits for the reception of exam question information and setting table information (step S205). Furthermore, when it is determined in step S205 that exam question information and setting table information have been received, the received exam question information and setting table information are stored in the exam question information storage unit 205 (step S206).

[0151] Then, the control unit 201 reads the cover page containing the candidate's name and examination number from the stored examination question information and displays it on the electronic paper 21 (step S207). In addition, the control unit 201 prohibits access from the terminal device 2 to external devices other than the examination server device 1 via the wireless communication unit 202 (step S208).

[0152] Next, the control unit 201 refers to the exam schedule information in the exam schedule information storage unit 204 to determine whether it is time for the exam to start (step S209). If it is determined in step S209 that it is not time for the exam to start, the control unit 201 determines whether the position detection circuit unit 210 has detected writing input from the electronic pen 3 via the position detection sensor 22. Figure 11 Step S211).

[0153] When it is determined in step S211 that handwriting input has been detected, the control unit 201 refers to the setting table information stored in the test question information storage unit 205 (refer to...). Figure 4 To determine whether the written input is for the field of the examinee's name and examination number on the cover page (step S212).

[0154] In step S212, when it is determined that the written input is for the fields for the examinee's name and examination number on the cover page, the control unit 201 uses the function of the written input information validity / invalidity determination unit 211 to determine that the written input is valid, displays the written input information detected by the position detection circuit unit 210 on the electronic paper 21, establishes a correspondence with the page information (page number "0" on the cover page), and stores it in the response information storage unit 212 (step S213). Following step S213, the control unit 201 returns the processing to step S209 and repeats the processing after step S209.

[0155] Furthermore, if in step S212 it is determined that the written input is not in the fields for the examinee's name and examination number on the cover page, the control unit 201 uses the function of the written input information validity / invalidity determination unit 211 to determine that the written input is invalid, does not display it on the electronic paper 21, causes the notification indicator 25 to flash and plays a beep to report that the written input is invalid (step S214). Following step S214, the control unit 201 returns the process to step S209 and repeats the processing after step S209.

[0156] In addition, if it is determined in step S211 that no writing input is detected, the control unit 201 determines whether any operation button in the operation button group 23 has been operated (step S215).

[0157] When it is determined in step S215 that any operation button in the operation button group 23 has been operated, since it is before the start of the exam, operation of all operation buttons is prohibited. The control unit 201 uses the function of the button operation validity / invalidity determination unit 214 to determine that it is invalid, causes the notification indicator 25 to flash and plays a beep to report that the button operation is invalid (step S216). Furthermore, following step S218, the control unit 201 returns the process to step S209 and repeats the process after step S209.

[0158] In addition, if it is determined in step S215 that none of the operation buttons in the operation button group 23 have been operated, the control unit 201 returns the process to step S209 and repeats the process after step S209.

[0159] Next, in step S209, when it is determined that the exam has started, the control unit 201 determines whether the position detection circuit unit 210 has detected writing input from the electronic pen 3 via the position detection sensor 22. Figure 12 Step S221).

[0160] In step S221, when writing input is detected, the control unit 201 determines whether the writing input is from the cover page or the question page (step S222). In step S222, if it is determined that the writing input is from the cover page, the control unit 201 refers to the setting table information stored in the question information storage unit 205 (reference...). Figure 4 To determine whether to input the candidate's name and examination number in the fields (step S223).

[0161] In step S223, when it is determined that the writing input is to fill in the fields for the examinee's name and examination number on the cover page, the control unit 201 uses the function of the writing input information validity / invalidity determination unit 211 to determine that the writing input is valid, displays the writing input information detected by the position detection circuit unit 210 on the electronic paper 21, establishes a correspondence with the page information (page number "0" on the cover page) and stores it in the response information storage unit 212 (step S224).

[0162] Furthermore, in step S223, when it is determined that the written input is not in the fields for the examinee's name and examination number on the cover page, in this example, the control unit 201 uses the function of the written input information validity / invalidity determination unit 211 to determine that the written input is invalid as identification information for answering questions, but it is still displayed on the electronic paper 21 (step S225). The purpose of this step S225 is to ensure that, although the written input other than the fields for the examinee's name and examination number on the cover page during the period from the start time of the exam to the end time of the exam is invalid as identification information for answering questions, it is displayed on the electronic paper 21 as the examinee's notes or memos, thus facilitating the examinee's convenience.

[0163] When it is determined in step S222 that the input is to write on the question page, the control unit 201 refers to the setting table information stored in the question information storage unit 205 (refer to...). Figure 4 To determine whether it is input to the answer field (step S226).

[0164] When it is determined in step S226 that the writing input is a writing input to the answer column of the question page, the control unit 201 uses the function of the writing input information validity / invalidity determination unit 211 to determine that the writing input is valid, displays the writing input information detected by the position detection circuit unit 210 on the electronic paper 21, establishes a correspondence with the page information of the question page, and stores it in the answer information storage unit 212 (step S227).

[0165] Furthermore, in step S226, when it is determined that the written input is written input other than the answer field on the question page, in this example, the control unit 201 uses the function of the written input information validity / invalidity determination unit 211 to determine that the written input is invalid as answer information, but it is still displayed on the electronic paper 21 (step S228). This step S228 is also for the convenience of the examinee to display it as the examinee's notes or memos on the electronic paper 21.

[0166] Furthermore, following steps S224, S225, S227, and S228, when it is determined in step S221 that no writing input has been detected, the control unit 201 determines whether any operation button in the operation button group 23 has been operated. Figure 13Step S231).

[0167] In step S231, when it is determined that any operation button in the operation button group 23 has been operated, since it is the time between the start time and the end time of the exam, the control unit 201 uses the function of the button operation validity / invalidity determination unit 214 to determine that the operation of all operation buttons is valid, and determines which operation button in the operation button group 23 has been operated (step S232).

[0168] When it is determined in step S232 that the next page button 23a has been operated, the control unit 201 erases the display information of the currently displayed page on the electronic paper 21 and displays the display information of the next page (step S233). Similarly, when it is determined in step S232 that the previous page button 23b has been operated, the control unit 201 erases the display information of the currently displayed page on the electronic paper 21 and displays the display information of the previous page (step S234). It should be noted that if the cover page or question page already contains the candidate's name, examination number, etc., or if the question page already contains answers, these inputs are also displayed on the screen of the electronic paper 21.

[0169] Furthermore, following steps S233 and S234, or if it is determined in step S231 that none of the operation buttons in the operation button group 23 have been operated, the control unit 201 determines whether the exam has ended (step S235). If it is determined that the exam has not ended, the process returns. Figure 12 Step S221 is repeated, and the subsequent processing is performed repeatedly.

[0170] Furthermore, when it is determined in step S232 that the submit button 23c has been operated, the control unit 201 sends the answer information, including the information in the fill-in fields of the candidate's name and examination number on the cover page and the information in the answer field on the question page, to the examination server device 1 through the wireless communication unit 202 and the communication network NW (step S236).

[0171] Following step S236, the control unit 201 disables all writing input by the electronic pen 3 after the operation of the submit button 23c, the operation of the operation button group 23, and all communication via the wireless communication unit 202 (step S237).

[0172] Following step S237, the control unit 201 monitors the reception of a power-off command from the examination server device 1 via the wireless communication unit 202, and waits for the power-off command to be received (step S238). In step S238, when it is determined that a power-on command has been received, the control unit 201 initiates processing. Figure 14In step S250, the power supply from the battery 219 to each part is stopped, thereby disconnecting the power supply to the terminal device 2 and ending the processing routine.

[0173] Next, in step S235, when it is determined that the exam has ended, the control unit 201 controls the process by reading the cover page of the exam question information from the exam question information storage unit 205 and displaying it on the electronic paper 21 (step S239). It should be noted that, on the cover page after the exam ends, a message urging the submit button can also be displayed on the electronic paper 21 to ensure the test taker's reliable operation of the submit button.

[0174] Furthermore, the control unit 201 then determines whether the writing input of the electronic pen 3 has been detected by the position detection circuit unit 210 through the position detection sensor 22. Figure 14 Step S241). In this step S241, when it is determined that writing input has been detected, the control unit 201 refers to the setting table information stored in the test question information storage unit 205 (refer to...). Figure 4 To determine whether the written input is for the candidate's name and examination number fields (step S242).

[0175] In step S242, when it is determined that the writing input is to fill in the name and examination number of the examinee, the control unit 201 uses the function of the writing input information validity / invalidity determination unit 211 to determine that the writing input is valid, displays the writing input information detected by the position detection circuit unit 210 on the electronic paper 21, establishes a correspondence with the page information (page number "0" of the cover page) and stores it in the answer information storage unit 212 (step S243).

