Electronic paper and electronic paper management system

Abstract

To provide an electronic paper and an electronic paper management system that can detect the success or failure of rewriting display contents.SOLUTION: An electronic paper 10 includes a display screen 13, a display control section 11a, a reading section 14, and a determination section 11b. The display control section 11a rewrites an image displayed on the display screen 13 to a first image based on first display data D1. The reading section 14 optically reads a predetermined region R in the first image. The determination section 11b determines whether or not a read result by the reading section 14 corresponds to the first display data D1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic paper and electronic paper management systems. [Background technology]

[0002] In the display device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the power is turned on, the contents of the information storage memory are converted into a two-dimensional code image and displayed. By taking a picture of this two-dimensional code with a camera-equipped mobile phone and sending it by email to a support center, it is possible to easily receive online fault diagnosis and maintenance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-271806 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Electronic paper can maintain its display content (the image displayed on the display screen) without applying voltage, and only requires power when the displayed content is rewritten (updated). However, it is not possible to detect whether the displayed content has been rewritten successfully. Depending on the application, if the rewriting fails and incorrect content continues to be displayed, this could cause unintended problems.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide electronic paper and an electronic paper management system that can detect whether display content has been rewritten successfully. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electronic paper of the present disclosure includes a display screen, a display control unit, a reading unit, and a determination unit. The display control unit rewrites an image displayed on the display screen with a first image based on first display data. The reading unit optically reads a predetermined area within the first image. The determination unit determines whether the read result by the reading unit corresponds to the first display data.

[0007] The electronic paper management system of the present disclosure includes electronic paper and a management device. The electronic paper has a display screen, a display control unit, a reading unit, a determination unit, and a first communication unit. The display control unit rewrites an image displayed on the display screen with a first image based on first display data. The reading unit optically reads a predetermined area within the first image. The determination unit determines whether the read result by the reading unit corresponds to the first display data. The first communication unit communicates with the management device. The management device has a second communication unit. The second communication unit communicates with the first communication unit. The second communication unit transmits the first display data to the first communication unit and receives the determination result by the determination unit from the first communication unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide electronic paper and an electronic paper management system that are capable of detecting whether or not display content has been rewritten successfully. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an electronic paper management system 1 that manages electronic paper 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating first display data D1 and a unique pattern P1 based on the first display data D1. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display on a display screen 13 based on first display data D1 and a unique pattern P1. FIG. [Figure 4]10 is a flowchart showing main processing by the electronic paper management system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of electronic paper 10A according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the inside of electronic paper 10A. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of electronic paper 10B according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the inside of electronic paper 10B. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of electronic paper 10C according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the inside of electronic paper 10C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] First Embodiment 1.1 Overall configuration of the electronic paper management system 1 First, an electronic paper management system 1 that manages electronic paper 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic paper management system 1 that manages electronic paper 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the electronic paper management system 1 includes electronic paper 10 and a management device 20. Although only one electronic paper 10 is shown in Fig. 1, there may be multiple electronic paper 10.

[0013] 1.2 Configuration of e-paper 10 The electronic paper 10 includes a CPU 11, a memory unit 12, a display screen 13, a reading unit 14, and a first communication unit 15. The CPU 11 includes a display control unit 11a and a determination unit 11b, which will be described later. The electronic paper 10 is an example of an application to an electronic shelf label suitable for mass retailers of goods. However, other examples of the electronic paper 10 include tabletop digital signage suitable for displaying menus in restaurants, large-scale digital signage suitable for displaying advertisements, signage displays, electronic posters, and the like. However, the electronic paper 10 is not limited to these examples.

[0014] The CPU 11 controls each part of the electronic paper 10. The CPU 11 may be, for example, a processor or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), but is not limited to these.

[0015] For example, it is assumed that an OS (Operating System, sometimes called "basic software") that runs on the CPU 11 and programs for functions corresponding to the display control unit 11a and the determination unit 11b are stored in the storage unit 12. The display control unit 11a and the determination unit 11b are realized by the CPU 11 executing the OS and programs. Examples of the OS include, but are not limited to, Microsoft Windows (registered trademark) and Android (registered trademark). The display control unit 11a and the determination unit 11b may be configured with, but are not limited to, an electronic circuit, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or the like.

