Information processing system, writing instrument, and electronic device

Abstract

To provide an information processing system and the like which enable a user to start communication between a writing instrument and an electronic device with a simple operation.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises a writing instrument having a communication function and an electronic device for communicating with the writing instrument. The writing instrument of the information processing system includes: a sensor for detecting a motion; a determination unit for determining whether or not the motion detected by the sensor is a prescribed motion; and a transmission unit for transmitting a prescribed signal to the electronic device. If it is determined that the motion detected by the sensor is the prescribed motion, the transmission unit transmits, to the electronic device, the prescribed signal for causing the electronic device to execute a first operation without an operation by a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, a writing instrument, and an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] Writing instruments having communication and information processing functions are known. Such writing instruments transmit data to a user's communication terminal in response to a user's operation, and cause the communication terminal to execute a predetermined process based on the data. Patent Document 1 describes a writing instrument that transmits the angular velocity of the writing instrument to an information processing terminal when a user operates a button or switch mounted on the writing instrument. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-209566 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A user may find it cumbersome to operate buttons or switches on a writing instrument to cause the writing instrument to communicate with a communication terminal.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an information processing system, a writing instrument, and an electronic device that enable a user to start communication between a writing instrument and an electronic device with a simple operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is an information processing system comprising a writing instrument having a communication function and an electronic device that communicates with the writing instrument, wherein the writing instrument has a sensor that detects a movement, a determination unit that determines whether the movement detected by the sensor is a specified movement, and a transmission unit that transmits a specified signal to the electronic device, and when it is determined that the movement detected by the sensor is the specified movement, the transmission unit transmits a specified signal to the electronic device to cause the electronic device to execute a first movement without user operation.

[0007] An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is an information processing system comprising a writing instrument having a communication function and an electronic device that communicates with the writing instrument, wherein the writing instrument has a sensor that detects movement and a transmitting unit that transmits a signal from the sensor to the electronic device, and the electronic device has a receiving unit that receives the signal transmitted from the transmitting unit, a determination unit that determines whether the movement of the writing instrument is a specified movement based on the signal received by the receiving unit, and a control unit that controls the electronic device to perform a first movement without user operation when the determination unit determines that the movement of the writing instrument is the specified movement.

[0008] Preferably, the first operation is performed in priority to a second operation executed by the electronic device.

[0009] The first operation is preferably an operation of displaying a different image superimposed on a display that is executed as the second operation by the electronic device.

[0010] The first operation is preferably an operation of preventing a display operation on a display, which is executed as the second operation by the electronic device.

[0011] A writing instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention is a writing instrument that communicates with an electronic device, and has a sensor that detects motion, a determination unit that determines whether the motion detected by the sensor is a specified motion, and a transmission unit that transmits a specified signal to the electronic device.If the determination unit determines that the motion detected by the sensor is the specified motion, the transmission unit transmits the specified signal to the electronic device to cause the electronic device to execute a first motion without user operation.

[0012] It is preferable that the sensor has at least one of an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration applied to the writing instrument, an angular velocity sensor that detects the angular velocity applied to the writing instrument, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure applied to the writing instrument when writing, and a sensor that detects the knock or rotation that advances the lead of the writing instrument.

[0013] It is preferable that the writing instrument further has a cap that houses a magnet and is detachable from the barrel, and has as a sensor a magnetic field sensor that is housed in the barrel and detects the magnetic field emitted by the magnet, and the determination unit determines whether or not the cap has been removed from the barrel as a predetermined operation based on the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field sensor, and the transmission unit transmits a predetermined signal when the cap is removed from the barrel.

[0014] The predetermined signal is preferably a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark) beacon signal.

[0015] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an electronic device that communicates with a writing instrument, and is equipped with a receiving unit that receives a signal transmitted from the writing instrument, and a control unit that executes a predetermined operation, and when the receiving unit receives a predetermined signal transmitted from the writing instrument when the predetermined operation is performed, the control unit executes a first operation without user operation. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The information processing system, writing instrument, and electronic device according to the present invention enable a user to start communication between the writing instrument and the electronic device with a simple operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a communication system 1. FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is an exemplary functional block diagram of a communication terminal 2. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] 13A and 13B are perspective views of the fixture 44. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is an exemplary functional block diagram of the barrel 4. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen G1. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen G2. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram showing an example of state transition of the writing implement 3. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a connection process. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a point management screen G3. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a status display screen G3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but covers the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0019] (Communications Systems) 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication system 1 is an example of an information processing system. The communication system 1 includes a communication terminal 2 and a writing implement 3.

[0020] (Communication terminal) 2 is an exemplary functional block diagram of the communication terminal 2. The communication terminal 2 is an example of an electronic device. The communication terminal 2 is an information processing device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, or a portable game console owned by a user of the writing instrument 3. The communication terminal 2 communicates with the writing instrument 3 and executes a predetermined operation. The communication terminal 2 has a memory unit 21, a communication unit 22, a display unit 23, an operation unit 24, an audio output unit 25, a vibration unit 26, and a processing unit 27.

[0021] The storage unit 21 is configured to store programs and data, and includes, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 21 stores, as programs, an operating system program, a driver program, an application program, and the like used in processing by the processing unit 27. The programs are installed in the storage unit 21 from a computer-readable, non-transitory portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory).

[0022] The communication unit 22 is a component that enables the communication terminal 2 to communicate with other devices, and includes a communication interface circuit. The communication interface circuit is an interface circuit for a short-range wireless communication method such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark). The communication unit 22 transmits data supplied from the processing unit 27 to other devices, and also supplies data transmitted from other devices to the processing unit 27.