[0176] In addition, when it is determined in step S242 that the written input is not in the fields for filling in the examinee's name and examination number on the cover page, the control unit 201 uses the function of the written input information validity / invalidity determination unit 211 to determine the written input as invalid, does not display it on the electronic paper 21, causes the notification indicator 25 to flash and plays a beeping sound to report that the written input is invalid (step S244).

[0177] Furthermore, following steps S243 and S244, if it is determined in step S241 that no writing input is detected, the control unit 201 determines whether any operation button in the operation button group 23 has been operated (step S245).

[0178] If it is determined in step S245 that any operation button in the operation button group 23 has been operated, the control unit 201 determines whether the operated button is the submit button 23c (step S246).

[0179] When it is determined in step S246 that the operation is the submit button 23c, the control unit 201 uses the function of the button operation validity / invalidity determination unit 214 to determine that it is a valid operation, and sends the answer information, including the information in the fill-in field of the candidate's name and the fill-in field of the examination number on the cover page and the information in the answer field of the question page, to the examination server device 1 through the wireless communication unit 202 and the communication network NW (step S247).

[0180] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S246 that the operation is not the submit button 23c, since it is an operation of a prohibited button, the control unit 201 uses the function of the button operation valid / invalid determination unit 214 to determine it as invalid, causes the notification indicator 25 to flash and plays a beeping sound to report that the button operation is invalid (step S248).

[0181] Furthermore, following steps S247 and S248, the control unit 201 monitors the reception of the power-off command from the examination server device 1 via the wireless communication unit 202, and waits for the power-off command to be received (step S249). If it is determined in step S245 that the operation button has not been operated, the control unit 201 also causes the process to proceed to step S249, waiting for the power-off command to be received.

[0182] Furthermore, when it is determined in step S249 that a power disconnection command has been received, the control unit 201 stops the supply of power voltage from the battery 219 to each part and disconnects the power supply to the terminal device 2 (step S250), thus ending the processing routine.

[0183] <Effects of the First Implementation Method>

[0184] In the terminal device 2 of the communication system configured as described above, by changing the area in the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor that receives the writing input of the electronic pen 3 corresponding to each time period before the start time of the exam, between the start time of the exam and the end time of the exam, and after the end time of the exam, the fairness among candidates can be reliably guaranteed.

[0185] That is, before the start of the exam and after the end of the exam, only the fields for the candidate's name and exam number on the cover page are allowed to be entered. Entering text into the answer fields on the question page is prohibited or invalidated. Entering text into the answer fields on the question page is only allowed between the start and end of the exam. Therefore, by preventing text entry during the period after the end of the exam, fairness among candidates can be guaranteed.

[0186] Furthermore, in the terminal device 2 of the communication system described in the first embodiment, by controlling the operation buttons in the operation button group 23 to enable operation in accordance with each time period before the start time of the exam, between the start time of the exam and the end time of the exam, and after the end time of the exam, the fairness among candidates can be further guaranteed.

[0187] In other words, the "Next Page" button (which moves the page containing exam questions to the next page) and the "Previous Page" button (which returns to the previous page) in the operation button group are only allowed to be used between the start and end of the exam. Therefore, it prevents candidates from flipping through the exam question pages before the exam begins and from returning to the question pages to write and input answers after the exam has ended, thus ensuring fairness among candidates.

[0188] Furthermore, in the terminal device 2 of the communication system described in the first embodiment, since it is configured to communicate only with the examination server device and not with other devices, it is possible to prevent improper behavior caused by communicating with other devices during the time period between the start and end of the examination.

[0189] Furthermore, in the terminal device 2 of the communication system described in the first embodiment, since only the information written into the answer field is sent to the examination server device 1 as answer information, the examination server device 1 can perform the evaluation of the answer information without processing such as extracting the answer information from the reply information from the terminal device 2.

[0190] <Modifications of the First Embodiment>

[0191] It should be noted that in the first embodiment described above, the examination server device 1 is used to control the power on and off of the terminal device 2. However, a power button can also be provided on the terminal device 2, allowing the user (examinee) to turn the power on and off. In the case where a power button is provided on the terminal device 2, the terminal device 2 requests a connection to the examination server device 1 when the power is on. Furthermore, in this case, when the examination server device 1 confirms that a connection has been established with the terminal device 2 via the communication network NW based on the connection request from the terminal device 2, it sends the exam question information and schedule information to the terminal device 2.

[0192] In addition, in the first embodiment described above, the exam schedule information, exam question information, and setting table information are sent from the exam server device 1 to each terminal device 2 before the exam begins. However, it is also possible to prepare terminal devices 2 that have the exam schedule information, exam question information, and setting table information stored in advance and lend them to each examinee. In this case, the exam server device 1 does not need to send any information to the terminal devices 2, and therefore only needs to receive and store the response information from the terminal devices 2.

[0193] It should be noted that although operation buttons 23a, 23b, and 23c are provided as mechanical components in the electronic component housing 2K, they can also be configured such that they are displayed as icon buttons at certain locations on the electronic paper 21, for example, on the side of the electronic component housing 2K, and the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor 22 detects the pointer operation of the electronic pen on each icon button. In this case, the operation input of the operation buttons becomes an example of the position indication input of the electronic pen 3.

[0194] It should be noted that, in the first embodiment described above, in Figure 12 In step S223, if the field for filling in the candidate's name or examination number is determined not to be on the cover page, and in step S226, if the field for filling in the answer is determined not to be on the question page, the answer is only displayed on the electronic paper 21 without being saved or sent to the examination server device 1. However, it may also be saved and sent to the examination server device 1 along with the answer information. In this case, the evaluator of the examination results can refer to this written input information other than the answer information as material to understand the candidate's thought process in arriving at the answer, and it can sometimes be used as part of the evaluation.

[0195] In addition, Figure 12 In step S223, if the field for filling in the candidate's name or candidate number is not on the cover page, or in step S226, if the field for filling in the answer field is not on the question page, the written input can be invalidated and not displayed on the electronic paper 21. The invalidity will be reported via the indicator 25 and a beep.

[0196] In addition, the power on and off of the terminal device 2 may not be performed remotely from the examination server device 1 as in the above-described embodiment, but rather a power button may be provided on the terminal device 2 and configured for user operation.

[0197] Furthermore, candidates can fill in their name and examination number on the cover page before and after the start of the exam, but a restriction on filling in their name and examination number may be imposed after the start of the exam. Also, candidates cannot fill in their name and examination number on the cover page during the exam, but they will be given an opportunity to confirm and correct their information after the exam and before submission.

[0198] In addition, the submission of answer information based on the operation of the submit button 23c can be carried out during the exam, but it can also be limited to after the exam.

[0199] [Second Implementation]

[0200] The second embodiment is a variation of the communication system described in the first embodiment, and is also an example applied to a standardized examination. In the first embodiment, the exam question information is provided to the terminal device in such a way that the question page includes an answer field. In contrast, in this second embodiment, the question page only includes the questions and does not include an answer field; the exam question information is divided into question page information and answer page information. In this case, in this example, the question page and the answer page are respectively the cover page (page number 0) and the page following the cover page, and are corresponding pages. Furthermore, in this second embodiment, the question page and the answer page are displayed on different devices, and the device displaying the answer page is configured as an input capable of providing answers.

[0201] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a schematic representation of the structure of the communication system according to the second embodiment. Figure 15 As shown, in the communication system of the second embodiment, the examination server device 1A has the same structure as in the first embodiment, and the terminal device 20 connected to the examination server device 1A via the communication network NW consists of a response terminal device 4 (hereinafter referred to as a response terminal) and a relay control terminal 5 installed between the response terminal 4 and the communication network NW and performing relay control of information between the examination server device 1 and the response terminal 4. That is, the terminal device 20 consists of two devices: a first device and a second device.

[0202] The examination server device 1A of the second embodiment has the same structure as the examination server device 1 of the first embodiment, and performs the same... Figure 6 The actions shown are the same. However, in this second embodiment, as described above, the exam information is divided into question page information and answer page information. Furthermore, the page displaying the input fields for the examinee's name and exam number (see [reference]). Figure 3 (A) is the cover page (page number 0) for the answer page information. The cover page (page number 0) for the question page information is, for example, a page containing information that candidates should read before the start of the exam, such as precautions for candidates facing the exam.

