Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing method
The information processing device tracks writing instrument refills by identifying a unique code on the refill, awarding points, and offering rewards, addressing the challenge of ink consumption visibility and user engagement.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MITSUBISHI PENCIL CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-03-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing writing instruments with transparent or translucent ink storage tubes make it difficult to visually assess ink consumption, leading to uncertain usage tracking and lack of user engagement, and hinder manufacturers in understanding usage patterns.
An information processing device that identifies a unique identification code on the writing instrument refill using a camera, associates it with user identification information, and awards points based on usage, providing rewards when a threshold is reached, thereby enhancing user motivation and enabling manufacturers to gather usage data.
The system effectively tracks ink refill usage, fosters user engagement through rewards, and provides manufacturers with valuable usage insights.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and an information processing method for identifying an image displayed on a writing instrument refill.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, in most cases, a transparent or translucent synthetic resin ink storage tube through which ink can be visually recognized is used for a writing instrument refill.
[0003] However, it has been difficult to easily understand how much ink has been consumed during writing only by visual inspection, and there has been a problem that it is difficult to grasp the usage situation.
[0004] Therefore, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a ballpoint pen is disclosed in which a display unit is provided on the surface of a writing instrument refill so that the ink consumption amount and the remaining ink amount can be easily grasped visually.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0005]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0006] However, in the ballpoint pen as in the invention of Patent Document 1, when the ink is almost exhausted, it is mostly discarded, so information about how many ballpoint pens have been used cannot be accumulated. Also, even when a ballpoint pen is continuously used for learning, it is not possible to enhance a certain sense of achievement depending on the usage amount of the ballpoint pen.
[0007] Also, for the manufacturer or seller of writing instruments, obtaining information about how frequently a user uses a writing instrument refill helps in developing a more user-preferred writing instrument refill.
[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device that can obtain information on the amount of writing instrument refills used by a user, and that can foster the user's motivation to learn through the use of writing instrument refills. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] The information processing apparatus of the first embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising: a storage unit for storing user identification information; an input unit for receiving image data together with the user identification information; a symbol identification unit for identifying whether or not an identification code, which is uniquely displayed on the surface of the ink reservoir tube of the writing instrument refill, is included in the image data input via the input unit; and, if the identification code is identified by the symbol identification unit, an association unit for associating the user identification information input via the input unit with the identification code and storing it in the storage unit.
[0010] Furthermore, the identification code comprises an access code for a server that records the use of the writing instrument refill and an input code for confirming the end of use of the writing instrument refill, and it is preferable that the input code is displayed on the writing tip side of the part of the ink reservoir tube where the ink is visible from the outside.
[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that the information processing device includes a calculation unit that calculates points to be awarded to a user identified by the user identification information based on the identification code associated with the user identification information, and a reward provision unit that determines whether the points have exceeded a predetermined threshold, and if the points have exceeded the predetermined threshold, provides a reward to the user identified by the user identification information.
[0012] Furthermore, the identification code is preferably a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark).
[0013] Furthermore, the ink storage tube is formed from a mixed material consisting of a synthetic resin material using marine plastic, and it is preferable that the mass proportion of marine plastic in this mixed material is 10% or more.
[0014] The information processing system of the second embodiment of this disclosure is characterized by comprising a terminal for transmitting the user identification information and the image data, and any of the information processing devices of the first embodiment described above.
[0015] The information processing method of the third embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized by causing a processor to perform the following steps: inputting image data together with user identification information; identifying whether or not an identification code, which is uniquely displayed on the surface of the ink reservoir tube of the writing instrument refill, is included in the image data; and, if the identification code is included in the image data, storing the user identification information and the identification code in association. [Effects of the Invention]
[0016] The information processing device according to the present invention can obtain information on the amount of writing instrument refills used by a user, and can also provide an information processing device that can foster the user's motivation to learn through the use of writing instrument refills. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the information processing system in which an information processing device is implemented. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing a point management table for point management. [Figure 3] This is a sequence diagram of information processing in an information processing system. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a writing instrument refill. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing system in which an information processing apparatus is implemented. Hereinafter, the outline of the information processing system 1 disclosed in this specification will be described while referring to FIG. 1.
[0019] The information processing system 1 in this embodiment is configured to include at least a server 10 as an information processing apparatus and a terminal 30. The server 10 and the terminal 30 are connected to each other by accessing a base station 3 connected via a communication network 2 and a gateway (not shown).
