Imprinting system

Abstract

If the stamp rally is held for a long period of time with the same theme, the user may get bored or the number of participants may decrease. In order to avoid such a situation, the theme of the stamp rally may be changed or the seal design may be changed after a certain period of time has elapsed. It can be used many times. When the stamp body is damaged, it is also necessary to replace and repair the stamp body.SOLUTION: To provide a stamping system of a stamp capable of data-managing stamping information when stamping a stamp on a stamp mount with a simple structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stamping system using NFC. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, stamp rallies have been held in which participants collect stamps within a certain theme on a premises (for example, a theme park or an exhibition), or within a specific theme established nationwide or in a specific region (for example, visiting temples and shrines, roadside stations, etc.). In such stamp rallies, participants stamp a specific stamp sheet, and depending on the number of stamps they collect, they can receive a special gift or other reward.

[0003] Also disclosed is a technology that supplies power to the control board of the stamp itself placed at each base in the stamp rally, reads information from an IC chip embedded in the stamp mount, and transmits the stamp status to a server for management. This technology allows users to hold actual stamped stamp mounts in their hands, and also manages stamp information on the server, which increases user satisfaction and simplifies management for the organizers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2011-076211 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, if a stamp rally is held for a long period of time with the same theme, users may become bored and the number of participants may decrease. To avoid this, the theme of the stamp rally or the stamp design may be changed after a certain period of time. Also, if the stamp itself becomes damaged due to repeated use, it may need to be replaced or repaired.

[0006] According to the above-mentioned disclosed technology, the structure of the stamp body is complicated, for example, a control board is incorporated into the stamp body, and replacing the print design part or replacing or repairing the stamp body is troublesome and costly. The stamp body itself is also expensive, which is undesirable.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a stamping system with a simple structure that is capable of managing data of stamping information when a stamp is stamped on a stamp mount. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The stamping system of the first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is as follows: a stamp having a seal surface and capable of imprinting a seal on an object by pressing the seal surface against the object; a stamp detection device having a placement section for placing a stamp object, a stamp detection section for detecting that the stamp has been pressed onto the stamp object placed on the placement section, and a transmission section for transmitting stamp information based on the detection result of the stamp detection section to an external device; an external device that is communicably connected to the stamp detection device and has a receiving unit that receives the stamp information and a storage unit that stores the stamp information received by the receiving unit; The present invention is characterized by the following features.

[0009] Such a stamping system includes a stamp to be stamped on a stamping target, a stamp detection device having a mounting unit, a stamp detection unit that detects the stamp, and a transmission unit that transmits the stamp information to an external device, and an external device having a receiving unit that receives the stamp information and a memory unit that stores the stamp information. By providing the stamp detection unit and transmission unit in the stamp detection device, the stamp and stamp detection device that make up the stamping system can be configured simply. Furthermore, stamps can be replaced or repaired at low cost.

[0010] The stamping system of the second invention is the stamping system of the first invention, The stamp detection unit detects the stamping of the stamp based on the displacement of the stamp detection unit caused by the stamping.

[0011] According to this stamping system, when a stamp is pressed (stamped) onto a stamp object placed on the mounting section of the stamping detection device, the stamping detection section provided in the stamping detection device is displaced and detects the pressing (stamping). This makes it possible to provide a stamping detection device with a simple configuration. This also makes it possible to provide a stamping system that is low-cost and easy to manufacture and repair.

[0012] The third aspect of the present invention provides a stamping system according to the first aspect of the present invention, The stamp detection device includes a metal part that can change the distance from the transmitter, When the transmitter and the metal part are in a first positional relationship in which the distance between them is short, it is difficult for the transmitter to normally transmit the imprint information to the outside, When the transmitter and the metal part are in a second positional relationship in which the distance between them is large, the transmitter can normally transmit the imprint information to the outside, The metal part is characterized in that it changes between the first positional relationship and the second positional relationship in accordance with the operation of imprinting the stamp.

[0013] According to this stamping system, the position of the metal part of the stamp detection device is changed in accordance with the operation (pressing) of stamping with a stamp, and the transmitting unit of the stamp detection device is changed between a state in which it is difficult to normally transmit stamp information to the outside and a state in which it is possible to normally transmit stamp information to the outside. This makes it possible to transmit stamp information by stamping the target with a stamp, and it is possible to provide a highly innovative stamping system that combines analog stamping and digital stamp information management with a stamp detection device of simple configuration.

[0014] Further, the fourth aspect of the present invention is a stamping system according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, The stamp detection device has a second placement section on which the external device is placed, the transmitting unit can be driven by wireless power supply from the external device placed on the second placement unit, The transmitting unit is characterized in that, when receiving power from the external device, it is capable of transmitting the stamping information to the receiving unit of the external device placed on the second placing unit.

[0015] According to this stamping system, the stamp detection device has a mounting section on which the stamp object is placed, as well as a second mounting section on which an external device is placed. The transmitter of the stamp detection device can be driven by wireless power supply from the external device placed on the second mounting section. Furthermore, when power is supplied from the external device, the transmitter of the stamp detection device transmits stamp information to a receiver of the external device placed on the second mounting section.