[0203] Furthermore, the answer pages following the cover page correspond to the question pages following the cover page. For example, if the first page of the question page contains two questions, Question 1 and Question 2, then the first page of the corresponding answer pages will have designated areas for answer fields for Question 1 and Question 2, respectively. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, if the page number (in the second embodiment, the answer page number) is known, it is possible to determine which question the answer corresponds to.

[0204] Therefore, the setting table information in the second embodiment is formed as information relative to the answer page information. That is, Figure 4 The cover page in the settings table shown is the cover page for the answer page. Additionally, replacing... Figure 4 The page number of the question page is used instead of the page number of the answer page, and the position range is the information of the position range of the answer column of the question in each page of the answer page.

[0205] As described above, the examination server device 1A of the second embodiment differs only in the examination question information and setting table information provided to the terminal device; otherwise, it is the same as the examination server device 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, details of the structure and operation of the examination server device 1A of the second embodiment will be omitted here.

[0206] The relay control terminal 5 has a wireless communication unit, such as Wi-Fi (trademark), for connecting to the examination server device 1A via a communication network NW, and in this example, a Bluetooth (trademark) standard wireless communication unit for wirelessly connecting to the response terminal 4. Furthermore, the relay control terminal 5 has a display screen 5D for displaying exam question information. It should be noted that the image display speed on the display screen 5D of the relay control terminal 5 is faster than the image display speed on the electronic paper 12 of the response terminal 4.

[0207] In this second embodiment, the relay control terminal 5 is composed of a high-performance portable telephone terminal called a smartphone, and the display screen 5D in this example is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

[0208] Furthermore, the functions of the relay control terminal 5 in this second embodiment are pre-installed as one of the application software executed by the smartphone. It should be noted that the structure of smartphones is well known; therefore, a detailed description of the structure of the relay control terminal 5 is omitted here.

[0209] The answering terminal 4 does not have a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) wireless communication unit 202 for direct connection to the examination server device 1 via the communication network NW. Instead, it has a wireless communication unit based on a standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) for wireless connection to the relay control terminal 5. Furthermore, the answering terminal 4 does not display the question page containing the examination questions; therefore, the answer page information and setting table information from the examination question information are stored in the examination question information storage unit 205.

[0210] If we disregard the two differences mentioned above, then terminal 4 possesses the same... Figure 7 The terminal device 2 of the first embodiment shown has the same electrical structure. Therefore, detailed block diagrams of the electrical structure example of the response terminal 4 are omitted here. It should be noted that in the following description, the same reference numerals are used to describe the same structural parts as those of the terminal device 2 of the first embodiment in the response terminal 4.

[0211] In this second embodiment, the relay control terminal 5 only requires the examinee to be near the answer terminal 4 so that they can observe the display screen 5D while writing their answer to the answer terminal 4 using the electronic pen 3. However, in this second embodiment, the answer terminal 4 is configured such that the relay control terminal 5 can lean against and lock onto the answer terminal 4, making it easy to write the answer while observing the display screen 5D of the relay control terminal 5.

[0212] That is, in this example, the response terminal 4 has a relay control terminal mounting section 2H for enabling the relay control terminal 5 to lean against and lock. Figure 16 (A) is a top view of the response terminal 4 of this second embodiment. Figure 16 (B) is the side view of terminal 4. Figure 16 (C) is a diagram showing the state in which the relay control terminal 5 is leaned against and locked to the relay control terminal mounting section 2H of the locking response terminal 4.

[0213] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown in (A) and (B), the relay control terminal mounting part 2H is formed in a state where it extends towards the side of the electronic component housing part 2K opposite to the side of the sheet-like part 2S. That is, as Figure 16 As shown in (A) and (B), the relay control terminal mounting part 2H is composed of an extension member 41 extending from the electronic component housing part 2K of the response terminal 4 along the bottom surface of the response terminal 4, and an inclined wall part 42 formed on the end side of the extension member 41 in the length direction of the response terminal. A recess 43 is formed in the extension member 41 to allow the end of the relay control terminal 5 to be inserted.

[0214] like Figure 16As shown in (C), if the housing of a smartphone, which is an example of a relay control terminal 5, is placed horizontally and inserted into the recess 43, the side end of the smartphone housing abuts against the wall of the electronic component housing portion 2K in the recess 43, thereby preventing the smartphone from falling down and locking into the relay control terminal mounting portion 2H.

[0215] It should be noted that even without using the relay control terminal mounting part 2H, by deepening the recessed portion of the recessed portion 24 used for mounting the electronic pen 3, it is possible to configure the relay control terminal 5 to rest against the recessed portion 24.

[0216] In addition, the relay control terminal 5 can be placed horizontally in the relay control terminal mounting section 2H and the recess 24, or it can be placed vertically.

[0217] Furthermore, exam questions can be provided not only as static images but also as animated images. This makes it easier to provide questions based on animated images when the questions are displayed independently of the answer page on the relay control terminal, as described in the above-described implementation. By enabling the provision of questions based on animated images, a variety of questions can be generated. This is particularly convenient for foreign language exams.

[0218] <An example of the operation flow of the communication system in the second embodiment>

[0219] <<Example of the operation process of Examination Server Device 1A>>

[0220] The operation of the examination server device 1A of the communication system in the second embodiment is the same as that of the examination server device 1 of the communication system in the first embodiment. Figure 9 The actions shown are the same, therefore, their explanation is omitted here. However, as mentioned before, the difference lies in the fact that the test question information consists of question page information and answer page information, and in the fact that the setting table information is related to the answer page information.

[0221] <<Example of the operation flow of relay control terminal 5>>

[0222] Figures 17-19 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the relay control terminal 5 in this second embodiment. As previously described, this flowchart is executed by running application software installed on the smartphone constituting the relay control terminal 5, which performs relay control functions.

[0223] First, the relay control terminal 5 monitors the reception of the power-on command from the examination server device 1A via the communication network NW, and waits for the power-on command to be received. Figure 17 (Step S301). In step S301, when it is determined that a power-on command has been received, the relay control terminal 5 transmits the received power-on command to the response terminal 4 (step S302).

[0224] Next, the relay control terminal 5 monitors the reception of examination schedule information from the examination server device 1A via the communication network NW, and waits for the reception of examination schedule information (step S303). Furthermore, when it is determined in step S303 that examination schedule information has been received, the relay control terminal 5 stores the received examination schedule information in the storage unit (step S304). Additionally, the relay control terminal 5 transmits the received examination schedule information to the response terminal 4 (step S305).

[0225] Next, the relay control terminal 5 monitors the reception of exam question information and setting table information from the exam server device 1A via the communication network NW, and waits for the reception of exam question information and setting table information (step S306). Furthermore, when it is determined in step S306 that exam question information and setting table information have been received, the relay control terminal 5 stores the question page information in the received exam question information to the storage unit, and displays the cover page (page number 0) of the question page information on the display screen 5D (step S307).

[0226] Next, the relay control terminal 5 sends the answer page information and setting table information from the test question information received from the test server device 1A to the answer terminal 4 (step S308).

[0227] In addition, the relay control terminal 5 prohibits access to external devices other than the examination server device 1A (step S309).

[0228] Next, relay control terminal 5 refers to the exam schedule information stored in the storage unit to determine whether it is the exam start time and waits for it to become the exam start time. Figure 18 Step S311). In step S311, when it is determined that the exam has started, the relay control terminal 5 displays the first page (page number 1) of the question page information on the display screen 5D (step S312). Thus, the examinee can read the questions displayed on the display screen 5D and input the answers to the first page of the question page using the answer terminal 4.

[0229] Next, the relay control terminal 5 determines whether it has received a next page request from the response terminal 4 to move to the next page (step S313). If it is determined that a next page request has been received, the question page information and the question information of the next page of the currently displayed page are displayed on the display screen 5D (step S314).

[0230] If it is determined in step S313 that no next page request has been received, then after step S314, the relay control terminal 5 determines whether it has received a previous page request from the response terminal 4 to return to the previous page (step S315). If it is determined that a previous page request has been received, the information of the question page information and the question information of the previous page of the currently displayed page are displayed on the display screen 5D (step S316).

[0231] If it is determined in step S315 that no previous page request has been received, then following step S316, the relay control terminal 5 determines whether the exam has ended (step S317). If it is determined in step S317 that the exam has not ended, the relay control terminal 5 determines whether it has received the answer page information and submission request from the answer terminal 4 (step S318).

[0232] If it is determined in step S318 that no response page information and submission request have been received from the response terminal 4, the relay control terminal 5 returns the processing to step S313 and repeats the processing after step S313.