[0023] The display unit 23 is a component for displaying an image, and includes a display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. The display unit 23 displays an image based on the display data supplied from the processing unit 27.

[0024] The operation unit 24 is configured to accept operations on the communication terminal 2, and includes a button, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, etc. The operation unit 24 may include a touch panel integrated with the display unit 23. The operation unit 24 generates an operation signal according to the accepted operation, and supplies the operation signal to the processing unit 27.

[0025] The audio output unit 25 is configured to output audio and includes a speaker. The audio output unit 25 outputs audio based on an audio signal, which is an electrical signal, supplied from the processing unit 27.

[0026] The vibration unit 26 is configured to vibrate the communication terminal 2 and includes a vibrator. The vibrator may be of any type, such as an eccentric rotating mass type or a linear resonant actuator type. The vibration unit 26 vibrates the communication terminal 2 based on the vibration supplied from the processing unit 27.

[0027] The processing unit 27 is configured to comprehensively control the operation of the communication terminal 2, and includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The processing unit 27 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 27 may include a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like. The processing unit 27 controls the operation of each component and executes various processes so that various processes of the communication terminal 2 are executed in an appropriate order based on the programs stored in the storage unit 21.

[0028] The processing unit 27 has, as functional blocks, a receiving unit 271 and a control unit 272. Each of these units is a functional module that is realized by the processing unit 27 executing a program. Each of these units may be implemented in the communication terminal 2 as a dedicated processing circuit.

[0029] The receiving unit 271 receives a predetermined signal from the writing instrument 3. The predetermined signal is transmitted when a predetermined motion is detected in the writing instrument 3. The predetermined motion includes motions during writing. The predetermined motions may include, for example, a motion for starting writing, a motion when writing is temporarily interrupted midway after starting writing, and a motion when the writing instrument 3 is held but no writing is being performed.

[0030] When a predetermined signal is received, the control unit 272 executes a predetermined information process without any operation by the user. That is, the communication terminal 2 executes a predetermined information process in response to a predetermined signal being transmitted from the writing instrument 3. The predetermined information process is, for example, a process of measuring a study time to support a study using the writing instrument 3. In this case, the communication terminal 2 executes a clock application program that has been installed in advance.

[0031] (writing implements) The writing instrument 3 has a communication function for communicating with the communication terminal 2. In response to detecting a predetermined action, the writing instrument 3 transmits a predetermined signal to the communication terminal 2 for starting communication with the communication terminal 2. For example, the predetermined action is an action for starting writing. For example, an action for starting writing is an action for removing the cap of the writing instrument 3.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the writing instrument 3, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the writing instrument 3. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3. The writing instrument 3 has a barrel 4 and a cap 5. Hereinafter, the end of the barrel 4 that comes into contact with a medium such as paper when writing may be referred to as the tip of the barrel 4, and the end opposite the tip may be referred to as the rear end of the barrel 4. In addition, the direction in which the tip is located along the axial direction of the barrel 4 may be referred to as the front of the writing instrument 3 or barrel 4, and the direction opposite to the front may be referred to as the rear of the writing instrument 3 or barrel 4.

[0033] The barrel 4 has a generally cylindrical shape. The barrel 4 has a tubular portion 4a having a constant cross-sectional shape along the axial direction, and a tapered portion 4b formed in front of the tubular portion 4a and having a cross-sectional area that becomes smaller as it extends forward along the axial direction. A notch 4c is formed at the rear end of the tubular portion 4a so that the cross-sectional shape of the tubular portion 4a is no longer circular.

[0034] The barrel 4 houses the writing body 41, the sensor 42, the switch 43, the fixture 44, the notification unit 45, and the charging unit 46. The barrel 4 also houses a first board B1 at the front and a second board B2 at the rear. The sensor 42 and the switch 43 are disposed on the first board B1, and the notification unit 45 and the charging unit 46 are disposed on the second board B2. The first board B1 and the second board B2 are supplied with current from a power source P, which is a secondary battery.

[0035] The writing body 41 is a member for writing on a medium. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the writing body 41 is a ballpoint pen refill that contains ink and transfers the ink to a medium. As shown in Fig. 3, the central axis of the writing body 41 does not coincide with the central axis of the barrel 4. In other words, the writing body 41 is disposed eccentrically with respect to the barrel 4. This ensures a space inside the barrel 4 for accommodating components such as the first substrate B1.

[0036] The sensor 42 is configured to detect the operation of the barrel 4. The sensor 42 includes a magnetic field sensor 421, an inertial sensor 422, and a pressure sensor 423. The magnetic field sensor 421 is a sensor that detects a magnetic field, and is, for example, a Hall sensor. The inertial sensor 422 is a sensor that detects three-axis acceleration and angular velocity applied to the barrel 4, and includes, for example, an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. The gyro sensor is an example of an angular velocity sensor. The pressure sensor 423 is a sensor that detects pressure applied from a medium to the writing body 41 during writing, and is a resistive film pressure sensor. The pressure sensor 423 is arranged so that the detection surface that detects the pressure is perpendicular to the axial direction of the writing body 41. The sensor 42 generates information regarding the operation of the barrel 4 on a regular or irregular basis.