[0016] As a result, the stamp is pressed onto the stamp object while the external device and the stamp object are placed on the stamp detection device. This stamping operation (pressing) allows stamp information to be transmitted to the external device. Furthermore, since the stamp detection device is supplied with power wirelessly from the external device, it does not need to have a power source to drive the transmitting unit. Therefore, there are no restrictions on where stamps can be placed in a stamp rally, and it is possible to provide a stamp detection device with a simple configuration and low cost.

[0017] Further, the stamping system of the fifth invention is the stamping system of the fourth invention, The stamp detection device includes an alarm unit that is placed on the second placement unit and can be driven by wireless power supply from the external device, The notification unit is characterized by notifying in a perceptible manner that the transmission unit can be operated normally by wireless power supply from the external device placed on the second placement unit.

[0018] According to this stamp system, the stamp detection device includes an alarm unit that can be driven by wireless power supply from an external device placed on the second mounting section, and the alarm unit notifies in a perceptible manner that the transmitter unit of the stamp detection device can be driven normally. By wirelessly powering both the transmitter unit and the alarm unit from the same external device, it is possible to easily and accurately notify that the transmitter unit can transmit stamp information normally. This eliminates the problem of not receiving power from the external device when a user stamps, resulting in the stamp information not being transmitted. Furthermore, there is no need to provide the stamp detection device with a power source to drive the alarm unit, making it possible to provide a stamp detection device with a simple configuration and low cost. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a stamping system with a simple structure that is capable of managing data on stamping information when a stamp is stamped on a stamp mount. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1A is a perspective view showing the stamp pad and the stamp, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a scene where a smartphone is placed on the smartphone placement section of the stamp pad. [Figure 2] 1A is a perspective view showing a state where an ink mount is placed on the mount placing portion of the ink pad, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state where a stamp is placed on the stamp mount placed on the mount placing portion of the ink pad. [Figure 3](a) is a perspective view showing a scene where a stamp is pressed onto an ink mount placed on the mount placing section of the ink pad, (b) is a perspective view showing a scene where a stamp is successfully pressed onto an ink mount placed on the mount placing section of the ink pad. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a stamping system. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are simplified diagrams showing a cross section of an ink pad; [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an application setting process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a seal detection process. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are simplified diagrams showing cross sections of an ink pad of another embodiment, respectively; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described using an example. In the following, an example will be described in which the stamping system of the present invention is applied to a stamp rally in which stamps are collected by visiting multiple locations. Also, this example is an example in which the stamping system is applied to a stamp rally, and the present invention is not limited to this example. [Example]

[0022] The stamp pad 10 and stamp 20 shown in Figure 1 are some of the components that make up the stamping system. In the stamp rally of this embodiment, stamp pads 10 and stamps 20 are installed at a plurality of predetermined stations (a plurality of predetermined bases). Users participating in the stamp rally visit the bases where the stamp pads 10 and stamps 20 are installed in any order and stamp the stamp 20 on a stamp sheet 30 (see Figure 2), which will be described later. If users can stamp a predetermined number of stamps or more (for example, four stamps) within a predetermined time limit, they will receive a special benefit.

[0023] Furthermore, the stamp rally of this embodiment is not simply a matter of stamping a stamp sheet at each location to complete the stamped stamp sheet, but also allows stamp information to be digitally managed via an external device such as a smartphone 5. In other words, it is a stamp rally that combines analog and digital.

[0024] Specifically, when a smartphone 5 (external device) is placed (placed) on the smartphone placement section 11 (second placement section) of the stamp pad 10 and a stamp mount 30 is placed (placed) on the mount placement section 12 (movable placement section, first placement section), and the stamp 20 is stamped on the stamp mount 30, the stamp pad 10 transmits stamp information (including location information) of the stamp 20 to the smartphone 5. Then, the smartphone 5 (external device) receives the stamp information of the stamp 20 and transmits information obtained based on the stamp information to the server 2 (external device) via the Internet. The server 2 manages and stores the information received from the smartphone 5 and transmits management information to the smartphone 5. The display screen 5a of the smartphone 5 appropriately controls the display of images based on this management data. By appropriately managing and controlling this data at the server 2 and the smartphone 5, the status of the stamp rally can be grasped and appropriately managed. It is also possible to transmit stamp information directly from the stamp pad 10 to the server 2 without going through the smartphone 5.

[0025] The stamp pad 10 (stamp detection device) of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1(a) has a housing 13 with external dimensions of s: 374 mm, t: 207 mm, u: 83 mm, ss: 50 mm, and tt: 107 mm. A mount mounting section 12 (movable mounting section) is mounted (fitted) on the top surface of the housing of the stamp pad 10 so that it can move up and down. The mount mounting section 12 has external dimensions of sss: 225 mm, ttt: 157 mm, which is large enough to mount an stamp mount 30. When not pressed, the mount mounting section 12 protrudes approximately 15 mm from the top surface of the housing of the stamp pad 10. The external sizes and shapes of the stamp pad 10 and other components are not limited to these configurations and may be any size or shape.

[0026] A box-shaped protruding smartphone placing section 11 for placing a smartphone 5 is provided at one end of the stamp pad 10. The smartphone placing section 11 has a flat surface on which the smartphone 5 is placed, allowing the smartphone 5 to be placed stably. As will be described in more detail below, by placing the smartphone 5 in a predetermined position (normal position) on the smartphone placing section 11, power can be supplied wirelessly (wireless power feeding) to electrical components on the stamp pad 10, such as an NFC chip, via an antenna 40 (transmitter, receiver) on the stamp pad 10 side provided directly below the smartphone placing section 11.