[0233] In step S317, when it is determined that the exam has ended, the relay control terminal 5 also determines whether it has received the answer page information and submission request from the answer terminal 4. Figure 19 Step S321).

[0234] Furthermore, when it is determined in steps S318 and S321 that the answer page information and submission request have been received from the answer terminal 4, the relay control terminal 5 temporarily stores the received answer page information (step S322), and sends the answer page information temporarily stored in the relay control terminal 5 to the examination server device 1A through the communication network NW (step S323).

[0235] Next, the relay control terminal 5 monitors the reception of the power-off command from the examination server device 1A via the communication network NW, and waits for the power-off command to be received (step S324). If it is determined in step S324 that a power-off command has been received, the relay control terminal 5 transmits the received power-off command to the response terminal 4 (step S325). Then, the relay control terminal 5 terminates the processing routine.

[0236] <<Example of the process for responding to the action of terminal 4>>

[0237] Figures 20-24 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the answer terminal 4 when conducting a unified examination using a second embodiment of a communication system configured as described above.

[0238] When in standby mode, terminal 4 monitors the reception of the power-on command transmitted from relay control terminal 5 and waits for the power-on command to be received. Figure 20 Step S401). In step S401, when it is determined that a power-on command has been received, the response terminal 4 supplies power voltage to each part to turn on the power (step S402).

[0239] Next, the response terminal 4 monitors the reception of examination schedule information transmitted from the examination server device 1A via the relay control terminal 5, and waits for the reception of examination schedule information (step S403). Furthermore, when it is determined in step S403 that examination schedule information has been received, the received examination schedule information is stored in the examination schedule information storage unit 204 (step S404).

[0240] Next, the answer terminal 4 monitors the reception of the answer page information and setting table information transmitted from the relay control terminal 5, and waits for the reception (step S405). Furthermore, when it is determined in step S405 that the answer page information and setting table information have been received, the received answer page information and setting table information are stored in the test question information storage unit 205 (step S406).

[0241] Then, the answering terminal 4 reads the cover page containing the candidate's name and examination number from the stored answer page information and displays it on electronic paper 21 (step S407). Additionally, the answering terminal 4 disables access from the answering terminal 4 to any external source other than the relay control terminal 5 (step S408).

[0242] Next, the response terminal 4 refers to the examination schedule information in the examination schedule information storage unit 204 to determine whether it is the start time of the examination (step S409). If it is determined in step S409 that it is not yet the start time of the examination, the response terminal 4 executes... Figure 21 The process shown is handled in this way. Figure 21 The processing steps S411 to S416 correspond to the terminal device 2 of the first embodiment being executed. Figure 11 The processing of steps S211 to S216 before the start of the exam is the same.

[0243] That is, the answer terminal 4 responds through this Figure 21The processing procedure is as follows: before the start of the exam, writing input via electronic pen 3 is only accepted when the input is directed to the candidate's name and exam number fields on the cover page of the answer sheet. Writing input to other fields is prohibited. If writing input is directed to other fields, an invalid input is reported via a beep and indicator 25. Furthermore, before the start of the exam, all operation buttons in the operation button group 23 on the answer terminal 4 are disabled. Any operation of any button is considered invalid and is reported via a beep and indicator 25.

[0244] Next, in step S409, when it is determined that the exam has started, the response terminal 4... Figure 22 The processing flow is shown. Figure 22 The processing steps S421 to S428 correspond to the terminal device 2 of the first embodiment being executed. Figure 12 The steps S221 to S228 of the processing of writing input relative to the electronic pen 3 during the period from the start time of the exam to the end time of the exam are roughly the same.

[0245] However, in the second embodiment... Figure 22 In the processing flow, instead of processing each question page including the question page information in the answer column as in the first embodiment, it becomes processing the cover page and answer page of the answer page information. Therefore, in step S422, it becomes processing to determine whether the page on which the written input is detected is the cover page of the answer page information or the answer page.

[0246] Furthermore, if the determination result in step S422 is the cover page, then the answer terminal 4 performs steps S423 to S425. Inputs made to the candidate's name and candidate number fields are saved as part of the answer information (becoming identification information). Inputs made to other areas are neither displayed on the electronic paper 21 nor saved as answer information. Additionally, if the determination result in step S422 is the answer page, steps S426 to S428 are performed. Inputs made to the answer fields are saved as answer information, while inputs made to areas other than the answer fields are neither displayed on the electronic paper 21 nor saved as answer information.

[0247] Furthermore, following steps S424, S425, S427, and S428, in step S421, when it is determined that no written input has been detected, the response terminal 4 executes... Figure 23 The process shown is handled in this way. Figure 23 The processing steps S431 to S439 correspond to the terminal device 2 of the first embodiment being executed. Figure 13 The steps S231 to S239 of the processing of the operation buttons of the operation button group 23 during the period from the start time of the exam to the end time of the exam are largely the same, except for a few parts.

[0248] Terminal 4 responded via this Figure 23 In the processing flow, when any operation button in the operation button group 23 is operated during the period from the start time of the exam to the end time of the exam, the processing corresponding to the operated operation button is performed in the same way as in the first embodiment. However, in this second embodiment, since the question page is displayed on the display screen 5D of the relay control terminal 5, and the answer information is configured to be sent to the exam server device 1A through the relay control terminal 5, processing that takes into account the cooperation between the relay control terminal 5 and the answer terminal 4 is required.

[0249] Therefore, in Figure 23 In the processing flow, the processing of step S436 is different from step S236 in the case of the first embodiment, and step S440 is added as a preprocessing step corresponding to step S233 in the first embodiment, and step S441 is added as a preprocessing step corresponding to step S234 in the first embodiment.

[0250] That is, in Figure 23 In the processing flow, if only the differences between the first and second embodiments are explained, in step S436, based on the operation of the submit button 23c, the answer information is sent to the relay control terminal 5, and a submission request is sent to send the answer information to the examination server device 1A. Furthermore, when the next page button 23a is operated, the answer terminal 4 sends a request to the relay control terminal 5 in step S440 to make the question page the next page, i.e., a next page request. Then, in step S433, the next page of the answer page is displayed on the electronic paper 21. Moreover, when the previous page button 23b is operated, the answer terminal 4 sends a request to the relay control terminal 5 in step S441 to make the question page the previous page, i.e., a previous page request. Then, in step S434, the answer terminal 4 displays the previous page of the answer page on the electronic paper 21.

[0251] Furthermore, in Figure 23 In the processing flow, when it is determined in step S435 that the exam has ended, the answer terminal 4 controls the process by reading the cover page of the answer page information from the exam question information storage unit 205 and displaying it on the electronic paper 21 (step S439).

[0252] Then, the response terminal 4 executes. Figure 24 The processing flow is shown. Figure 24The processing steps S451 to S460 correspond to the terminal device 2 of the first embodiment being executed. Figure 14 The steps S241 to S250, which involve processing the writing input of the electronic pen 3 and the operation of the button group 23 after the end of the exam, are largely the same. However, in the second embodiment... Figure 24 In the processing flow, the difference lies in step S457, which corresponds to step S247 in the first embodiment, where the answer information and answer submission request are sent to the relay control terminal 5.

[0253] <Effects of the Second Implementation>

[0254] In the communication system of the second embodiment described above, although the question page and the answer page are different terminals, the fairness among candidates can be reliably guaranteed. Furthermore, by receiving the answer information only as reply information through the examination server device, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained, such as the evaluation operation that can be carried out efficiently.

[0255] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, since the answer bar is provided on the question page, the display size of one page is preferably as large as possible. However, in the second embodiment, since the question page and the answer page are displayed on different terminal screens, there is no such limitation.

[0256] <Modifications of the Second Embodiment>

[0257] In the second embodiment described above, operation buttons such as a next page button, a previous page button, and a submit button are provided on the answer terminal. However, these operation buttons can also be provided on the relay control terminal 5. In this case, when the next page button or the previous page button is operated, the relay control terminal 5 changes the question page displayed on the display screen 5D to the next page or the previous page, and sends a next page request to the answer terminal 4 to make the answer page the next page or a previous page request to make the answer page the previous page, thereby changing the display of the answer page. In addition, when the submit button is operated, the relay control terminal 5 sends the answer information to the answer terminal 4 to obtain the answer information, and then sends it to the examination server device 1A.

[0258] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the relay control terminal 5 stores the question page information, and the answer terminal 4 stores the answer page information. Page management of the question and answer pages is performed in each terminal. Alternatively, the relay control terminal 5 can store all the question page information, answer page information, and setting table information, and also control and manage the answer terminal 4. In this case, the relay control terminal 5 is equipped with an operation button group.