[0016] The storage unit 12 stores information and data necessary for controlling each part of the electronic paper 10. The storage unit 12 may store or include an OS, programs, etc. executed by the CPU 11. The storage unit 12 includes memory, specifically, volatile memory and nonvolatile memory. Volatile memory includes, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and static random access memory (SRAM), but is not limited to these. Nonvolatile memory includes, for example, read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid state drive (SSD), and hard disk, but is not limited to these.

[0017] The display screen 13 has a memory function and can retain the displayed content without applying a voltage. However, in this electronic paper 10, the display data to be displayed on the display screen 13 is also stored in the storage unit 12.

[0018] The reading unit 14 optically reads a predetermined area R in the first image. This predetermined area R is arranged in a part of the first image displayed on the display screen 13, such as a corner or an edge, in order to detect whether the display content has been rewritten successfully. However, the predetermined area R is not limited to such an arrangement. Examples of the reading unit 14 include an image sensor or a camera unit with a built-in image sensor. If the object to be read is a two-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code reader specialized for reading such a code may be used. If the object to be read is a barcode, a barcode reader or line sensor specialized for reading such a code may be used. However, the present invention is not limited to such examples.

[0019] To reliably detect whether the display content has been rewritten, the predetermined area R must have sufficient display performance to display the unique pattern P1 (described below), and the reading unit 14 must also have sufficient imaging performance to read the predetermined area R. Since the display performance of the predetermined area R depends on the display resolution of the display screen 13, the minimum size of the predetermined area R is determined depending on the type of unique pattern P1, the amount of information, etc. Furthermore, the reading performance of the reading unit 14 depends on the imaging resolution, etc. For example, if the predetermined area R corresponds to only a portion of the reading range of the reading unit 14, rather than the entire range, the reading unit 14 must be designed to have sufficient resolution for only that portion.

[0020] The first communication unit 15 performs wireless communication with the management device 20. The first communication unit 15 has at least one communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark; note omitted below) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark; note omitted below), but is not limited to these. For example, if the electronic paper 10 is battery-powered and reducing power consumption is a priority, Bluetooth is suitable. In particular, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE; registered trademark), a low-power consumption communication mode added in Bluetooth 4.0 and later, is more suitable. Furthermore, if communication distance is prioritized over power consumption, Wi-Fi may be suitable. However, the first communication unit 15 is not limited to these examples.

[0021] The display control unit 11a rewrites the image displayed on the display screen 13 to a first image based on the first display data D1. That is, the display control unit 11a performs display control so that the rewritten first image is displayed on the display screen 13. Note that the "first display data D1" refers to the original display data that should be displayed on the display screen 13.

[0022] The determination unit 11b determines whether the read result by the reading unit 14 corresponds to the first display data D1. Note that "corresponds" means that the first display data D1 is correctly reflected in the read result by the reading unit 14. In other words, the determination unit 11b determines whether the first display data D1 is correctly displayed on the display screen 13 and whether the reading unit 14 has correctly read that display.

[0023] Therefore, it is possible to detect whether the display contents have been rewritten successfully. As a result, if the rewriting fails, the display can be rewritten or a warning can be issued, thereby improving reliability.

[0024] 1.3 Configuration of the management device 20 The management device 20 includes a CPU 21, a storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, and a second communication unit 25. The CPU 21 includes a display management unit 21a and a warning output unit 21b. The hardware configuration of the management device 20 is similar to that of a general computer used as a server, so detailed description will be omitted and the following description will mainly focus on its distinctive features.

[0025] The display management unit 21a manages the display of the electronic paper 10. For example, the display management unit 21a stores the display content of each electronic paper 10, and rewrites all or part of the display content of each electronic paper 10 as necessary. Furthermore, as will be described later, if rewriting of any electronic paper 10 fails, for example, the display management unit 21a may store information about the electronic paper 10 for which rewriting failed, and may also display a warning.

[0026] The warning output unit 21b outputs warning information. Examples of the manner in which the warning information is output include, but are not limited to, visual output such as a flashing lamp or an error display on the display unit 24, auditory output such as sound or voice, or a combination of visual and auditory output.

[0027] The operation unit 23 receives operation inputs. Examples of the operation unit 23 include, but are not limited to, buttons, a keyboard, and a touch panel that allows touch operations.

[0028] Examples of the display unit 24 include, but are not limited to, liquid crystal and organic EL. The display unit 24 may be a touch panel that allows touch operation, and may also serve as the operation unit 23.