[0027] In addition, a mount mounting section 12 for mounting a stamp mount 30 used in a stamp rally is provided next to the smartphone mounting section 11 of the stamp pad 10. In this embodiment, by stamping the stamp 21 with the stamp mount 30 placed on this mount mounting section 12, stamping information (such as the fact that the stamp was stamped at the relevant location and information about the location) can be transmitted to the smartphone 5 or the server 2.

[0028] Furthermore, when the stamp 20 is pressed (stamped, stamping operation) onto the stamp mount 30 placed on this mount mount portion 12, the mount mount portion 12 moves downward (sinks, displaces). When the stamp 20 is stamped and the pressure is released, the mount mount portion 12, which had sunk downward, returns to its original position (rises) due to the biasing force of a spring, which will be described later. When this sinking movement of the mount mount portion 12 is detected by a detection portion (detection mechanism) inside the stamp pad 10, it determines that the stamp 20 has been pressed (a stamp has been stamped on the stamp mount), and transmits the recorded information (storage information, stamping information) of the NFC chip 41 to the smartphone 5 via the antenna 40.

[0029] In addition, a notification unit 14 made up of an LED is provided on the back side of the mount mounting unit 12. In FIG. 1(a), the notification unit is not receiving power and it is not the time for notification, so it is in an unlit state. This notification unit 14 is an electronic component that is powered by power supplied (wirelessly) from the smartphone 5, and when the smartphone 5 is placed in the correct position (a position where power can be supplied) on the smartphone mounting unit 11, it lights up in a first color (e.g., blue) to notify that the smartphone 5 is in the correct position. Furthermore, when the imprint information is transmitted normally, it lights up in a second color (e.g., green) to notify that the imprint information has been successfully transmitted.

[0030] A stamp 20 is attached to the stamp pad 10 via an anti-theft wire 6. The stamp 20 has a grip 21 that is held in the hand to perform a pressing operation, a shaft 22, and a stamp storage section 23 that stores a stamp 25 inside which a stamp surface 25a with a predetermined design is formed. By placing the stamp 20 on the stamp mount 30 (the object to be stamped) and pressing the grip 21 downward, the stamp 25 inside the stamp storage section 23 is pressed against the stamp mount 30, and the stamp with the design formed on the stamp surface 25a is stamped.

[0031] Next, using Figures 1(b) to 3(b), the flow of stamping the stamp mount 30 using the stamp pad 10 and stamp 20 at a predetermined base (Nagoya Station) of the stamp rally of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1(b) shows a scene where a user participating in the stamp rally places their smartphone 5 in the normal position on the smartphone placement section 11 of the stamp pad 10. By placing the smartphone 5 in the normal position on the smartphone placement section 11, power is normally supplied (wirelessly) to the stamp pad 10. Then, the notification section 14 (LED) lights up (blue) in a manner that notifies that the smartphone 5 has been placed in the normal position. In other words, this indicates that preparations for stamping are complete.

[0032] The display screen 5a of the smartphone 5 placed in the normal position on the smartphone holder 11 indicates that the stamp rally app is running, and also displays a "stamp instruction notification." Specifically, the text "Please press on the stamp pad" is displayed, instructing the user to place the stamp mount 30 on the mount holder 12 of the stamp pad 10 and stamp it.

[0033] FIG. 2(a) shows a scene in which a user places the stamp mount 30 being used in a stamp rally on the mount placement section 12 of the stamp pad 10 in accordance with an instruction notification displayed on the display screen 5a of the smartphone 5. Here, the stamp mount 30 used in the stamp rally related to the present stamping system 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2(a), a theme display section 32 is provided on the top of the stamp mount 30, indicating that the theme of the stamp rally is "Station Edition." In other words, stamp pads 10 and stamps 20 related to the present stamping system are installed at a plurality of predetermined stations (base points), and the user goes around the stations stamping the stamps 20.

[0034] The center of the stamp mount 30 is provided with stamp impression units 33 (four in this embodiment) for impressing the stamp 20 at each base (station). In addition, a QR code (registered trademark) 31 is displayed in the lower right corner of the stamp mount 30. The QR code 31 is a code unique to each stamp mount 30. A unique serial number, theme information, a command to start the stamp rally app, and the like are embedded in the QR code 31. As will be described in more detail below, when the QR code 31 is read by the smartphone 5, the installed stamp rally app automatically starts up, and then it determines whether the stamp rally related to the stamp mount 30 is still valid and queries (verifies) the user's record information, etc.

[0035] The theme of the stamp rally ("station" in this embodiment) is limited to a certain period (for example, one month) to prevent users from getting bored and maintain their motivation. When a theme ends, it is changed to another theme (for example, a shrine). When the theme is changed, the base station is changed and the stamp face design of the stamp 20 is changed, or the base station remains the same and the stamp face design of the stamp 20 is changed. In this stamping system, in such cases, the stamp pad 10 can be used as is and the main body of the stamp 20 can be replaced, or only the stamp part 25 of the stamp 20 can be replaced, making it possible to easily and inexpensively deal with this.