[0037] Without being limited to the above-mentioned example, in the case where the writing instrument 3 is of a knock type in which the writing body 41 is exposed from the barrel 4 by pressing a knock button, the sensor 42 may be provided with a sensor that detects the operation of the knock button that exposes the writing body 41 of the writing instrument 3. In addition, in the case where the writing instrument 3 is of a rotation type in which the writing body 41 is exposed from the barrel 4 by rotating the tubular part 4a of the barrel 4 in a twisting manner, the sensor 42 may be provided with a sensor that detects the rotation of the tubular part 4a. In these cases, the sensor 42 may be provided with any sensor such as a button sensor, a magnetic field sensor, an optical sensor, etc. depending on the detection target. The sensor 42 is provided with at least one of the various sensors described above.

[0038] The switch 43 is a component for receiving an operation by a user, and includes, for example, a tactile switch. The switch 43 is disposed so as to be able to be pressed from the outside of the barrel 4.

[0039] Fixture 44 is a member that transmits pressure applied to writing element 41 to pressure sensor 423. Fixture 44 is made of resin or metal.

[0040] 5(A) and (B) are perspective views of the fixture 44. FIG. 5(A) is a perspective view of the fixture 44 seen from the front, and FIG. 5(B) is a perspective view of the fixture 44 seen from the rear. The fixture 44 has a shape in which a first part 441 having a substantially rectangular prism shape and a second part 442 having a substantially cylindrical shape are joined to each other with a shift in the axial direction of the barrel 4 so that the first part 441 is located forward of the second part 442. A bottom surface 443 at the front of the first part 441 contacts the rear end of the writing body 41. A bottom surface 444 at the rear of the second part 442 contacts the detection surface of the pressure sensor 423. As shown in FIG. 5(A) and (B), the axis A1 of the first part 441 and the axis A2 of the second part 442 are parallel to each other and do not coincide with each other. That is, the center C1 of the bottom surface 443 and the center C2 of the bottom surface 444 are shifted from each other when viewed from the axial direction.

[0041] In order to properly detect pressure using the pressure sensor 423, which is a resistive film type, the area of ​​the detection surface needs to be large. On the other hand, as described above, in order to secure a space for accommodating a member inside the barrel 4, the writing body 41 needs to be arranged eccentrically with respect to the barrel 4. If the writing body 41 and the pressure sensor 423 are arranged so that the rear end of the writing body 41 abuts on the detection surface without the fixing device 44, the rear end of the writing body 41 abuts on the end of the detection surface. In this case, there is a possibility that the pressure sensor 423, which is a resistive film type, will not be able to properly detect pressure. The fixing device 44 is arranged so that the axis A1 of the first part 441 approximately coincides with the axis of the writing body 41 and the axis A2 of the second part 442 passes through approximately the center of the detection surface so that the pressure sensor 423 can properly detect the pressure applied to the writing body 41. In this way, it is possible to properly detect the pressure applied to the writing body 41 while securing a space for accommodating a member inside the barrel 4.

[0042] In addition, the bottom surface 444 at the rear of the fixture 44 protrudes in the direction of the detection surface of the pressure sensor 423. This increases the pressure applied to the pressure sensor 423, enabling the pressure sensor 423 to properly detect the pressure. In the example shown in Fig. 5(B), the bottom surface 444 is formed in a truncated cone shape, but is not limited to this example, and the bottom surface 444 may be formed in any shape that protrudes in the direction of the detection surface, such as a cone shape or a hemisphere shape.

[0043] Returning to Figs. 3 and 4, notification unit 45 is configured to output a notification by blinking, and includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Notification unit 45 is disposed near the rear end of barrel 4. Notification unit 45 outputs a notification regarding communication between communication terminal 2 and writing instrument 3. For example, notification unit 45 lights up in response to a predetermined signal being transmitted from communication terminal 2. Notification unit 45 is not limited to this example, and may be a speaker that outputs a notification by voice, a vibrator that outputs a notification by vibration, or the like.

[0044] The charging unit 46 is configured to charge the power source P. The charging unit 46 includes a connection unit for connecting a terminal, and a power supply circuit for supplying a current from the connection unit to the power source P to charge the power source P. The connection unit is formed so that a terminal conforming to a standard such as USB-C (Universal Serial Bus Type C) can be connected.

[0045] The cap 5 is detachably attached to the front and rear ends of the barrel 4. The cap 5 has a barrel 51, a magnet 52, and a decorative member 53.

[0046] The cylinder 51 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom surface formed on one side. The inner diameter of the cylinder 51 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 4a of the barrel 4. The front or rear end of the barrel 4 is accommodated inside the cylinder 51, and the cap 5 is attached to the front or rear end of the barrel 4.

[0047] An opening 511 is formed on the side of the cylindrical body 51. The opening 511 is formed at a position that does not overlap with the tapered portion 4b of the barrel 4 when the cap 5 is attached to the tip of the barrel 4. In other words, the opening 511 is formed behind the boundary between the cylindrical portion 4a and the tapered portion 4b of the barrel 4 when the cap 5 is attached to the tip of the barrel 4. This improves the airtightness inside the cylindrical body 51 when the cap 5 is attached to the tip of the barrel 4, even if the opening 511 is not covered with a translucent resin or the like, and prevents the ink of the writing body 41 from drying out.

[0048] The magnet 52 is a permanent magnet such as an alnico magnet or a ferrite magnet. The magnet 52 is accommodated in a recess 512 formed along the side surface of the cylinder 51. By accommodating the magnet 52 in the cap 5, the distance between the magnet 52 and the magnetic field sensor 421 arranged in the front of the barrel 4 becomes closer when the cap 5 is attached to the tip of the barrel 4, and the distance between the magnet 52 and the magnetic field sensor 421 becomes farther when the cap 5 is attached to the rear end of the barrel 4. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the cap 5 is attached to the tip of the barrel 4 based on the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field sensor 421.