[0029] The second communication unit 25 communicates with the first communication unit 15. To this end, the second communication unit 25 has a communication function of the same standard as the communication function of the first communication unit 15. The second communication unit 25 may have other communication functions. Furthermore, the second communication unit 25 may have a wired communication function with the outside via the Internet or a mobile communication function.

[0030] 1.4 Operation of e-Paper 10 Next, the operation of the electronic paper 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating first display data D1 and a unique pattern P1 based on the first display data D1. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display on the display screen 13 based on the first display data D1 and the unique pattern P1.

[0031] The display control unit 11a displays a unique pattern P1 (see FIG. 2) corresponding to the first display data D1 in a predetermined region R of the first image. Therefore, the unique pattern P1 corresponding to the first display data D1 is used to detect whether the display content has been rewritten. As a result, the success or failure of the rewriting can be detected more reliably, thereby further improving reliability.

[0032] The unique pattern P1 includes at least one of a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, and a multi-color arrangement pattern. Therefore, the success or failure of rewriting the display content is detected by the one-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code, or the multi-color arrangement pattern generated based on the first display data D1. As a result, an appropriate unique pattern P1 for detecting the success or failure of rewriting can be easily generated.

[0033] To accurately detect whether the rewriting has been successful, a two-dimensional code is suitable for the unique pattern P1. Specifically, a QR code (registered trademark; note omitted below) is an example, but is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first display data D1 on the upper left side (hereinafter referred to as "D1-1" for distinction) is different from the first display data D1 on the upper right side (hereinafter referred to as "D1-2" for distinction). In this case, the unique pattern P1 generated based on the first display data D1-1 (hereinafter referred to as "P1-1" for distinction) (lower left side of FIG. 2) is not the same as the unique pattern P1 generated based on the first display data D1-2 (hereinafter referred to as "P1-2" for distinction) (lower right side of FIG. 2). However, it is difficult to distinguish the unique pattern P1-1 from the unique pattern P1-2 with the naked eye.

[0034] The reading unit 14 reads the predetermined area R after the image is rewritten by the display control unit 11a. The determination unit 11b makes a determination after the reading unit 14 reads the predetermined area R. Therefore, the predetermined area R is read after the image is rewritten, and it is determined whether the rewriting was successful. As a result, the success or failure of the rewriting is accurately detected, which makes it possible to further improve reliability.

[0035] The reading unit 14 is disposed so as to be able to accurately read the entire predetermined region R. If necessary, an optical system such as a mirror or a lens may be added.

[0036] The display control unit 11a may erase the display of the unique pattern P1 after the determination by the determination unit 11b. In other words, the display control unit 11a may perform display control so that the unique pattern P1 that was displayed on the display screen 13 disappears. Therefore, the unique pattern P1 that was displayed in the predetermined area R to detect whether the rewriting was successful or not is erased. As a result, partial unnaturalness of the display content is eliminated.

[0037] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when a display is made on the display screen 13 based on the first display data D1 and a unique pattern P1 generated based on this data (left side of FIG. 3), the unique pattern P1, which is not present in the original first display data D1, remains in the upper right corner (upper right of FIG. 3). This unique pattern P1 is not originally necessary for the intended use of the electronic paper 10, and may appear unnatural. Therefore, after detecting whether the rewriting was successful, the content may be rewritten to the content based on the original first display data D1 (lower right of FIG. 3). In this case, if possible, it is preferable to rewrite only the portion of the display screen 13 where the unique pattern P1 is displayed, rather than rewriting the entire display screen 13. Electronic paper with such a partial rewriting function actually exists.

[0038] Second Embodiment Next, the main processing by the electronic paper management system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the main processing by the electronic paper management system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the configuration of the electronic paper management system 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as the electronic paper management system 1 described in the first embodiment, and therefore Fig. 1 is used here.

[0039] First, the basic processing of the management device 20 for the electronic paper 10 will be explained, and then the detailed processing will be explained with reference to a flowchart. Note that in the following explanation, only one electronic paper 10 will be treated, but multiple electronic paper 10 may also be treated.

[0040] The second communication unit 25 transmits the first display data D1 to the first communication unit 15, and receives from the first communication unit 15 the determination result made by the determination unit 11b.