[0020] In FIG. 1, only one terminal 30 and one base station 3 are shown, but the information processing system 1 may have a plurality of terminals 30, or a plurality of base stations 3 may be connected to the communication network 2.
[0021] The shooting control unit 41 of the processor 35 of the terminal 30 controls the camera 31 in response to an operation of a user interface (UI) 32 by a user (not shown), and shoots an image including a two-dimensional code as an identification code 71 engraved on the ink storage tube 51 (see FIG. 4) of the pen refill 50.
[0022] The symbol identification unit 42 of the processor 35 of the terminal 30 identifies whether the identification code 71 of the pen refill 50 is represented in the captured image data. Here, the identification code 71 includes an access code 73 to the server 10 for recording the use of the pen refill 50 and an input code 72 for confirming the end of use of the pen refill 50. When the identification code 71 of the pen refill 50 is represented in the image data, the information processing unit 43 of the processor 35 of the terminal 30 uses the communication interface (I / F) 33 to send the captured identification code 71 and the user identification information (ID) for identifying the user, which is stored in the memory 34 of the terminal 30 in advance, to the server 10 at the address indicated by the access code 73 via the base station 3 and the communication network 2. On the other hand, when the identification code 71 of the pen refill 50 is not represented in the image data, the information processing unit 43 does not send the image data to the server 10.
[0023] The symbol identification unit 21 of the processor 13 of the server 10 identifies whether or not the image data input via the communication interface (I / F) 11, which serves as the input unit 11, contains the identification code 71 of the writing instrument refill.
[0024] The association unit 22 of the processor 13 of the server 10 associates the user ID entered via the communication interface 11 with the input code 72 of the identification code 71 and stores it in the memory 12 if the input image data contains an identification code 71. This allows the information processing system 1 to obtain information about the writing instrument refills 50 owned by the user.
[0025] The calculation unit 23 of the processor 13 of the server 10 calculates the points to be awarded to the user identified by the user ID, based on the input code 72 associated with the user ID.
[0026] The reward provision unit 24 of the processor 13 of the server 10 determines whether the points have exceeded a predetermined threshold, and if the points have exceeded the predetermined threshold, it provides a reward to the user identified by the user ID. This further increases the user's willingness to use writing instrument refills, so that the manufacturer or seller of writing instruments can promote sales of writing instruments.
[0027] The configuration of server 10 and terminal 30 in information processing system 1, and the detailed processing flow on server 10 and terminal 30 are described below. Note that information processing system 1 may include multiple terminals 30, but each terminal 30 only needs to have the same configuration and perform the same processing for information processing; therefore, the following description will focus on a single terminal 30.
[0028] Figure 1 shows a hardware configuration diagram of server 10. Server 10 is an example of an information processing device. Server 10 has a communication interface 11, memory 12, a processor 13, etc. The communication interface 11, memory 12, and processor 13 are connected via signal lines 14. Server 10 may further have input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, and a display device such as a liquid crystal display.
[0029] The communication interface 11 is an example of an input unit and has an interface circuit for connecting the server 10 to the communication network 2. The communication interface 11 is configured to communicate with the terminal 30 via the communication network 2 and the base station 3.
[0030] Memory 12 is an example of a storage unit and includes, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory and a volatile semiconductor memory. Memory 12 temporarily stores various data generated during the execution of processing related to the server 10 among the processing of the information processing system 1, and various data obtained through communication with terminal 30, such as image data received from terminal 30. For example, memory 12 stores a point management table 124, as shown in Figure 2, in which user IDs and points (number of points used) assigned to users are registered in association. The point management table 124 has a user ID column 125 in which user IDs are registered and a point column 126 in which points are registered.
[0031] The processor 13 has one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and their peripheral circuits. The processor 13 may further have other arithmetic circuits such as logical operation units or numerical operation units. The processor 13 then performs information processing related to the server 10.
[0032] The processor 13 includes a symbol identification unit 21 that identifies ink reservoir tubes in image data, an association unit 22 that associates a user ID with an authentication ID, a calculation unit 23 that calculates points, and a reward provision unit 24 that provides rewards to the user, etc. Each of these units of the processor 13 is, for example, a functional module realized by a computer program running on the processor 13. Alternatively, each of these units of the processor 13 may be a dedicated arithmetic circuit provided on the processor 13.
[0033] Figure 1 also shows a schematic diagram of the terminal 30. The terminal 30 includes a camera 31, a user interface (UI) 32, a communication interface 33, memory 34, a processor 35, etc. The camera 31, UI 32, communication interface 33, memory 34, and processor 35 are connected via a signal line 36.