[0049] Decorative member 53 is attached to cylindrical body 51 so as to cover recess 512 in which magnet 52 is housed. In the example shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, decorative member 53 is a clip capable of gripping an object between cylindrical body 51 and itself. This is not a limited example, and decorative member 53 may be a crown. Covering recess 512 with decorative member 53 prevents magnet 52 from falling out of recess 512, and prevents deterioration of appearance quality due to recess 512 and magnet 52 being visible from the outside.

[0050] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the writing instrument 3 in a state in which the cap 5 has been removed from the front end of the barrel 4 and attached to the rear end, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the writing instrument 3. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in Fig. 6.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the opening 511 is formed at a position where the notification part 45 is visible from the outside through the opening 511 when the cap 5 is attached to the rear end of the barrel 4. As shown in FIG. 7, the inside of the cylindrical body 51 of the cap 5 has a shape complementary to the rear end of the barrel 4 so that the inside of the cylindrical body 51 can be engaged with the rear end of the barrel 4 in which the notch 4c is formed. Since the cross-sectional shape of the rear end of the barrel 4 is non-circular due to the notch 4c, the cylindrical body 51 is restricted from rotating in the circumferential direction relative to the barrel 4 when engaged with the rear end of the barrel 4. Therefore, when the cap 5 is attached to the rear end of the barrel 4, the notification part 45 is always visible through the opening 511.

[0052] Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram of the barrel 4. The barrel 4 further has a storage unit 47, a communication unit 48, and a processing unit 49. The storage unit 47, the communication unit 48, and the processing unit 49 are arranged on the first board B1, but are omitted from Fig. 4 and Fig. 7. The storage unit 47, the communication unit 48, and the processing unit 49 may be arranged on the second board B1.

[0053] The storage unit 47 is configured to store programs and data, and includes, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 47 stores, as programs, an operating system program, a driver program, an application program, and the like used in processing by the processing unit 49. The programs are installed in the storage unit 47 from a computer-readable, non-transitory, portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory).

[0054] The communication unit 48 is a component that enables the writing instrument 3 to communicate with other devices, and includes a communication interface circuit. The communication interface circuit is an interface circuit for a short-range wireless communication method such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark). The communication unit 48 transmits data provided by the processing unit 49 to the other devices, and also provides the processing unit 49 with data provided from the other devices.

[0055] The processing unit 49 is configured to comprehensively control the operation of the writing instrument 3, and includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The processing unit 49 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 49 may include a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like. The processing unit 49 controls the operation of each component so that various processes of the writing instrument 3 are executed in an appropriate order based on the program stored in the storage unit 47, and executes various processes. For example, the processing unit 49 obtains information regarding the operation from the sensor 42, obtains information from the switch 43 indicating whether the switch 43 is operated, and supplies a signal to the notification unit 45 to output a notification.

[0056] The processing unit 49 has an acquisition unit 491, a determination unit 492, a transmission unit 493, and a notification control unit 494. Each of these units is a functional module realized by the processing unit 49 executing a program. Each of these units may be implemented in the barrel 4 as a dedicated processing circuit.

[0057] (Operation of communication terminal and screen display) The control unit 272 of the communication terminal 2 executes a first operation and a second operation in response to a predetermined signal being transmitted from the writing instrument 3. The first operation is an operation that is executed in priority to the second operation in response to a predetermined signal being transmitted from the writing instrument 3. For example, the first operation is an operation that is executed without any operation by the user. The second operation is an operation that is executed regardless of whether or not a predetermined signal has been transmitted from the writing instrument 3. For example, the second operation is an operation that is executed in response to an operation on the operation unit 24 by the user.

[0058] A first operation takes precedence over a second operation means that the second operation is interrupted when the first operation is executed, or that the second operation is executed in parallel when the first operation is executed. That is, a first operation takes precedence over a second operation means that the first operation is not interrupted by the second operation. For example, when the second operation is an operation of displaying an image on the display unit 23 by an operating system program or an application program, the first operation may be an operation of displaying a banner notification superimposed on the image.

[0059] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen G1 displayed on the display unit 23 of the communication terminal 2 when the first and second actions are the actions described above. The notification screen G1 is displayed in response to the start of use of the writing instrument 3 and the transmission of a predetermined signal from the writing instrument 3.

[0060] The notification screen G1 includes a home screen G12 and a banner notification G11. The banner notification G11 is displayed superimposed on the home screen G12. That is, the first operation of displaying the banner notification G11 is executed in priority to the second operation of displaying the home screen G12. The banner notification G11 includes a name G13 of an application program corresponding to the writing instrument 3 stored in advance in the communication terminal 2 and a message G14 indicating that the writing instrument 3 has been used. In the example shown in FIG. 8, "Study Timer" is displayed as the name G13 of the application program. The user can cause the communication terminal 2 to execute the application program with the name G13 displayed in the banner notification G11 by performing an operation of selecting the banner notification G11.

[0061] 9, the banner notification G11 is superimposed on the home screen G12, but is not limited to this example. The banner notification G11 may be superimposed on any screen displayed on the display unit 23 by an operating system program or an application program when a predetermined signal is transmitted from the writing instrument 3.

[0062] 10 is a diagram showing an example of an application screen G2 displayed on the communication terminal 2. The application screen G2 is displayed when a banner notification G11 is selected on the notification screen G1. The selection is made by operating the operation unit 24, and when the operation unit 24 has a touch panel, the selection is made by tapping on the touch panel. The application screen G2 may be displayed when an operation is performed on the communication terminal 2 to execute an application program corresponding to the writing instrument 3.