[0259] In this configuration, the response terminal 4 has only a buffer memory for displaying a single page of response on the electronic paper, and the relay control terminal 5 sends the response page corresponding to the question page displayed on the display screen 5D to the response terminal 4. Furthermore, in the response terminal 4, the writing information input by the electronic pen 3 is always sent to the relay control terminal 5, and the processing of whether the writing input is valid or invalid is also performed in the relay control terminal 5 using setting table information, and the response information is managed in the relay control terminal 5.

[0260] With such a structure, the answer terminal 4 only needs to have the function of displaying on electronic paper and the function of detecting writing input based on the position indication input of electronic pen 3 by using a position detection circuit through a position detection sensor and supplying it to the relay control terminal 5. Therefore, it becomes a very simple structure, and the answer terminal 4 can be manufactured more cheaply.

[0261] It should be noted that in the example of the second embodiment described above, the relay control terminal 5 is composed of a smartphone, but it is not limited to this. Any electronic device or terminal can be used as long as it has a communication unit for connecting to the examination server device 1A via the communication network NW, a communication unit for connecting to the answer terminal 4, and a display unit for displaying the question sentences. For example, it can also be a tablet-type portable terminal, a personal computer, etc.

[0262] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the question page information can also be configured to be distributed to each examinee as paper media instead of being provided to the terminal device electronically. In this case, the relay control terminal 5 only relays the information exchanged between the examination server device 1A and the terminal device 20. Moreover, since only the answer page information and setting table information are provided from the examination server device 1A to the terminal device 20, page changes to the question page information in the display screen 5D of the relay control terminal 5 are required, and therefore, page change information does not need to be sent from the terminal device 20 to the relay control terminal 5.

[0263] It should be noted that in the second embodiment described above, the responding terminal 4 and the relay control terminal 5 are connected via Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard short-range wireless communication. However, the method of wireless connection between the responding terminal 4 and the relay control terminal 5 is not limited to this. Alternatively, the responding terminal 4 and the relay control terminal 5 can also be connected via a wired connection cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable.

[0264] In addition to the above-described variations, variations of the terminal device 2 in the first communication system can also be applied to the response terminal 4 in the communication system of the second embodiment described above.

[0265] [Third Implementation Method]

[0266] The communication system of the third embodiment is one in which the structure of the communication system of the first embodiment and the structure of the communication system of the second embodiment can be selectively constructed. Figure 25 An example of the structure of the communication system according to this third embodiment is shown. Figure 25 As shown, in this third embodiment, the examination server device 1B and the terminal device 20B are connected via a communication network NW.

[0267] The hardware structure of the examination server device 1B and Figure 2 The hardware structure shown in the block diagram is the same. However, in Figure 2 The information storage unit 102 stores first exam question information, as in the first embodiment, consisting of question page information including the answer field, and second exam question information, as in the second embodiment, consisting of question page information and answer page information. Additionally, the setting table information storage unit 103, similar to the first embodiment, stores information such as... Figure 4 The first setting table information shown represents the relationship between the page number of the question page information and the position range of the answer column of the question on each page. Similarly, the second setting table information stored in the second embodiment represents the relationship between the page number of the answer page information and the position range of the answer column of the question on each page.

[0268] Furthermore, the examination server device 1B, as a functional unit for controlling and processing the process of providing examination question information to the terminal device, has a first examination information providing processing functional unit 110 for providing examination question information, which is composed of question page information including the answer column, as in the first embodiment, and a second examination information providing processing functional unit 120 for providing examination question information, which is composed of question page information and answer page information, as in the second embodiment.

[0269] Furthermore, in this third embodiment, as described later, the examination server device 1B is configured to automatically select which of the first examination information providing processing function unit 110 and the second examination information providing processing function unit 120 to operate based on the access method from the terminal device 20B, i.e., based on whether the access is via the relay control terminal 5.

[0270] In this third embodiment, the terminal device 20B is configured such that the user can choose between a configuration consisting solely of the response terminal 6 (the structure of the communication system in the first embodiment) and a configuration consisting of the response terminal 6 and the relay control terminal 5 (the structure of the communication system in the second embodiment). In this example, the user's choice of the communication system is whether to connect the response terminal 6 to the relay control terminal 5. The response terminal 6 is configured to automatically select whether to use the communication system structure of the first embodiment or the communication system structure of the second embodiment based on whether the relay control terminal 5 is connected.

[0271] The answering terminal 6 of the terminal device 20B constituting the third embodiment is a structure that supports both the communication system of the first embodiment and the communication system of the second embodiment by adding the functions of the answering terminal 4 of the second embodiment to the terminal device 2 of the first embodiment.

[0272] That is, the hardware structure of the answer terminal 6 is the same as... Figure 7 The block diagram shows the same structure as terminal device 2. However, the response terminal 6 replaces... Figure 7 Wireless communication unit 202 and such Figure 25 As shown, it includes a first wireless communication unit 61 for direct connection to the examination server device 1B via the communication network NW and a second wireless communication unit 62 for connection to the relay control terminal 5.

[0273] Additionally, the response terminal 6, as part of the operation button group, has a power button. If the power button is activated and the power is turned on, a connection request is sent to the examination server device 1B. Before sending the connection request to the examination server device 1B, the response terminal 6 determines whether it is connected to the relay control terminal 5.

[0274] Furthermore, when the responding terminal 6 determines that it is connected to the relay control terminal 5, it sends a connection request to the examination server device 1B via the relay control terminal 5; when it determines that it is not connected to the relay control terminal 5, it sends a connection request directly to the examination server device 1B.

[0275] In this example, the first wireless communication unit 61 of the responding terminal 6 is, for example, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) wireless communication unit, and the second wireless communication unit 62 is composed of, for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) short-range wireless communication unit for wireless connection with the relay control terminal 5. Furthermore, the second wireless communication unit 62 of the responding terminal 6 is configured to continuously monitor whether a relay control terminal 5 equipped with a corresponding short-range wireless communication unit exists within the connectable range, and automatically connect to the relay control terminal 5 when its existence is detected.

[0276] It should be noted that the structures of the first wireless communication unit 61 and the second wireless communication unit 62 are not limited to the examples described above. Furthermore, the response terminal and the relay control terminal 5 can also be connected via a wired cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, instead of the second wireless communication unit 62.

[0277] Furthermore, the terminal device 2 also includes a first examination information processing function unit 63, as in the first embodiment, for generating examination information related to the generation of answer information relative to examination question information provided from the examination server device 1B, and a second examination information processing function unit 64, as in the second embodiment, for generating examination question information consisting of question page information and answer page information, which is a function unit for controlling the process of generating answer information related to the examination question information provided from the examination server device 1B. The functions of these first examination information processing function units 63 and second examination information processing function units 64 are pre-installed as application software of the control unit of the answer terminal 6.

[0278] The processing of the first examination information processing unit 63 is described below as being performed by the terminal device 2 in the first embodiment. Figures 10-14 The process shown is as follows. Furthermore, the processing of the second exam information processing unit 64 is described in the second embodiment as being performed by the answering terminal 4. Figures 20-24 The process shown is as follows.

[0279] <An example of the operation flow of the communication system in the third embodiment>

[0280] <<An example of the process of responding to the action of terminal 6>>

[0281] Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process of responding to the operation of the communication system of the third embodiment.

[0282] The responding terminal 6 monitors whether the power button is activated and the power is turned on, and waits for the power to be turned on (step S601). If it is determined in step S601 that the power is turned on, the responding terminal 6 determines whether to connect to the relay control terminal 5 through the second wireless communication unit 62 (step S602).

[0283] In step S602, if it is determined that the connection with the relay control terminal 5 has not been established through the second wireless communication unit 62, the response terminal 6 directly sends a connection request to the examination server device 1B through the first wireless communication unit 61 (step S603). Then, for example, it is determined whether the connection request in step S603 has been successfully confirmed and the device is now connected to the examination server device 1B based on whether a connection confirmation message has been received from the examination server device 1B (step S604).

[0284] Furthermore, when it is determined in step S604 that the connection with the examination server device 1B has been confirmed, the response terminal 6 executes the processing of the first examination information corresponding processing function unit 63 (step S605). After the processing in step S605 is completed, the response terminal 6 determines whether the power has been disconnected by operating the power button (step S609), and if it determines that the power has been disconnected, it ends the processing routine.