[0036] 2(b), following FIG. 2(a), shows a scene in which the user places the stamp 20 in a predetermined position (in this embodiment, the upper left blank space of the stamp imprinting section 33) on the stamp mount 30 placed on the mount mounting section 12 in accordance with the "stamp instruction notification" displayed on the display screen 5a. FIG. 3(a) shows a scene in FIG. 2(b) in which the user presses downward the gripping section 21 of the stamp 20 placed in a predetermined position on the stamp mount 30 to start imprinting. FIG. 3(a) shows a scene immediately after imprinting has started, and therefore the imprinting information has not yet been sent to the smartphone 5.

[0037] That is, in this stamping system 1, a stamp is detected when the stamping state (pressing state) continues for a predetermined period (for example, one second). This setting is used because the user normally maintains the pressing state for more than one second in order to neatly press (copy) the stamp 20 imprint design onto the stamp mount 30. This ensures that stamping information is transmitted reliably when the user stamps, and also enables the stamp to be neatly stamped onto the stamp mount 30. This also enables malfunction prevention control, such as not transmitting stamping information if the mount placement section 12 is accidentally pressed for a very short time (instant).

[0038] FIG. 3(b) shows a scene in which the gripper of the stamp 20 is pressed downward (pressed state) for a predetermined period (e.g., 1 second) from the scene shown in FIG. 3(a). By maintaining the pressed state for the predetermined period (maintaining the mount holder submerged), information (stamp information) from the NFC chip 41 provided inside the stamp pad 10 is successfully transmitted to (read correctly from) the smartphone 5. The notification unit 14 provided on the mount holder 12 lights up in a second color (green), notifying the user that the stamp information has been successfully transmitted. The display screen 5a of the smartphone 5 also displays the words "Stamp Successful" and an image of the digital stamp (a displayed stamp; in this embodiment, a design showing "Nagoya Station"). This notifies the user that the smartphone 5 has successfully received the stamp information of the stamp 20. Having received the stamp information, the smartphone 5 transmits data based on the stamp information to the server 2 via the Internet.

[0039] [Block diagram] Next, the mechanism for transmitting and receiving stamp information in the stamp system 1 will be described using the block diagram shown in Fig. 4. The stamp pad 10 includes an NFC chip 41 (a passive type is used in this embodiment) having a memory unit capable of storing information, an antenna 40 for transmitting and receiving information from the NFC chip 41 to and from an external device (smartphone 5) and for receiving power from the smartphone 5, a notification unit 14 that notifies that the power reception state is normal and that the stamp information has been transmitted successfully, a control circuit 51 that controls the notification unit 14, and a stamp detection unit 52 (stamp detection mechanism) that detects the stamp (pressing) by the stamp 20.

[0040] The smartphone 5 includes at least a power unit 61 (power storage unit), a display screen 5a that displays various types of information, a control unit 62 (CPU) that performs various controls on the smartphone 5 such as image display, application execution control, and communications, an NFC reader / writer 63 that can read and write information from the NFC chip 41, and an antenna 64 that transmits and receives information to and from the NFC chip 41 and wirelessly supplies (transmits) power to the electronic components on the stamp pad side (NFC chip 41, control circuit, notification unit, etc.). Naturally, the smartphone also includes RAM and ROM.

[0041] The server 2 includes at least a memory unit 72 that stores data (information) received from the smartphone 5, and a management control unit that manages stamp rally information (including base information and user information) based on the data.

[0042] The NFC reader / writer 63 included in the smartphone 5 employs known NFC reader / writer technology (e.g., FeliCa (registered trademark)) and can read data from an NFC chip (e.g., NFC-F) and write data to the NFC chip without contact (contactless communication). When the NFC reader / writer function is ON in the smartphone 5 settings, the NFC reader / writer 63 detects, via the antenna 64, an NFC chip that comes within its communication range (e.g., 10 cm).

[0043] Within the communication range, a magnetic field is generated between the antenna 64 and the antenna 40 on the ink pad 10 side by passing a current through the antenna 64, which generates a current in the antenna 40 and wirelessly supplies power to the NFC chip 41. In addition, the NFC reader / writer 63 transmits a clock signal to the NFC chip 41 by radio wave (for example, 13.56 MHz). Data transmission between the NFC reader / writer 63 and the NFC chip 41 is performed by AM modulation. This enables contactless data transmission between the smartphone 5 and the ink pad 10. In addition, the notification unit 14, which is composed of an LED, and the control circuit 51 that controls the notification unit 14 are driven by power supplied from the smartphone 5 via the NFC chip 41.

[0044] As will be described in more detail below, the stamping system 1 of this embodiment is configured such that simply placing the smartphone 5 on the smartphone mounting portion 11 and within the communication range of the NFC chip 41 does not result in data transmission between the NFC reader / writer 63 and the NFC chip 41. As will be described in more detail below, with the smartphone 5 placed on the smartphone mounting portion 11, the stamp 20 is pressed against the stamp mount 30 placed on the mount mounting portion 12. This causes the mount mounting portion 12 to move downward, making the NFC chip 41 readable / writable. Furthermore, when the pressure on the stamp 20 is stopped and the mount mounting portion 12 returns to its initial position, the NFC chip 41 once again becomes difficult (unable) to read / write.

[0045] When the stamp 20 is pressed onto the stamp mount 30 placed on the mount placement unit 12, stamp information (NFC 41 information, location information) is sent to the smartphone 5. Upon receiving the stamp information, the smartphone 5 transmits data based on the received stamp information to the server 2 via the Internet. The server 2 links the received information with the serial number and user registration information obtained from the QR code 31, and manages and stores information such as the stamp rally theme, the location where the stamp was obtained (for example, Nagoya Station), the date and time of stamping, and the number of locations where stamps were obtained.