[0063] 10 includes a timer display G21 and a start object G22. When the user selects the start object G22 (e.g., by tapping the screen), timing of the time shown in the timer display G21 starts. When the time shown in the timer display G21 has elapsed, the communication terminal 2 notifies the user that the time has elapsed by sound, vibration, or the like.

[0064] 9 and 10, the second operation is an operation of displaying the home screen G12 on the display unit 23, and the first operation is an operation of displaying the banner notification G11 superimposed on the home screen G12. The first operation and the second operation are not limited to the above-mentioned examples. For example, other examples of the first operation and the second operation include the following.

[0065] (1) The second operation may be an operation of executing a message application program for exchanging messages. In this case, the first operation executed in preference to this may be an operation of preventing notification of message reception, etc., which is a function of the message application program. Notification of message reception, etc., is given by displaying an image on the display unit 23, outputting a sound from the sound output unit 25, or generating a vibration from the vibration unit 26. In other words, when the first operation is being executed, notification by sound, image, or vibration from the message application program is not given. (2) The second operation may be an operation of executing a telephone application program for making a voice call. In this case, the first operation executed in preference to this is an operation of preventing the output of a call voice or a notification of an incoming call, which is a function of the telephone application program. In other words, when the first operation is being executed, the output of a call voice is not performed. Also, when the first operation is being executed, notifications by voice, screen display, or vibration are not performed. (3) When an arbitrary application program is being executed as the second operation, the first operation that is executed in preference to this is an operation of outputting sound such as predetermined music. (4) When an arbitrary application program is executed as the second operation, the first operation executed in preference to this is an operation of outputting a specific odor. The operation of outputting an odor may be performed by an external device that communicates with the communication unit 22 of the communication terminal 2, or may be performed by the communication terminal 2 that has a function of outputting an odor. (5) When an arbitrary application program is being executed as the second operation, the first operation that is executed in preference to this is an operation of outputting a predetermined image (a still image or a moving image) on the display unit 23 of the communication terminal 2. The predetermined image may be, for example, an image that indicates that the first operation is currently being prioritized. The first motion is preferably a motion that does not interfere with concentration while studying or writing, for example, or a motion that has the effect of increasing concentration.

[0066] The first operation that is preferentially executed in the communication terminal 2 in response to a predetermined signal being transmitted from the writing instrument 3 is realized, for example, by the control unit 272 automatically starting an application program. This makes it possible to control the second operation by another application program executed in the communication terminal 2 and the second operation executed by the operating system program of the communication terminal 2 without user operation. The first operation may be realized by an operating system stored in the communication terminal 2.

[0067] The application program that is automatically started in the communication terminal 2 is, for example, a program having a restriction function that prevents a second operation (for example, notification by sound, image, or vibration that may disturb the user's concentration) executed in the communication terminal 2. The application program that is automatically started in the communication terminal 2 may have at least one of a timer function for improving concentration, a music playback function, a scent emission function, and the like.

[0068] (State transition of writing implement) 11 is a diagram showing an example of state transition of the writing instrument 3. The writing instrument 3 is in any one of an off state S1 in which the power supply of the communication unit 48 is turned off, an on state S2 in which the power supply of the communication unit 48 is turned on and communication with the communication terminal 2 is possible, and a sleep state S3 for reducing power consumption of the communication unit 48.

[0069] When the writing instrument 3 is in the OFF state S1, if the action of the writing instrument 3 detected by the sensor 42 is a predetermined action indicating that use of the writing instrument 3 has started, or if the switch 43 is operated, the writing instrument 3 transitions to the ON state S2 (transition T12). For example, the writing instrument 3 transitions to the ON state S2 when power supply from the power source P to the memory unit 47 and the processing unit 49 starts. At this time, the writing instrument 3 executes a connection process to start communication with the communication terminal 2. The connection process will be described in detail later.

[0070] The predetermined action indicating that the writing instrument 3 has started to be used is, for example, the removal of the cap 5 from the tip of the barrel 4. In this case, the acquisition unit 491 acquires information on the magnetic field emitted by the magnet 52 from the magnetic field sensor 421. The determination unit 492 determines that the cap 5 has been removed from the tip of the barrel 4 when the strength of the magnetic field indicated by the acquired information changes from a value greater than a threshold value to a value equal to or less than the threshold value. The threshold value is set to a value between the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field sensor 421 when the cap 5 is attached to the tip of the barrel 4 and the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field sensor 421 when the cap 5 is attached to the rear end of the barrel 4, for example.

[0071] The operation of switch 43 is, for example, an operation of continuously pressing switch 43 for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds). In this case, determination unit 492 determines whether switch 43 is conductive by supplying a current to switch 43. When switch 43 is continuously conductive for a predetermined time or more, determination unit 492 determines that an operation of continuously pressing switch 43 for a predetermined time has been performed.

[0072] When the writing instrument 3 is in the on state S2, if the operation of the writing instrument 3 is a predetermined operation indicating that the use of the writing instrument 3 has been temporarily suspended, the writing instrument 3 transitions to the sleep state S3 (transition T23). For example, the writing instrument 3 transitions to the sleep state S3 when the power supply from the power source P to the processing unit 49 is stopped while the power supply to the memory unit 47 is continued.