[0285] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S602 that a connection has been established with the relay control terminal 5 via the second wireless communication unit 62, the responding terminal 6 sends a connection request to the examination server device 1B via the second wireless communication unit 61 through the relay control terminal 5 (step S606). Then, for example, it is determined whether the connection request in step S606 has been successfully confirmed and the device has become connected to the examination server device 1B based on whether a connection confirmation message has been received from the examination server device 1B (step S607).

[0286] Furthermore, when it is determined in step S607 that the connection with the examination server device 1B has been confirmed, the response terminal 6 executes the processing of the second examination information corresponding processing function unit 64 (step S608). After the processing in step S608 is completed, the response terminal 6 determines whether the power has been disconnected by operating the power button (step S609), and if it is determined that the power has been disconnected, the processing routine ends.

[0287] <<Example of the operation process of Examination Server Device 1B>>

[0288] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the examination server device 1B of the communication system according to the third embodiment.

[0289] like Figure 27 As shown, the examination server device 1B first determines whether it has received a connection request from the terminal device 20B (step S111). If it determines that it has not received a connection request, it waits for the connection request to be received. Furthermore, if it determines in step S111 that a connection request has been received from the terminal device 20B, it performs connection processing with the terminal device 20B. After the connection is established, it sends a connection confirmation message to the terminal device 20B (step S112).

[0290] Next, the examination server device 1B determines whether it is connected to the terminal device 20B via the relay control terminal 5 (step S113). The processing of step S113 is performed by registering information that can identify the answer terminal 6 and the relay control terminal 5 respectively as their respective identification information in the communication protocol of the other device connected to the examination server device 1B via the communication network NW, and determining the identification information when the other device is connected.

[0291] In step S113, if it is determined that the connection to the terminal device 20B is not via the relay control terminal 5 but directly via the response terminal 6 of the terminal device 20B, the examination server device 1B executes the processing of the first examination information providing processing function unit 110 (step S114). After the execution of step S114 is completed, the processing routine ends.

[0292] In addition, when it is determined in step S113 that the terminal device 20B is connected via the relay control terminal 5, the examination server device 1B executes the processing of the second examination information provision processing function unit 120 (step S115), and the processing routine ends after the execution of step S115.

[0293] <Effects of the Third Implementation Method>

[0294] According to the structure of the communication system of the third embodiment, it has the effects of the first and second embodiments described above. Furthermore, the user can choose the scheme of the first embodiment and the scheme of the second embodiment depending on whether the relay control terminal 5 is connected to the response terminal 6, which is very convenient.

[0295] <Modifications of the Third Embodiment>

[0296] In the example of the third embodiment described above, when the power is turned on by operating the power button of the answer terminal 6, it is determined whether a relay control terminal 5 is connected, and a connection request is sent from the terminal device 20B to the examination server device 1B based on the determination result. Alternatively, a connection request button can be set on the answer terminal 6. After the power is turned on, when the connection request button is activated, it is determined whether a relay control terminal 5 is connected, and a connection request is sent from the terminal device 20B to the examination server device 1B based on the determination result.

[0297] Alternatively, an instruction to establish a connection via the relay control terminal 5 can be sent from the examination server device 1B. That is, the power to the response terminal 6 can be turned on by sending a power-on command, for example, from the examination server device 1B. Furthermore, in the case of the first embodiment, examination schedule information, question information, and setting table information are directly sent from the examination server device 1B. In the case of the second embodiment, the examination server device 1B notifies the response terminal 6 that it should connect to the relay control terminal 5, thus establishing a connection between the relay control terminal 5 and the response terminal 6. The examination schedule information, question information, and setting table information are then sent from the examination server device 1B via the relay control terminal 5.

[0298] It should be noted that in the third embodiment described above, when the answer terminal 6 is connected to the relay control terminal 5, the answer terminal 6 obtains the answer page information from the server device 1B through the relay control terminal 5 and sends the answer information to the server device 1B through the relay. However, it is also possible that the server device 1B sends the question page information to the relay control terminal 5 and sends the answer page information to the answer terminal 6, and the answer terminal 6 is configured to send the answer information to the server device 1B without going through the relay control terminal 5.

[0299] In addition to the above-described variations, variations of the terminal device 2 and the response terminal 4 in the communication systems of the first and second embodiments described above can be used as variations of the response terminal in the third communication system described above.

[0300] [Other implementation methods or variations]

[0301] It should be noted that in the terminal devices 2, 4, and 6 of the communication system described above, the display unit is made of electronic paper, but it is not limited to electronic paper. As long as it can be arranged in an overlapping configuration with the position detection sensor, it can also be made of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a display unit using organic EL (Electroluminescence). However, if an electronic paper structure is used as in the above embodiment, there is the advantage of being able to achieve an extremely thin terminal device at low cost.

[0302] It should be noted that in the above implementation, the exam schedule information is provided by the exam server device, but exam schedule information such as the exam start time and exam end time can also be pre-stored on the terminal devices 2, response terminals 4 and 6, and relay control terminal 5. Additionally, exam question information and setting table information can also be pre-stored on the terminal devices 2, response terminals 4 and 6, and relay control terminal 5.

[0303] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, the question page information of the test questions does not necessarily have to be provided as electronic information; it can also be provided to the examinee in the form of a printed test question set.

[0304] In this case, in the first embodiment, page information and setting table information indicating the answer fields for each page are provided to the terminal device 2, and the examinee can write and input answers in the answer fields for each page. However, in the case of the first embodiment, in addition to the test question information as electronic information as described above, a printed test question set may also be provided to make it easier for the examinee to read the question sentences.

[0305] In addition, in the second and third embodiments, the examination server device can provide the relay control terminal 5 with the question page information of the examination question information and the answer page information and setting table information to be transmitted to the answer terminals 4 and 6.

[0306] In addition, for example, in a patent document (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-37033), a handwriting input device consisting of a plate device and an electronic pen was proposed. The plate device is configured to clamp paper on a plate-shaped plate in which a position detection device having a position detection sensor is housed, in a manner overlapping with the position detection sensor. The electronic pen has writing instrument functions such as ballpoint pen function and interacts with the position detection sensor.

[0307] In this handwriting input device, if handwriting input is made on paper using the writing tool function of an electronic pen, the coordinate information of the writing trajectory of the handwriting input is detected by the position detection device through the position detection sensor, and the detected coordinate information is output to, for example, a personal computer and used.

[0308] According to this handwriting input device, since the writing trajectory of handwriting input is traced on paper using the writing tool function of an electronic pen, there is no need for a display panel for confirming handwritten information as described above, which can reduce costs and is very convenient.

[0309] The handwriting input device can also be applied to terminal device 2, answer terminals 4, and 6. In this case, not only the question page information but also the answer page information does not need to be provided to the terminal device as electronic information; it can be provided as paper information.

[0310] However, when using this handwriting input device, the terminal devices 2 and 4 / 6 are configured such that when the paper for the question page and the paper for the answer page are clamped, alignment with the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor can be performed. Furthermore, the schedule information and setting information are stored in the terminal devices 2 and 4 / 6, and the same restrictions on handwriting input as described above are performed. The generated answer information is sent to the examination server device and processed in the same manner as described above.

[0311] It should be noted that in the above implementation example, the writing input of the candidate's name, examination number and answer column by the electronic pen 3, as well as the erasure (eraser) in case of miswriting, are not described, but it is of course possible to configure it to erase the handwriting written by the electronic pen 3.

[0312] In this case, an eraser is typically used to erase handwriting on paper. However, in electronic handwriting, there are methods to delete (erase) the electronic data of the recorded portion or to cover it with the background color. In this case, it is necessary to distinguish between handwritten input and erased input, but there are various methods for making this distinction.

[0313] One example is the installation of erase buttons on terminal devices 2, 4, and 6. Figure 28 An example of a terminal device 2A equipped with an erasing button is shown. That is, Figure 28 The terminal device 2A shown is an example of the terminal device 2 of the first embodiment described above, which is provided with an erasing button. The same reference numerals are used to indicate the same parts as those in the terminal device 2.

[0314] The terminal device 2A in this example has a next page button 23a, a previous page button 23b, a submit button 23c, and erase buttons 23L and 23R. The erase button 23L is for right-handed users who hold the electronic pen 3 with their right hand, and the erase button 23R is for left-handed users who hold the electronic pen 3 with their left hand.

[0315] In this case, in terminal device 2A, the position indication input detected by the position detection circuit via position detection sensor 22A is processed as writing input when both erase buttons 23L and 23R are inactive; however, it is processed as erasing input while either erase button 23L or 23R is activated. The user can erase the written electronic data by pressing either erase button 23L or 23R to activate it and by tracing the written input portion.