[0041] Therefore, the management device 20 transmits the first display data D1 for rewriting the display content to the electronic paper 10, and receives the result of the determination of whether the display content has been rewritten from the electronic paper 10. As a result, the management device 20 can manage not only the display content of each electronic paper 10, but also the success or failure of the rewriting.

[0042] The electronic paper 10 may have unique identification information 12a. In this case, the storage unit 12 may store the identification information 12a. The second communication unit 25 may then receive the identification information 12a along with the determination result. In this case, if the determination result indicates a failure in rewriting, the warning output unit 21b outputs the warning information including the identification information 12a.

[0043] Therefore, the management device 20 receives the identification information 12a specific to the electronic paper 10 along with the result of the rewriting success / failure determination, and outputs a warning including the identification information 12a if the rewriting fails. As a result, it becomes possible to identify the electronic paper 10 for which the rewriting failed and take appropriate measures.

[0044] 4, in step S21 on the management device 20 side, the second communication unit 25 transmits a display update command to the electronic paper 10. This display update command includes, as arguments, the first display data D1 and a unique pattern P1 based on this first display data D1.

[0045] In response to this, in step S11 on the electronic paper 10 side, the first communication unit 15 receives the command sent from the second communication unit 25.

[0046] In step S12, the first communication unit 15 returns to the second communication unit 25 an ACK (ACKnowledgement) indicating that the command has been received, and the checksum calculated by the CPU 11.

[0047] In response to this, in step S22 on the management device 20 side, it is confirmed whether the second communication unit 25 receives an ACK or the like from the first communication unit 15.

[0048] In step S23, the CPU 21 determines whether or not an ACK is received within a certain time period and whether or not the checksum is normal. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S24; if not, the process returns to step S21 and starts over from transmitting the display update command.

[0049] In step S24, the second communication unit 25 transmits a display update execution command to the electronic paper 10. This display update execution command is a command instructing the electronic paper 10 to rewrite the display screen 13 based on the first display data D1 and the unique pattern P1 that were included as arguments in the transmitted display update command.

[0050] In response to this, in step S13 on the electronic paper 10 side, the first communication unit 15 receives the command sent from the second communication unit 25.

[0051] In step S14, the display control unit 11a updates the display content of the display screen 13 based on the first display data D1 and the unique pattern P1.

[0052] In step S15, the reading unit 14 reads the unique pattern P1 displayed in the predetermined area R on the display screen 13. The read unique pattern P1 is decoded by the CPU 11.

[0053] In step S16, the determination unit 11b determines whether the result of reading by the reading unit 14 correctly corresponds to the unique pattern P1 based on the first display data D1. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S18; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0054] In step S17, the determination unit 11b determines whether the number of times that the reading result by the reading unit 14 does not correctly correspond to the unique pattern P1 has reached a predetermined number or more. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S19; otherwise, the process returns to step S14.

[0055] In step S18, the first communication unit 15 transmits to the second communication unit 25 a determination result indicating that the update of the display content of the display screen 13 has been completed successfully. This completes the series of processes on the electronic paper 10 side.

[0056] On the other hand, in step S19, the first communication unit 15 transmits a determination result indicating that the update of the display content of the display screen 13 has failed to the second communication unit 25. This ends the series of processes on the electronic paper 10 side.

[0057] On the other hand, in step S25 on the management device 20 side, the second communication unit 25 waits for the determination result transmitted from the first communication unit 15, and after receiving the determination result, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0058] In step S26, the CPU 21 performs various processes according to the determination result received from the first communication unit 15. This completes the series of processes on the management device 20 side.

[0059] <Third embodiment> Fig. 5A is a perspective view of electronic paper 10A according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the interior of electronic paper 10A. This electronic paper 10A is an example of application to a desktop digital signage with a stand.

[0060] 5A and 5B, the electronic paper 10A further includes a support unit 16 that supports the display screen 13. The reading unit 14 is disposed on the support unit 16 facing the predetermined region R. Therefore, in a configuration in which the support unit 16 is disposed downward, such an arrangement of the reading unit 14 is appropriate. As a result, the display content in the predetermined region R can be read with high accuracy, further improving reliability.

[0061] In this electronic paper 10A, the reading unit 14 is disposed on the support unit 16 disposed below. To improve the accuracy of reading the display content of the predetermined region R by the reading unit 14, it is preferable to place the predetermined region R as close to the bottom edge of the display screen 13 as possible. However, the present invention is not limited to such an arrangement.