[0073] An example of the predetermined action indicating that the use of the writing instrument 3 has been temporarily suspended is that the cap 5 is attached to the tip of the barrel 4. In this case, the acquisition unit 491 acquires information about the magnetic field emitted by the magnet 52 from the magnetic field sensor 421. When the strength of the magnetic field indicated by the acquired information changes from a value equal to or less than a threshold value to a value greater than the threshold value, the determination unit 492 determines that the cap 5 has been attached to the tip of the barrel 4 and that the use of the writing instrument 3 has been temporarily suspended.

[0074] When the writing instrument 3 is in the on state S2 and a predetermined action indicating that use of the writing instrument 3 has ended is detected, the writing instrument 3 cuts off communication with the communication terminal 2 and stops the communication unit 48, and transitions to the off state S1 (transition T21). For example, the writing instrument 3 transitions to the off state S1 when power supply from the power source P to the memory unit 47 and the processing unit 49 is stopped.

[0075] The predetermined action indicating that use of the writing instrument 3 has ended is that the writing instrument 3 has not moved for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). In this case, the acquisition unit 491 acquires information on the acceleration and angular velocity applied to the writing instrument 3 from the inertial sensor 422. The acquisition unit 491 also acquires information on the pressure applied to the writing body 41 from the pressure sensor 423. When the magnitude of the acceleration, angular velocity, and pressure indicated by the acquired information is continuously equal to or less than a threshold value for a predetermined time, the determination unit 492 determines that the writing instrument 3 has not moved for a predetermined time and that use of the writing instrument has ended.

[0076] When the writing instrument 3 is in the sleep state S3, if the operation of the writing instrument 3 is a predetermined operation indicating that use of the writing instrument 3 has started, the writing instrument 3 transitions to the on state S2 (transition T32). For example, the writing instrument 3 transitions to the off state S1 when power supply from the power source P to the processing unit 49 is resumed. The predetermined operation indicating that use of the writing instrument 3 has started is when the cap 5 is removed from the tip of the barrel 4.

[0077] When the writing instrument 3 is in the sleep state S3, if the operation of the writing instrument 3 is a predetermined operation indicating that use of the writing instrument 3 has ended, the writing instrument 3 transitions to the off state S1 (transition T31). For example, the writing instrument 3 transitions to the off state S1 when power supply from the power source P to the memory unit 47 is stopped. The predetermined operation indicating that use of the writing instrument 3 has ended is when the writing instrument 3 does not move for a predetermined period of time.

[0078] (Connection processing) 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a connection process executed by the communication system 1. The connection process is executed at transition T12. The connection process is realized by the processing units of the communication terminal 2 and the writing instrument 3 working in cooperation with other components of the respective devices.

[0079] First, the transmission unit 493 of the writing instrument 3 transmits a beacon signal (step S101). The beacon signal is an example of a predetermined signal. That is, the predetermined signal is transmitted without any operation by the user when the action of the writing instrument 3 is determined to be an action related to writing. The beacon signal is, for example, a BLE beacon signal using a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark) advertisement packet. The beacon signal includes information for identifying the writing instrument 3.

[0080] Next, in response to receiving the beacon signal, the communication terminal 2 displays a notification indicating that use of the writing instrument 3 has started (step S102). The receiving unit 271 of the communication terminal 2 determines that a beacon signal has been received from the writing instrument 3 when pre-stored information identifying the writing instrument 3 is included in a predetermined frame position of the beacon signal. The control unit 272 displays a notification screen G1 to display a notification indicating that use of the writing instrument 3 has started. This notification is displayed without any operation by the user.

[0081] Next, the control unit 272 executes an application program in response to a user operation (step S103). In response to a user operation of selecting the banner notification G12 on the notification screen G1 (for example, tapping the screen), the control unit 272 executes an application program corresponding to the writing instrument 3 to display the application screen G2. In addition, in response to the user operation of selecting the banner notification G12, the control unit 272 transmits an operation signal indicating that the user operation has been accepted to the writing instrument 3.

[0082] In response to receiving the operation signal, the notification control unit 494 of the writing instrument 3 controls the notification unit 45 (step S104). The notification control unit 494 receives the operation signal via the communication unit 48. The notification control unit 494 supplies a current to the notification unit 45 to control the notification unit 45 to blink at a predetermined interval. This completes the connection process.

[0083] As described above, when the action of the writing instrument 3 is a predetermined action, the writing instrument 3 transmits a beacon signal to the communication terminal 2 without the user operating the communication terminal 2 and the writing instrument 3. In other words, the user does not need to operate the writing instrument 3 and the communication terminal 2 other than causing the writing instrument 3 to perform a predetermined action for using the writing instrument. Therefore, the writing instrument 3 enables the user to communicate with the communication terminal 2 with a simple operation.

[0084] Furthermore, when the action of the writing instrument 3 is an action related to writing, a predetermined signal for executing a first action without user operation on the communication terminal 2 is transmitted from the writing instrument 3 to the communication terminal 2, so that the first action is executed in priority to the second action being executed on the communication terminal 2. Therefore, while the user is performing an action related to writing with the writing instrument 3, the user is less likely to be influenced by the second action being executed on the communication terminal 2, such as by being distracted, and is more likely to concentrate on the action related to writing.

[0085] Furthermore, the writing instrument 3 accommodates the magnet 52 in a recess 512 formed in the cap 5. In this way, it becomes possible to accommodate the magnet 52 in the cap 5 after the cap 5 is molded, without using insert molding in the manufacturing process. If the magnet 52 is accommodated in the cap 5 by insert molding, there is a possibility that the manufacturing cost will increase and the magnetic force of the magnet 52 will decrease due to the high temperature during molding. By accommodating the magnet 52 in the recess 512, the writing instrument 3 makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the cap 5 and prevent the magnetic force of the magnet 52 from decreasing.