[0046] [Stamp detection mechanism] Next, the configuration of the stamp detection unit 52 provided in the ink pad 10 will be described with reference to Figure 5. The NFC chip 41 provided in the ink pad 10 of this embodiment cannot read (write) data properly (cannot transmit data) if the NFC chip itself is in contact with a metal surface (this also applies when the separation distance is as short as about 5 mm) or if the NFC chip is in contact with a liquid.

[0047] The stamp pad 10 of this embodiment utilizes this property to change the NFC chip 41 between a readable (writable) state (a state in which data can be transmitted) and a difficult to read (write) state. Specifically, before the stamp 20 is pressed, i.e., when the mount mounting portion 12 is in the normal position (raised position), the NFC chip 41 and the metal plate 42 (metal portion) are in contact (adjacent state), making it difficult (impossible) to read the data in the NFC chip 41 (see FIG. 5(a)). On the other hand, when the stamp 20 is pressed on the mount mounting portion 12 and moved downward (to the sunken position, lowered position), the metal plate 42 moves away from the NFC chip 41 in conjunction with the movement (operation) of the mount mounting portion 12, making it possible to read (write) the data in the NFC chip 41 (see FIG. 5(b)).

[0048] 5(a) and (b) are diagrams showing the inside of the ink pad 10. FIG. 5(a) shows the normal state in which no force is being applied to the mount mounting portion 12 and the mount mounting portion 12 is in the upper position (illustration of the stamp, etc. is omitted). Directly below the smartphone mounting portion 11, an antenna 40 (stamp pad side antenna, coil, transceiver) and an NFC chip 41 are fixedly installed in the positions shown in the figure. These are also electrically connected. Also, below the NFC chip 41, there is provided a first movable portion 43 that moves up and down between a state in contact with (close to) the NFC chip 41 and a state separated from it (preferably separated by 11 mm or more).

[0049] The first movable part 43 has a metal plate fixing part 42a on its upper side, and the metal plate 42 is fixed to the upper part of the metal plate fixing part 42a. As shown in FIG. 5(a), when there is no pressure from the stamp 20 and the mount mounting part 12 is in the normal position (raised position), the metal plate fixing part 42a is urged upward by the urging force of the first spring 47 (first urging part), and the metal plate 42 and the NFC chip 41 come into contact (they may be in close proximity with a small gap, which produces the same effect). This state is also referred to as a "first positional relationship in which the NFC chip (transmitter) and the metal plate (metal part) are close to each other."

[0050] Furthermore, the mount board placement unit 12 is urged upward by the urging force of the second spring 48 (second urging unit) and is located in the normal position (raised position). The first movable unit 43 and the second movable unit 49 fixed to the mount board placement unit 12 are connected by connecting members 44a and 44b, and the first movable unit 43 (metal plate fixing unit 42a and metal plate 42) moves up and down in conjunction with the up and down movement of the mount board placement unit 12. The connecting member 44a has a rotation shaft 45a and rotates around the fixed shaft 45a. The connecting member 44b has a fixed shaft 45b and rotates around the fixed shaft 45b. Furthermore, the first movable unit 43 is connected to the connecting member 44a by a connecting portion 46a, and the second movable unit 49 is connected to the connecting member 44b by a connecting portion 46c. Furthermore, the connecting member 44a and the connecting member 44b are connected by a connecting portion 46b.

[0051] FIG. 5(b) shows a state in which the stamp 20 is pressed on the mount mounting portion 12, causing the mount mounting portion 12 to move (displace) to a lowered position (sunk position) (the stamp 20 and other parts are not shown). The pressing of the stamp 20 causes the entire mount mounting portion 12 to sink downward against the biasing force (first spring 47, second spring 48) that biases the mount mounting portion 12 upward. In conjunction with this, the second movable portion 49 fixed to the mount mounting portion 12 moves (displaces) downward, causing the connecting member 44b to rotate and lifting the connecting portion 46b side upward. Also in conjunction with this, the connecting member 44a connected to the connecting member 44b rotates, lowering the connecting portion 46a side downward.

[0052] In conjunction with this, the first movable part 43 (metal plate fixing part 42a, metal plate 42) connected by connecting part 46a of connecting part 44a moves (displaces) downward. As a result, the NFC chip 41 in the fixed position and the metal plate 42 are separated by a sufficient distance (11 mm or more), which triggers the data recorded in the NFC chip 41 to be transmitted to the smartphone 5 as imprint information. This state is also referred to as the "second positional relationship in which the distance between the NFC chip (transmitter) and the metal plate (metal part) is large."

[0053] Furthermore, in the normal usage mode of a stamp rally, this "first positional relationship in which the distance between the NFC chip (transmitter) and the metal plate (metal part) is close" and "second positional relationship in which the distance between the NFC chip (transmitter) and the metal plate (metal part) is far" change when the user presses the stamp 20 on the mount mounting part 12. Furthermore, since imprint information is transmitted in accordance with this change, the mechanism that changes this positional relationship (first movable part 43 (metal plate 42), second movable part 49, connecting members 44a, 44b, etc.) is also referred to as the "imprint detection part 52" for detecting the imprint.