[0316] In the second example, a writing input position indicator for writing input is provided on one side of the pen housing in the axial direction, i.e., the pen tip side, and an erasure position indicator for erasure input is provided on the other side of the pen housing in the axial direction, i.e., the tail end side, so that the frequency of the position indication signal sent from the writing input position indicator to the position detection sensor is different from the frequency of the position indication signal sent from the erasure position indicator to the position detection sensor.

[0317] In this case, the position detection circuit determines the frequency of the position indication signal received by the position detection sensor to distinguish between writing input and erasing input. When writing, the user brings the tip of the electronic pen closer to the position detection sensor; when erasing, the user flips the pen over, brings the end closer to the position detection sensor, and traces the writing input area to indicate the position. Thus, the written electronic data is erased.

[0318] exist Figure 29 The diagram shows a structural example of an electronic pen 3A using electromagnetic induction. For example... Figure 29 As shown, a writing input position indicator 310 for writing input is provided on one side of the pen housing in the axial direction, i.e., the pen tip side, and an erasure position indicator 320 for erasure input is provided on the other side of the pen housing in the axial direction, i.e., the tail end side.

[0319] The writing input position indicator 310 is composed of a resonant circuit, which consists of a coil 312 wound around a ferrite core 311 and a capacitor 313. It should be noted that the writing input core 314 is inserted through a through hole in the ferrite core 311, and the top of the core 314 is configured as a pen tip and protrudes outward.

[0320] The erasure position indicator 320 is composed of a resonant circuit, which consists of a coil 322 wound around a ferrite core 321 and a capacitor 323. It should be noted that the erase indicator core 324 is inserted through a through hole in the ferrite core 321, and the top of the core 324 is arranged to protrude outward as the erase indicator tip.

[0321] In this case, the frequency of the resonant circuit of the writing input position indicator 310 and the frequency of the resonant circuit of the erasure position indicator 320 become different.

[0322] It should be noted that, in the case of an electronic pen, such as an active electrostatic capacitive type electronic pen, the frequency of the position detection signal output from the conductive writing input core and the frequency of the position detection signal output from the conductive erasing core are different.

[0323] Furthermore, the third example is a method using an erasing unit (electronic erasing device) that is separate from the electronic pen. Figure 30 (A) and (B) show an example of an erasing unit. Figure 30 (A) is an appearance diagram of the erasing unit 7 in this example. Figure 30 (B) is its sectional view.

[0324] The erasing unit 7 is a method in which an erasing position indicator for erasing input, which is provided at the tail end of the electronic pen in the second example described above, is provided in an erasing unit that is separate from the electronic pen. That is, as... Figure 30As shown in (A) and (B), one end of the housing 71 of the erasing unit in the axial direction is designated as the erasing end 72. A coil 74 wound around a ferrite core 73 is disposed near the erasing end 72 within the hollow portion of the housing 71. Furthermore, an erasing position indicator 75 is configured, comprising a resonant circuit consisting of the coil 74 and a capacitor (not shown). In this case, the frequency of the resonant circuit of the erasing position indicator 75 is different from the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit of the electronic pen for writing input.

[0325] In this third example, the position detection circuit also determines the frequency of the erasure position indication signal received from the erasure unit 7 via the position detection sensor, distinguishing between writing input and erasure input. The user can erase the electronic data on the writing area by tracing the writing area with the erasure unit 7, similar to erasing the writing area of ​​paper with an eraser.

[0326] It should be noted that, in the example of the eraser unit, it can also be a structure using an active electrostatic capacitance method.

[0327] It should be noted that the communication system described above is for a standardized examination conducted in an examination room, but it is not limited to this scenario. For example, it can also be applied to situations where mock exams are taken at home. Furthermore, it can be applied to situations where schools, after-school programs, or other institutions schedule and administer exams to university or high school students.

[0328] Furthermore, it can also be applied to mock exams in situations where learning is conducted remotely via communication networks such as the Internet. In this case, instead of multiple exam server devices, terminal devices 2, 2A, 20, and 20B can be a single device, meaning that the university or high school student taking the exam can be a single individual.

[0329] In mock exams designed for this learning purpose, test-takers sometimes record notes and calculations demonstrating their progress in the process of answering the questions in the blank spaces between the question sentences and the answer column. While these notes and calculations are unnecessary in entrance exams where only the answers are evaluated, they are often very useful information in schools and after-school programs. Teachers and instructors use these notes and calculations as a reference to assess a student's learning ability and proficiency.

[0330] In addition, there are cases where test takers write their questions in the blank spaces of the question sentences or in blank spaces outside the answer column, hoping that teachers or tutors of extracurricular classes will see them.

[0331] The following describes a fourth embodiment of the communication system that takes into account the points mentioned above. In the communication system of this fourth embodiment, as in this example... Figure 28 As shown, terminal device 2A is provided with a button 23d for sending all information, including not only the information in the answer field but also the written input in the blank areas, to the examination server device. The other structures of terminal device 2A are the same as those of terminal device 2 in the first embodiment.

[0332] On the other hand, in the communication system of this fourth embodiment, the examination server device sends control information to the terminal device 2A regarding whether to allow or disable the user's operation of the all-information transmission instruction button 23d. This is so that, in the case of a standardized examination, operation of the all-information transmission instruction button 23d is disabled, and information other than the answer information is prohibited from being sent from the terminal device 2A.

[0333] In the terminal device 2A of this fourth embodiment, the same processing as that of the terminal device 2 of the first embodiment is performed. However, regarding the processing of handwriting input and the processing related to the operation of the submit button 23c and the all information sending indication button 23d in this terminal device 2A, please refer to... Figure 31 The flowchart will be used to illustrate this.

[0334] That is, the terminal device 2A determines whether writing input is detected (step S701). If it determines that no writing input is detected, it performs other processing such as operation of operation buttons (step S702). After step S702 is completed, the processing returns to step S701.

[0335] When writing input is detected in step S701, the terminal device 2A determines whether either the eraser buttons 23L and 23R are activated (step S703). Furthermore, if it is determined in step S703 that neither eraser buttons 23L nor 23R are activated, the terminal device 2A performs the same writing input processing as in the aforementioned embodiment (step S704). Additionally, if it is determined in step S703 that either eraser button 23L or 23R is activated, the saved written electronic data corresponding to the portion traced by the electronic pen 3 is deleted (step S705).

[0336] Furthermore, following step S704 or step S705, the terminal device 2A determines whether the submit button 23c has been operated (step S706). If it is determined that the submit button 23c has not been operated, the processing returns to step S701, and the processing after step S701 is repeated.

[0337] When it is determined in step S706 that the submit button 23c has been operated, the terminal device 2A determines whether the all information sending instruction button 23d has been activated (step S707). When it is determined that the all information sending instruction button 23d has been activated, it determines whether it has received button operation prohibition information prohibiting button operation of the all information sending instruction button 23d from the examination server device (step S708).

[0338] Furthermore, when it is determined in step S707 that the all information sending instruction button 23d is not activated, and in step S708 it is determined that a button operation prohibition message prohibiting button operation of the all information sending instruction button 23d is received, the terminal device 2A only sends the written input information of the answer bar to the examination server device, and does not send the written input information of the blank part to the examination server device (step S709).

[0339] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S708 that no button operation prohibition information has been received, the terminal device 2A sends the handwritten input information of the answer bar and all the handwritten input information of the area outside it (step S710). In this case, the handwritten input information of the answer bar and the handwritten input information of the area outside it are assigned different identification information and sent to the examination server device, where the two can be easily distinguished and managed.

[0340] It should be noted that the setting table information determines the fields for filling in the corresponding reply information, such as the candidate's name, examination number, and answer field. Therefore, the detection area outside the fields for filling in the corresponding reply information is a blank area. The terminal device 2A distinguishes and determines the fields for filling in the corresponding reply information and other blank areas based on the information in the setting table.

[0341] This concludes the processing routine.

[0342] It should be noted that when a button operation prohibition message is received from the examination server device, the operation is reported as prohibited by the indicator 25 and a beep when the examinee activates the all information sending instruction button 23d.

[0343] For example, such as Figure 32 As shown in (A), when the electronic paper 21 of the terminal device 2A displays the candidate's name input field NA, the candidate number input field NB, the question number LA, the question sentence LB, and the answer field LC, and the candidate has written input in the answer field LC and the blank area, the two schemes described below are executed when the submit button 23c is operated.