[0086] Furthermore, the writing instrument 3 determines whether or not the cap 5 has been removed from the tip of the barrel 4 based on the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field sensor 421, and transmits a beacon signal when the cap 5 has been removed from the tip of the barrel 4. Since the determination based on the magnetic field emitted by the magnet 52 housed in the cap 5 is highly accurate, the writing instrument 3 enables the writing instrument 3 to reliably start communication with the communication terminal 2 with a simple operation.

[0087] (Modification) The communication system 1 may be modified as follows.

[0088] In the above description, the predetermined action indicating that the writing instrument 3 has started to be used is that the cap 5 has been removed from the tip of the barrel 4, but this is not limited to such an example. The predetermined action indicating that the writing instrument 3 has started to be used may be that the writing instrument 3 is continuously moving. In this case, in transition T12, the acquisition unit 491 acquires information on the acceleration and angular velocity applied to the barrel 4 from the inertial sensor 422. The acquisition unit 491 also acquires information on the pressure applied to the writing body 41 from the pressure sensor 423. The determination unit 492 determines that the writing instrument 3 is continuously moving when the magnitude of the acceleration, angular velocity, and pressure indicated by the acquired information meets a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is, for example, that the acceleration, angular velocity, or pressure exceeds a threshold value for a certain period of time or more. Even in this way, the writing instrument 3 enables the user to communicate with the communication terminal 2 with a simple operation.

[0089] In the above description, the magnetic field sensor 421 is accommodated in the front of the barrel 4, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The magnetic field sensor 421 may be accommodated in the rear of the barrel 4. For example, the magnetic field sensor 421 may be disposed on the second board B2 accommodated in the rear of the barrel 4. In this case, in the transition T12, the writing instrument 3 determines whether or not the cap 5 is attached to the rear end of the barrel 4 as a predetermined operation indicating that the use of the writing instrument 3 has started. For example, the determination unit 492 determines that the cap 5 has been removed from the tip of the barrel 4 and attached to the rear end of the barrel 4 when the strength of the magnetic field indicated by the information acquired from the magnetic field sensor 421 has changed from a value equal to or less than the threshold value to a value greater than the threshold value.

[0090] In the above description, the recess 512 in which the magnet 52 is housed is formed along the side surface of the cylindrical body 51, but this is not limited to the example. The recess 512 may be formed on the inside or outside of the bottom surface of the cylindrical body 51. Even in this way, the writing instrument 3 can reduce the manufacturing cost of the cap 5 and prevent a decrease in the magnetic force of the magnet 52. Note that, regardless of the above description, the magnet 52 may be housed in the cap 5 by insert molding.

[0091] In the above description, the transmitter 493 transmits a BLE beacon signal when the action of the writing instrument 3 is a predetermined action indicating that use of the writing instrument 3 has started, but this is not a limited example. The writing instrument 3 may transmit a signal conforming to a communication standard other than BLE.

[0092] In the above description, in step S104 of the connection process, the notification control unit 494 controls the notification unit 45 in response to receiving an operation signal, but this is not limited to the example. For example, the notification control unit 494 may control the notification unit 45 to output a notification in response to transmitting a beacon signal.

[0093] In the above description, the application program corresponding to the writing instrument 3 is an application program for measuring time, but is not limited to this example. The application program corresponding to the writing instrument 3 may be any application program. For example, the application program corresponding to the writing instrument 3 may be a calendar application program that records whether or not a study has been performed each day.

[0094] Furthermore, the application program corresponding to the writing instrument 3 may be a points management application program that grants points to a user based on information acquired by the writing instrument 3 or the communication terminal 2. The points management application program may be executed as a first operation that takes precedence over a second operation executed by the communication terminal 2, or may be executed in the background of the second operation.

[0095] For example, the point management application program executes a process of counting the frequency of items related to writing actions from the information detected by the sensor of the writing instrument 3 or the result of information processing in the communication terminal 2 that has received the information detected by the sensor, and awarding points to the user based on the count. For example, among the information acquired by the writing instrument 3 or the communication terminal 2, some or several of the acceleration data of the writing instrument 3, the number of times the cap 5 is opened and closed, the pressure data of the sensor that detects the writing pressure, the data of the sensor that detects the rotation of the writing instrument 3, the number of times the writing instrument 3 is knocked, etc., that exceed a certain threshold value may be counted.

[0096] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a point management screen G3 displayed on the display unit 23 by the processing unit 27 executing a point management application program. The point management screen G3 includes a total point display G31 that displays the total points acquired by the user, and a graph showing the degree of achievement for each item related to the writing action and an achievement level display G32 that displays the corresponding acquired points. For example, the achievement level display G32 displays a bar graph, medals, or other graphics showing the degree of achievement for a previously initialized goal or a goal set by the user, the number of points, and the like. The point acquisition status may be displayed by switching between daily, weekly, and entire periods by selecting a tab.

[0097] The points acquired by each user may be stored and managed in the communication terminal 2, or may be stored and managed in an external management server connected to the communication terminal 2 via a network. The points acquired by the point management application program can be exchanged for, for example, digital data, goods, or services, or can be donated.

[0098] Furthermore, the application program corresponding to the writing instrument 3 may be a status display application program that displays the status of the writing instrument 3 on the display unit 23 of the communication terminal 2.

[0099] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a status display screen G4 displayed on the display unit 23 by executing a status display application program by the processing unit 27. The status display screen G4 includes a remaining battery level G41 of the writing instrument 3, an illustration G42 imitating the writing instrument 3, an application initialization button G43, and a connection settings button G44.