[0054] [App setting process] Next, referring to FIG. 6, the application setting process (S100) that is performed before stamping the stamp 20 using the stamp pad 10 will be described. This application setting process is a process executed by the smartphone 5. In the application setting process (S100), first, it is determined whether the QR code 31 on the stamp mount 30 has been read using the camera function of the smartphone 5 (S101). If it is determined that the QR code has not been read (NO in S101), the process ends. If it is determined in S101 that the QR code has been read (YES in S101), it is then determined whether the stamp rally app has been installed on the smartphone 5 (S102). If it is determined that the stamp rally app has not been installed (NO in S102), the display screen of the smartphone 5 is switched to an application acquisition screen (S112), and the process ends.

[0055] If it is determined in S102 that the stamp rally app has been installed (YES in S102), it is determined whether the NFC reader / writer function is permitted (S103), and if it is determined that it is not permitted (NO in S103), the display screen of the smartphone 5 is switched to an NFC function setting screen (S113), and the process ends.If it is determined that the NFC function is permitted (YES in S103), the stamp rally app is launched based on the app launch instruction embedded in the QR code 31 (S104), and then the serial number embedded in the QR code 31 is read (S105), and data such as the serial number is sent to the server 2 via the Internet to transmit and receive data (S106).

[0056] Next, various determinations are made based on the data stored in the server 2 and the data stored in the smartphone 5. In S107, it is determined whether the serial number read from the QR code 31 is for a number for which the stamp rally has already been completed (S107). In S107, when it is determined by referring to the information stored in the server 2 that the serial number is for a number for which the stamp rally has already been completed (YES in S107), an image showing a bonus image, various stamp rally information, etc. is displayed on the display screen 5a (S115), and the process ends.

[0057] Examples of bonus images include congratulatory messages such as "Congratulations on clearing the game!" and special digital stamp images. Various stamp rally information can also be displayed, such as the stamp images acquired at each location, the date and time of acquisition, the time until completion, the clearing ranking, and the number of participants. In this embodiment, the stamp rally cannot be continued with a serial number that has already been cleared. The same user can continue the stamp rally by using a new stamp mount (QR code).

[0058] If it is determined in S107 that the serial number has not been completed (i.e., the stamp rally is in progress or is being completed for the first time) (NO in S107), then it is determined from the theme information read from the QR code whether the stamp rally is currently being held (S108). If it is determined that the theme is not currently being held, that is, the stamp rally for the stamp sheet 30 read by the user has ended (NO in S108), images such as an apology message, a report on the duration and completion of the event, etc. are displayed on the display screen 5a (S114), and the process ends.

[0059] If it is determined in S108 that the stamp rally is currently being held (YES in S108), the number of stamps currently acquired and the stamp types at the acquisition locations are checked (S109), an image display and audio corresponding to the acquired stamps are output (S110), the smartphone 5 is set to a state in which stamps can be read (S111), and the process ends. "Image display corresponding to the acquired stamps" is, for example, a display mode as shown in FIG. 2(a), and in this example, an image display when the number of acquired stamps is 0. If only one stamp has been acquired, the digital stamp 5c shown in FIG. 3(b) may be displayed. Audio such as "one more" or "halfway there" may also be output.

[0060] The "stamp readable state" refers to a state in which the smartphone 5 is in the state shown in Fig. 2(a), and is ready to receive stamp information by placing the smartphone 5 on the smartphone mounting unit 11 and stamping with the stamp 20. After performing such pre-settings, the stamp rally that combines analog and digital in this embodiment can be successfully carried out by setting the smartphone 5 on the smartphone mounting unit 11 and stamping with the stamp 20.

[0061] [Stamp detection processing] Next, the stamp detection process (S200) executed upon receiving stamp information transmitted when stamping the stamp 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. This process is executed when the smartphone 5, which has been set to the stamp readable state described in Fig. 6, is placed on the smartphone mounting section 11 and the stamp 20 is stamped on the stamp mount 30.

[0062] In S201, it is determined whether the smartphone 5 is set to a state in which the stamp can be read. If it is determined in S201 that the smartphone 5 is not set to a state in which the stamp can be read (NO in S201), the process ends. It is desirable to have a message such as "Please read with your smartphone camera" written near the QR code on the stamp mount 30. If it is determined that the stamp can be read (YES in S201), a reading process is performed on the NFC chip 41 of the stamp pad 10 (S202).

[0063] Next, it is determined whether the stamp was read successfully (S203), and if it is determined that the stamp was not read successfully (S203), the process returns to S202 again to perform the reading process of the NFC chip 41 of the stamp pad 10. As described above, even if the smartphone 5 is set to a state in which it can be read and placed on the smartphone mounting unit 11, if the stamp 20 has not been pressed (pressed), the NFC chip 41 and the metal plate 42 are in contact with or close to each other, and normal reading is not possible. Therefore, the NFC chip reading process (S202) is repeated until the stamp 20 is pressed on the mount mounting unit 12.

[0064] 7, if reading is not possible within a predetermined time (for example, 2 minutes) from the start of reading (S202), an error message (a message such as "Please start again from the beginning" is displayed on the display screen 5a) and the stamp detection process may be terminated. Also, the number of readings may be counted, and when the count reaches a predetermined number, an error message may be similarly displayed and the process may be terminated.