[0034] Camera 31 captures images of the writing instrument refill 50, etc., in response to user operations on UI 32. Camera 31 has a two-dimensional detector composed of an array of photoelectric conversion elements sensitive to visible light, such as a CCD or C-MOS, and an imaging optical system that forms an image of the area to be photographed on the two-dimensional detector.
[0035] The UI32 is controlled by the processor 35 to notify the user of processing information and to generate operation signals in response to user input. Processing information includes, for example, images captured by the camera 31 and point information, which will be described later. The UI32 has a display unit 321 for displaying images and the like. For example, a touch panel display device, where a touch panel is attached to a liquid crystal display device, can be used as the UI32.
[0036] Communication I / F33 is an example of a communication unit, and is a device that performs wireless communication processing in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication standard. For example, by accessing base station 3, it connects to server 10 via base station 3 and communication network 2.
[0037] Memory 34 is an example of a storage unit and includes, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory and a volatile semiconductor memory. Memory 34 temporarily stores various data generated during the execution of processing related to terminal 30 among the processing of information processing system 1, as well as various data obtained through communication with server 10, such as information received from server 10. Memory 34 also stores the user ID. The user ID may be identification information that identifies terminal 30.
[0038] The processor 35 includes an image capture control unit 41 that controls the camera 31, a symbol identification unit 42 that identifies whether or not the identification code 71 of the writing instrument refill 50 is represented in the image data, and an information processing unit 43 that performs actions such as transmitting the image data. Each of these parts of the processor 35 is, for example, a functional module realized by a computer program running on the processor 35. Alternatively, each of these parts of the processor 35 may be a dedicated arithmetic circuit provided on the processor 35.
[0039] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram of information processing. In the information processing system 1, each time an image is captured at terminal 30, information processing is repeatedly executed according to the sequence diagram shown in Figure 3.
[0040] In step S101, the image capture control unit 41 of the processor 35 of the terminal 30 controls the camera 31 in response to the user's operation of the UI 32 to capture an image including the ink reservoir tube 51 (see Figure 4) of the writing instrument refill 50.
[0041] In step S102, the symbol identification unit 42 of the processor 35 of the terminal 30 identifies whether or not the identification code 71 of the writing instrument refill 50 is represented in the captured image data.
[0042] The symbol identification unit 42 is identified, for example, by dedicated software to detect a predetermined identification code 71 represented in the input image data.
[0043] If a predetermined identification code 71 is detected in the image data, the information processing unit 43 of the processor 35 of the terminal 30, in step S103, transmits the input code 72 of the identification code 71 and the user ID pre-stored in the memory 34 to the server 10 at the address indicated by the access code 73 via the base station 3 and the communication network 2 using the communication I / F 33, based on the access code 73 of the identification code 71. On the other hand, if the predetermined identification code 71 of the writing instrument refill 50 is not represented in the image data, the information processing unit 43 does not transmit the image data to the server 10.
[0044] In step S104, the symbol identification unit 21 of the processor 13 of the server 10 identifies whether the input code 72 of the identification code 71 of the writing instrument refill 50 is included in the image data received via the communication I / F 11. If the input code 72 is identified in the image data, the symbol identification unit 21 notifies the association unit 22 of the authentication ID that identifies the input code 72. If the input code 72 of the writing instrument refill 50 is not identified in the image data, the symbol identification unit 21 notifies the calculation unit 23 of the processor 13 of the unidentifiable notification that the input code 72 was not identified in the image data. Possible reasons why the input code 72 was not identified in the image data include, for example, an unclear image or the input code 72 to be identified not being included in the image data.
[0045] If an input code 72 is identified, the association unit 22 of the processor 13 of the server 10 is notified of an authentication ID that identifies the input code 72. In the step shown in step S105, the association unit 22 associates the user ID entered via the communication I / F 11 with the authentication ID notified by the association unit 22 and registers it in the authentication ID management table. If the input code 72 identified by the symbol identification unit 21 is not associated with a user ID, the association unit 22 associates the user ID with the authentication ID and registers it in the authentication ID management table. On the other hand, if the input code 72 identified by the symbol identification unit 21 is already associated with a user ID and registered, the association unit 22 does not make a new registration. This allows the information processing system 1 to encourage the user to continue using the writing instrument refill 50 with the identification code 71.
[0046] In step S106, the calculation unit 23 of the server 10's processor 13 calculates the points to be awarded to the user identified by the user ID based on the number of uses associated with the user ID. Specifically, the calculation unit 23 refers to an authentication ID management table (not shown) to calculate the number of uses associated with the user ID as points, associates these points with each user ID, and registers them in the point management table 124.