[0100] The illustration G42 displays information on the inclination or angle of the writing instrument 3. For example, the inclination or angle of the writing instrument 3 is displayed by tilting the illustration G42 in conjunction. The inclination and angle can be obtained by an acceleration sensor included in the writing instrument 3 detecting the direction of gravitational acceleration. In addition to the inclination and angle of the writing instrument 3, information indicating whether the communication terminal 2 and the writing instrument 3 are able to communicate with each other may be displayed using an icon or the like, and information indicating whether the writing pressure is being detected may be displayed.

[0101] The application initialization button G43 is an object for initializing information and conditions set in the status display application program. The connection setting button G44 is an object for connecting and disconnecting communication between the writing instrument 3 and the communication terminal 2. The information indicating the status of the writing instrument 3 shown on the status display screen G4 is not limited to the above.

[0102] While the status display application program is being executed, control unit 272 acquires information on the status of writing instrument 3 at a predetermined frequency via communication unit 22. For example, control unit 272 acquires the remaining battery power at a frequency of about once per minute to 500 times per second, and information detected by sensor 42 such as writing pressure, tilt, angle, etc. at a frequency of about once per second to 500 times per second. The frequency may be automatically set taking into consideration the remaining battery power and power consumption.

[0103] The above-described sensors for detecting motion, such as the acceleration sensor, pressure sensor, and Hall sensor, may be included in a motion detection device, which can obtain the above-described information on the body motion and motion to achieve the same effect.

[0104] This motion detection device may be an attachment type that can be attached to a writing implement, in which case the motion detection device can be considered as the writing implement.

[0105] Furthermore, although the above describes a case where the determination unit 492 is provided in the writing instrument 3, the determination unit 492 may be provided in the communication terminal 2. In this case, the writing instrument 3 transmits a signal from a sensor to the communication terminal 2, the communication terminal 2 receives the signal transmitted from the writing instrument 3, and the determination unit of the communication terminal 2 determines whether or not the operation of the writing instrument 3 is a predetermined operation based on the received signal. Then, when the determination unit of the communication terminal 2 determines that the operation of the writing instrument 3 is a predetermined operation, the control unit of the communication terminal 2 performs control to execute a first operation without a user operation.

[0106] As described above, according to the present embodiment, there are provided the writing implement 3, the communication system 1, and the communication terminal 2 that enable the user to start communication with a simple operation.

[0107] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 3 Writing instruments 4 shaft cylinder 421 Magnetic Field Sensor 422 Inertial Sensor 423 Pressure Sensor 491 Acquisition Department 492 Judgment section 493 Transmitter 494 Notification Control Unit 5 Cap 512 Recess 52 Magnet 53 Decorative materials

Claims

1. An information processing system including a writing instrument having a communication function and an electronic device that communicates with the writing instrument, The writing instrument is A sensor for detecting a motion; a determination unit that determines whether or not the motion detected by the sensor is a predetermined motion; A transmitter for transmitting a predetermined signal to the electronic device, An information processing system, wherein when the action detected by the sensor is determined to be the specified action, the transmission unit transmits a specified signal to the electronic device to cause the electronic device to execute a first action without user operation.

2. An information processing system including a writing instrument having a communication function and an electronic device that communicates with the writing instrument, The writing instrument is A sensor for detecting a motion; a transmitter that transmits a signal from the sensor to the electronic device, The electronic device includes: a receiving unit for receiving a signal transmitted from the transmitting unit; a determination unit that determines whether or not the motion of the writing instrument is a predetermined motion based on the signal received by the receiving unit; An information processing system having a control unit that, when the determination unit determines that the operation of the writing instrument is a predetermined operation, controls the electronic device to execute a first operation without user operation.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the first operation is executed with priority over a second operation executed by the electronic device.

4. 3 . The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the first operation is an operation of displaying a different image superimposed on a display that is executed as a second operation by the electronic device.

5. 3 . The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the first operation is an operation of preventing a display operation on a display executed as a second operation by the electronic device.

6. A writing instrument that communicates with an electronic device, A sensor for detecting a motion; a determination unit that determines whether or not the motion detected by the sensor is a predetermined motion; A transmitter for transmitting a predetermined signal to the electronic device, A writing instrument, wherein when the determination unit determines that the action detected by the sensor is the specified action, the transmission unit transmits a specified signal to the electronic device to cause the electronic device to execute a first action without user operation.

7. 7. The writing instrument of claim 6, wherein the sensor includes at least one of an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration applied to the writing instrument, an angular velocity sensor that detects angular velocity applied to the writing instrument, a pressure sensor that detects pressure applied to the writing instrument when writing, and a sensor that detects knocking or rotation that advances the lead of the writing instrument.

8. The magnet is accommodated in the barrel, and the barrel further includes a cap that is detachable from the barrel. The sensor includes a magnetic field sensor that is housed in the barrel and detects a magnetic field generated by the magnet, The determination unit determines, as the predetermined operation, whether or not the cap has been removed from the barrel based on the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field sensor; The writing implement according to claim 6 , wherein the transmitter transmits the predetermined signal when the cap is removed from the barrel.

9. The writing implement according to claim 6 , wherein the predetermined signal is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon signal.

10. An electronic device that communicates with a writing instrument, A receiving unit that receives a signal transmitted from the writing instrument; A control unit that executes a predetermined operation; Equipped with The control unit executes a first operation without user operation when the receiving unit receives a predetermined signal transmitted when a predetermined operation is performed from the writing instrument.

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