[0344] That is, if the all information transmission instruction button 23d is not activated, or if a button operation prohibition message is received from the examination server device prohibiting button operation of the all information transmission instruction button 23d, such as Figure 32 As shown in (B), terminal device 2A only sends the written information In, which corresponds to the information provided in the fields of the examinee's name, examination number, and answer, as specified in the setting table, to the examination server device.

[0345] Furthermore, in the absence of a button operation prohibition message (prohibiting all information transmission instruction button 23d) received from the examination server device, if the all information transmission instruction button 23d is activated, such as Figure 32 As shown in (C), in addition to the written information In in the fields for filling in the corresponding reply information such as the candidate's name, examination number, and answer, the written information Iad in the blank areas is also sent.

[0346] According to this fourth embodiment, it is convenient to select or control whether to send written information in blank areas in addition to the written information in the fields corresponding to the information provided in the candidate's name, examination number, and answer fields.

[0347] It should be noted that the fourth embodiment is not only a variation of the first embodiment as described above, but can also be a variation of the second or third embodiment.

[0348] It should be noted that in the fourth embodiment described above, the examination server device sends a button operation prohibition message to the terminal device 2A, indicating that the button operation of the instruction button 23d is prohibited from being performed. However, on this basis or instead, the examination server device can send control information to the terminal device 2A, indicating whether to allow only the written information in the fields corresponding to the candidate's name, examination number, and answer fields to be filled in, or to allow the written information in the blank fields to be filled in as well, thereby controlling the terminal device 2A.

[0349] It should be noted that in the above implementation, the setting table information includes information about the location range of the examinee's name field, examination number field, and answer field. However, it may also include information about the location range of specific fields in addition to the answer field. For example, in a math problem, if an answer field is provided for filling in the answer and a calculation formula field is provided to record the calculation formula used to obtain the answer, and the written information in the calculation formula field is also used as the response information, the setting table information may also include information about the location range of the answer field and the location range of the calculation formula field.

[0350] It should be noted that the communication system of the present invention is not limited to examination systems and can be used for various purposes. It can be applied to any purpose as long as it involves sending a response message corresponding to the provided information, generated based on location input by the user of the terminal device corresponding to the specified provided information, to the server device. For example, it can also be applied to questionnaires where the provided information is a questionnaire survey, the response message is an answer to a questionnaire survey, there is a time limit for the answer (with an expiration date), or there is a defined answer field.

[0351] It should be noted that in the above description of the embodiments, the position detection sensor of the electronic pen 3 and the terminal devices 2, 2A, and the response terminals 4, 6 uses electromagnetic induction, but of course, electronic pens and sensors using other position detection methods such as active electrostatic coupling can also be used.

[0352] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0353] 1, 1A, 1B…Examination server device; 2, 20, 20B…Terminal device; 3…Electronic pen; 4, 6…Answer terminal; 5…Relay control terminal; 21…Electronic paper; 22…Position detection sensor; 23…Operation button group; 23a…Next page button; 23b…Previous page button; 23c…Submit button; 25…Indicator; 202…Wireless communication unit; 204…Examination schedule information storage unit; 205…Examination question information storage unit; 206…Clock circuit unit; 210…Position detection circuit unit; 211…Written input information validity / invalidity determination unit; 212…Answer information storage unit; 214…Button operation validity / invalidity determination unit.

Claims

1. A communication system comprising a server device and a terminal device communicatively connected, the terminal device sending a response message corresponding to location indication input by a user of the terminal device, generated based on provided provision information, to the server device, the communication system being characterized in that... The terminal device includes: A position detection sensor is used to detect the position indication input; The discrimination unit distinguishes and determines the position indication input within the response information area corresponding to the input field of the provided information in the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor, and the position indication input in the area outside the response information area; and The sending control unit sends the location indication input within the response information area determined by the discrimination unit to the server device, but does not send the location indication input within the area outside the response information area determined by the discrimination unit to the server device.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal device includes a display unit that displays an image of an input field containing the response information corresponding to the provided information on a display screen. The position detection sensor is configured such that the display area of ​​the display screen of the display unit overlaps with the position detection area for detecting the position indication input, and the position indication input is performed through the display screen.

3. The communication system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The terminal device includes a display control unit that displays display information based on the position indication input detected by the position detection sensor on the display screen of the display unit, regardless of whether it is inside or outside the response information area.

4. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal device includes a button operation unit, which is used to instruct the input of the position indication in the area outside the reply information area to be sent to the server device. When the button operation unit instructs the sending control unit to send the position indication input in the area outside the reply information area to the server device, in addition to the position indication input in the reply information area, the sending control unit also sends the position indication input in the area outside the reply information area to the server device.

5. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The location indication input within the response information area and the location indication input in the area outside the response information area are sent to the server device in a state that can be distinguished by the server device.

6. The communication system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The server device has the function of sending information to the terminal device to restrict the operation of the button operation section.

7. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The server device includes a communication unit that sends the specified provision information to the terminal device and receives corresponding response information from the terminal device. The terminal device includes a receiving unit for receiving the specified provision information and a display unit for displaying the received provision information on a display screen to provide it to the user.

8. The communication system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The display screen shows the prescribed information and the input field for the corresponding response information.

9. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal device includes a first device and a second device. The first device includes a first display unit that displays the specified provided information. The second device includes a second display section that displays the input field corresponding to the provided information and the reply information, and the position detection sensor is configured such that the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor overlaps with the display area of ​​the display screen of the second display section.

10. The communication system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The server device sends the specified provided information, along with the display information of the input field corresponding to the provided information, to the terminal device. The first device is connected to the server device via a first communication path and to the second device via a second communication path. It displays the specified information received from the server device on the display screen of the first display unit and sends the display information of the input field corresponding to the response information received from the server device to the second device. The second device displays the display information of the input field corresponding to the response information of the provided information received from the first device on the display screen of the second display unit, and sends the response information corresponding to the provided information, which is obtained by inputting the position indication information into the input field corresponding to the response information of the provided information, to the server device through the first device.

11. A terminal device, communicatively connected to a server device, sends a response message corresponding to location indication input by a user corresponding to provided specified information to the server device, characterized in that... have: A position detection sensor is used to detect the position indication input; The discrimination unit distinguishes and determines the position indication input in the reply information area corresponding to the input bar of the provided information in the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor and the position indication input in the area outside the reply information area; and The sending control unit sends only the location indication input within the response information area determined by the discrimination unit to the server device.

12. The terminal device according to claim 11, characterized in that, It includes a display unit that displays an image of an input field containing the provided information and the corresponding response information on a display screen. The position detection sensor is configured such that the display area of ​​the display screen of the display unit overlaps with the position detection area for detecting the position indication input, and the position indication input is performed through the display screen.

13. The terminal device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The device includes a display control unit that displays display information based on the position indication input detected by the position detection sensor on the display screen of the display unit, regardless of whether the display information area is inside or outside the display screen.

14. The terminal device according to claim 12, characterized in that, It includes a button operation unit for instructing the input of the position indication in the area outside the response information area to be sent to the server device. When the button operation unit instructs the sending control unit to send the position indication input in the area outside the reply information area to the server device, in addition to the position indication input in the reply information area, the sending control unit also sends the position indication input in the area outside the reply information area to the server device.

15. The terminal device according to claim 11, characterized in that, Includes a first device and a second device. The first device includes a first display unit for displaying the provided information. The second device includes a second display unit that displays an input field corresponding to the provided information and a response information, and the position detection sensor is configured such that the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor overlaps with the display area of ​​the display screen of the second display unit, and the acceptance of the position indication input to the input field corresponding to the provided information and the response information is controlled based on time.

16. The terminal device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The server device sends the specified provided information, along with the display information of the input field corresponding to the provided information, to the terminal device. The first device is connected to the server device via a first communication path and to the second device via a second communication path. It displays the specified information received from the server device on the display screen of the first display unit and sends the display information of the input field corresponding to the response information received from the server device to the second device. The second device displays the display information of the input field corresponding to the response information of the provided information received from the first device on the display screen of the second display unit, and sends the response information corresponding to the provided information, which is obtained by inputting the position indication information into the input field corresponding to the response information of the provided information, to the server device through the first device.

17. The terminal device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first display unit and the second display unit are display units with different display methods, and the drawing speed of the first display unit is faster than that of the second display unit.

18. The terminal device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second display section of the second device is composed of electronic paper.

19. The terminal device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The position detection sensor is electromagnetic induction type, and the position indication input is made by the user operating an electromagnetic induction type electronic pen.

20. The terminal device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The position detection sensor is an active capacitive type, and the position indication input is performed by the user operating an active capacitive type electronic pen.

Images