[0065] If it is determined in S203 that the contents of the NFC chip 41 have been read successfully (stamp information has been received) (YES in S203), it is then determined whether the stamp pad is an unstamped one (S204). Here, successful reading in S203 means that the smartphone 5 has been set to a stamp readable state, placed on the smartphone placement unit 11, and the user has performed a stamping operation (pressing operation) of the stamp 20 on the mount placement unit 12. As a result, the stamp information is received.

[0066] In S204, the location information from the received stamp information is sent to the server 2, and the serial number is compared to determine whether the location (stamp pad) is unstamped (unregistered). If it is determined in S204 that the stamp pad 10 (stamp 20) is already registered (NO in S204), an image is displayed to inform the user that the stamp for the location has already been stamped on the stamp mount 30 with this serial number (S205), and the process ends.

[0067] On the other hand, if it is determined that the stamp pad 10 (stamp 20) is an unstamped stamp pad (YES in S204), data based on the received stamp information (stamp pad information (location name, GPS information, etc.), stamp date and time, etc.) is sent from the smartphone 5 to the server 2 (S206). The server 2 receives the data on the newly acquired stamp, stores and manages it in association with the serial number, and sends the necessary data to the smartphone 5.

[0068] Next, data is sent and received between the smartphone 5 and the server 2, and it is determined whether there is any inconsistency with the information recorded on the server (S207). If it is determined that there is no inconsistency (YES in S207), an image indicating that a new stamp has been acquired is displayed (S208). For example, the image shown in FIG. 3(b) is displayed. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an inconsistency with the server information (NO in S207), an image indicating that an error has occurred is displayed (S211), and the process ends.

[0069] In S209, it is determined whether all stamps have been acquired (whether the stamp rally has been completed) by acquiring new stamps. If it is determined that all stamps have been acquired (YES in S209), an image showing a bonus image and information indicating that the stamp rally has been completed is displayed (S210), and the process ends. If it is determined in S209 that all stamps have not been acquired (NO in S209), an image showing the number of stamps remaining until completion and the currently acquired number of stamps is displayed (S212), and the process ends. Note that these image displays are performed on the display screen 5a of the smartphone 5.

[0070] [Another embodiment of the stamp pad] Next, another embodiment of the ink pad 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment will be described using Figure 8. The ink pad 80 of the other embodiment has a similar configuration in which the NFC chip 41 and the metal plate 81 are changed between a contact (proximity) state and a separate state, thereby enabling data transmission with the NFC chip 41. This ink pad 80 differs from the above-mentioned embodiment in the mechanism for changing the NFC chip 41 and the metal plate 81 from a contact (proximity) state to a separate state.

[0071] As in the above-described embodiment, the ink pad 80 is connected to the stamp 20 by a wire. However, in another embodiment, the connection by wire is not simply for theft prevention, but the wire is pulled by the stamp stamping operation, thereby changing the NFC chip 41 and the metal plate 81 from a contact (proximity) state to a separated state. Specifically, the stamp 20 is pressed (stamped) to pull one end of the wire, and in conjunction with this, the metal plate fixed to the other end of the wire is pulled, thereby separating the metal plate 81 from the NFC chip 41.

[0072] 8(a) shows the normal state (state where no force is being applied) in which the stamp 20 is placed on the mount mounting portion 85 and before being pressed. The stamp pad 80 has a fixed mount mounting portion 85, which does not move up or down even when the stamp 20 is pressed on the mount mounting portion 85. In this state, the stamp surface 25a provided on the stamp portion 25 is separated upward from the mount mounting portion 85 and is floating in the air.

[0073] One end of the wire 83 (pulling wire) is fixed to the stamp surface fixing portion 24 of the stamp 20. This stamp surface fixing portion 24 is formed integrally with the grip portion and shaft portion, and when a stamping operation (pressing) is performed by pressing the grip portion downward, the stamp surface fixing portion 24 moves downward within the stamp portion storage portion 23. The other end of the wire 83 is fixed to the connecting and fixing portion 81b, which is fixed to the metal plate fixing portion 81a. The metal plate 81 is fixed to the upper part of the metal plate fixing portion 81a.

[0074] 8(a), the metal fixing portion 81a is urged upward by the urging force of the third spring 82 (third urging portion), and the NFC chip 41 and the metal plate 81 (metal portion) are in contact or in close proximity. The wire 83 is fixed by the wire fixing portion 84 and is routed through the inside of the coil-shaped third spring 82.

[0075] 8(b) shows the state in which the gripping portion 21 of the stamp 20 is pressed downward and pressed (stamped) on the mount mounting portion 85 (on the stamp mount 30). In addition, pressing the gripping portion 21 downward causes the stamp surface fixing portion 24, which is configured integrally with the gripping portion 21, to move downward, and the stamp surface 25a provided on the stamp portion 25 is pressed against the stamp mount 30 placed on the mount mounting portion 85, stamping it. In addition, as the stamp surface fixing portion 24 moves downward within the stamp portion storage portion 23, the wire 83 fixed to the stamp surface fixing portion 24 is pulled downward.