[0062] <Fourth embodiment> Fig. 6A is a perspective view of electronic paper 10B according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the interior of electronic paper 10B. This electronic paper 10B is an example of application to outdoor digital signage equipped with a solar panel.

[0063] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, electronic paper 10B further includes a canopy portion 17 disposed above display screen 13. Reading unit 14 is disposed in canopy portion 17 facing predetermined region R. Therefore, in a configuration in which canopy portion 17 is disposed above, such an arrangement of reading unit 14 is appropriate. As a result, the display content in predetermined region R can be read with high accuracy, further improving reliability.

[0064] In this electronic paper 10B, the reading unit 14 is disposed in the upper canopy portion 17. To improve the accuracy of reading the display content of the predetermined region R by the reading unit 14, it is preferable to place the predetermined region R as close to the upper end of the display screen 13 as possible. However, the arrangement is not limited to this.

[0065] Fifth Embodiment Fig. 7A is a perspective view of electronic paper 10C according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the interior of electronic paper 10C. This electronic paper 10C is an example of application to outdoor, low-bezel digital signage.

[0066] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, electronic paper 10C further includes a frame 18 that covers edge 13a of display screen 13. Predetermined area R is located at edge 13a covered by frame 18. Reading unit 14 is located in frame 18 facing predetermined area R. Therefore, predetermined area R, which is used to detect whether rewriting has been successful, cannot be seen from the outside. As a result, partial unnaturalness in the displayed content does not occur at all.

[0067] The electronic paper 10C may further include a light source 19 that illuminates the predetermined region R. Therefore, even if the electronic paper 10 is not self-luminous, the predetermined region R can be read well by illuminating it. As a result, reliability can be further improved.

[0068] The present invention can be embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or main features. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited to the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and variations within the equivalent range of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0069] The contents of the present disclosure can be used in electronic paper and electronic paper management systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1. Electronic paper management system 10, 10A, 10B, 10C e-paper 11a Display control unit 11b Judgment section 12 Storage section 13 Display screen 13a End 14 Reading unit 15 First Communications Department 16 Support part 17 Eaves 18 Frame 19 Light source 20 Management device 21a Display management section 21b Warning output section 22 Memory section 23 Control section 24 Display section 25 Second Communications Department

Claims

1. A display screen; a display control unit that rewrites an image displayed on the display screen with a first image based on first display data; a reading unit that optically reads a predetermined area in the first image; a determination unit that determines whether or not the read result by the reading unit corresponds to the first display data; The electronic paper is provided with:

2. The electronic paper according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit causes a unique pattern corresponding to the first display data to be displayed in the predetermined area of ​​the first image.

3. The electronic paper according to claim 2 , wherein the unique pattern includes at least one of a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, and a multi-color arrangement pattern.

4. The electronic paper according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the display control unit erases the display of the unique pattern after the determination by the determination unit.

5. the reading unit reads the predetermined area after the image is rewritten by the display control unit; The electronic paper according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit makes the determination after the reading unit has read the predetermined area.

6. Further comprising a support portion for supporting the display screen, The electronic paper according to claim 1 , wherein the reading unit is disposed on the support unit so as to face the predetermined area.

7. Further, the display device includes a canopy portion disposed above the display screen, The electronic paper according to claim 1 , wherein the reading unit is disposed on the overhanging portion so as to face the predetermined area.

8. Further, a frame portion covering an edge of the display screen is provided, the predetermined region is disposed at the end portion covered by the frame portion, The electronic paper according to claim 1 , wherein the reading unit is disposed on the frame portion so as to face the predetermined area.

9. The electronic paper according to claim 8 , further comprising a light source that illuminates the predetermined area.

10. An electronic paper management system including an electronic paper and a management device, The electronic paper is A display screen; a display control unit that rewrites an image displayed on the display screen with a first image based on first display data; a reading unit that optically reads a predetermined area in the first image; a determination unit that determines whether or not the read result by the reading unit corresponds to the first display data; a first communication unit that communicates with the management device; and the management device has a second communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit, The second communication unit transmits the first display data to the first communication unit and receives a determination result by the determination unit from the first communication unit.

11. the electronic paper has unique identification information; the management device further includes a warning output unit that outputs warning information; the second communication unit receives the identification information together with the determination result; The electronic paper management system according to claim 10 , wherein the warning output unit outputs the warning information including the identification information when the determination result indicates a failure of the rewriting.

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