[0076] In conjunction with this movement (pulling) of the wire 83, the connecting and fixing part 81b fixed to the other end of the wire 83 is pulled downward against the biasing force of the third spring 82. Accordingly, the metal plate fixing part 81a and the metal plate 81 fixed to the connecting and fixing part 81b are similarly pulled downward. This causes the NFC chip 41 and the metal plate 81 to be separated (11 mm or more), enabling data reading (transmission) of the NFC chip 41. Furthermore, when the pressure on the stamp 20 is released, it returns to the normal state shown in FIG. 8(a). In other words, the third spring 82 also contributes to the return of the stamp surface fixing part 24 to the non-stamped state after stamping, eliminating the need to provide a separate stamping spring on the stamp 20 and further simplifying the configuration of the stamp 20.

[0077] As in the above-described embodiment, this "first positional relationship (FIG. 8(a)) in which the distance between the NFC chip (transmitter) and the metal plate (metal part) is short" and "second positional relationship (FIG. 8(b)) in which the distance between the NFC chip (transmitter) and the metal plate (metal part) is long" change when the user presses the stamp 20 on the mount mounting part 85. Furthermore, since imprint information is transmitted in accordance with this change, the mechanism (wire, metal plate 81, connecting and fixing part 81b, etc.) that changes this positional relationship is also referred to as the "imprint detection part 52" for detecting the imprint.

[0078] [Other aspects] In the above-described embodiment, the notification unit notifies that the smartphone is placed in the correct position or that the stamp information has been transmitted correctly by lighting up the LED in a predetermined manner. Instead of or in addition to this mode, a speaker such as a piezoelectric buzzer may be provided to notify by sound. One may be a light and the other a sound, or one may be a light or sound and the other a light and sound. Any combination is acceptable. Notification may also be made by other perceptible modes such as vibration or airflow.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the server stores and manages the stamps acquired, the number of stamps, the stamping date and time, etc., linked to the serial number. In addition, the server may store and manage the number of stamps acquired at each base, and use this information to measure the popularity or unpopularity of the base itself, or to perform maintenance or replacement of stamp pads and stamps placed at the base.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the distance between the NFC chip and the metal plate is changed to change the state between one in which data from the NFC chip can be read (transmitted) and another in which it is difficult. Instead of this configuration, the metal plate may be removed to leave the NFC chip in a readable state, and a pressure-sensitive sensor electrically connected to the NFC chip may be provided on the mount mounting portion. When a stamp is pressed onto the mount mounting portion (displacement of the mount mounting portion), the pressure of the stamp may be detected, and detection information (stamp information) may be sent from the NFC chip to the smartphone.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, a passive NFC chip is used, and the stamp pad and stamps installed at the base do not have a power source. Alternatively, a battery may be built into the stamp pad, or power may be supplied from a commercial power source. While this configuration has the advantage of making it easier to obtain stable power for various effects, it also has the disadvantages of requiring time for battery replacement and complicated wiring.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the stamping system of the present invention is used in a stamp rally, but the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be used as a stamp pad at only one location. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 Stamping system, 2 Server, 5 Smartphone, 6 Theft prevention wire, 10 Stamp pad, 11 Smartphone mounting section, 12 Mounting paper mounting section, 14 Notification section, 20 Stamp, 21 Holding section, 23 Stamp section storage section, 25 Stamp section, 25a Stamp surface, 30 Stamp mount, 31 QR code, 32 Theme display section, 33 Stamp stamping section, 40 Antenna, 41 NFC chip, 42 Metal plate, 42a Metal plate fixing section, 43 First fixing section, 47 First spring, 48 Second spring, 49 Second moving section, 51 Control circuit, 52 Stamp detection section, 61 Power section, 62 Control section, 63 NFC reader / writer, 64 Antenna, 71 Management control section, 72 Memory section, 80 Stamp pad, 81 Metal plate, 82 Third spring, 83 Wire, 85 Mounting section.

Claims

1. a stamp having a seal surface and capable of imprinting a seal on an object by pressing the seal surface against the object; a stamp detection device having a placement section for placing a stamp object, a stamp detection section for detecting that the stamp has been pressed onto the stamp object placed on the placement section, and a transmission section for transmitting stamp information based on the detection result of the stamp detection section to an external device; an external device that is communicably connected to the stamp detection device and has a receiving unit that receives the stamp information and a storage unit that stores the stamp information received by the receiving unit; A stamping system comprising:

2. 2. The stamping system according to claim 1, wherein the stamping detection unit detects the stamping of the stamp based on displacement of the stamping detection unit caused by the stamping.

3. The stamp detection device includes a metal part that can change the distance from the transmitter, When the transmitter and the metal part are in a first positional relationship in which the distance between them is short, it is difficult for the transmitter to normally transmit the imprint information to the outside, When the transmitter and the metal part are in a second positional relationship in which the distance between the transmitter and the metal part is large, the transmitter can normally transmit the imprint information to the outside, 2. The stamping system according to claim 1, wherein the metal part changes between the first positional relationship and the second positional relationship in accordance with the stamping operation of the stamp.

4. The stamp detection device has a second placement section on which the external device is placed, the transmitter can be driven by wireless power supply from the external device placed on the second placement section, An imprinting system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transmitting unit is capable of transmitting the imprinting information to the receiving unit of the external device placed on the second placing unit when receiving power from the external device.

5. The stamp detection device includes an alarm unit that is placed on the second placement unit and can be driven by wireless power supply from the external device, The stamping system described in claim 4, characterized in that the notification unit notifies in a perceptible manner that the transmission unit can be operated normally by wireless power supply from the external device placed on the second placement unit.

Images