[0047] In the example shown in Figure 2, user ID 001 has 4 points registered, user ID 002 has 1 point registered, user ID 003 has 1 point registered, user ID 004 has 10 points registered, and user ID 003 has 6 points registered.
[0048] In step S107, the calculation unit 23 refers to the point management table 124 and transmits the calculated points to the terminal 30 via the communication network 2 and base station 3 using the communication I / F 11. In step S108, the information processing unit 43 of the terminal 30's processor 35 displays the received points on the UI 32. This allows the user to know the points they possess. On the other hand, if the calculation unit 23 receives an unidentifiable information notification from the symbol identification unit 21, it transmits information to the terminal 30 via the communication network 2 and base station 3 indicating that points were not awarded. In this case, the calculation unit 23 may also send a notification to the terminal 30 requesting that the data be transmitted again.
[0049] In step S109, the reward provision unit 24 of the server 10's processor 13 refers to the point management table 124 and determines whether the points associated with the user ID entered via the communication interface 11 have exceeded a predetermined threshold (for example, 3). If the points exceed the predetermined threshold, the reward provision unit 24 decides to provide a reward to the user identified by the user ID, and in step S110, transmits this to the terminal 30 via the communication network 2 and base station 3 using the communication interface 11. On the other hand, if the points do not exceed the predetermined threshold, the reward provision unit 24 does not decide to provide a reward to the user identified by the user ID.
[0050] The user then receives a predetermined benefit from the benefit provision unit 24. Examples of benefits include the provision of new refills, test samples of new products, and other optional items.
[0051] Figure 4 schematically shows the appearance of the writing instrument refill 50 in a state where it is not filled with ink 60 (A) and in a state where it is filled with ink 60 (B). The writing instrument refill 50 of this embodiment has a cylindrical ink storage tube 51 that houses the ink 60 inside, a connector 52 attached to the tip of the ink storage tube 51, and a ballpoint pen tip 53 attached to the tip of the connector 52 and holding a writing ball 54 at its tip.
[0052] The ink reservoir tube 51 is made of a synthetic resin that allows the interior to be seen. Examples of this synthetic resin include polypropylene resin. The ink reservoir tube 51 also has markings 80 formed on its surface by both foaming and carbonization of the synthetic resin. Reactive additives are incorporated into the synthetic resin. The markings 80 are formed by laser marking on the surface of the ink reservoir tube 51 and are raised from the surface of the ink reservoir tube 51.
[0053] When laser marking is performed on an ink reservoir made of a light-transmitting synthetic resin material, a CO2 laser marker with a wavelength of 10,600 nm can form an imprint, but the imprint will only form irregularities without carbonization or foaming, resulting in insufficient visibility. On the other hand, with a fiber laser marker with a wavelength of around 1,000 nm, the laser beam passes through the light-transmitting synthetic resin material because the wavelength is not within the energy absorption range of the synthetic resin material, and therefore no imprint can be formed. Therefore, by incorporating a reactive additive into the synthetic resin material, it becomes possible to form imprints such as character information even with laser light in a wavelength range that is not within the energy absorption range of the synthetic resin material. In other words, while synthetic resin materials normally do not react to laser light with wavelengths of 800 to 1,500 nm on their own, this reactive additive absorbs the energy of the laser light and is excited, causing the synthetic resin to change color. The imprints such as character information 80 are raised in a convex shape due to foaming, carbonization, or both. Therefore, visibility is better compared to mechanical imprints where the character information is recessed into the surface. For example, when using polypropylene resin as the synthetic resin and performing laser marking with a fiber laser marker, a laser light wavelength of 1,000 to 1,100 nm is desirable.
[0054] Examples of reactive additives include mixtures of copper oxide and molybdenum oxide, mixtures of bismuth oxide and gallium oxide, mixtures of bismuth oxide, gallium oxide and neodymium oxide, pigments obtained by coating a mica flake substrate with tin oxide doped with antimony, arsenic, bismuth, copper, gallium, or germanium, or an oxide thereof, and polymeric substances to which copper hydroxide monophosphate or molybdenum oxide has been added. Only one of these reactive additives may be used, or two or more may be mixed and used in combination.
[0055] The content of the reactive additive is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 10% by mass relative to the amount of synthetic resin. When the content of the reactive additive is 0.01% by mass or more, foaming, carbonization, or both occur well in the ink storage tube 51. On the other hand, when the content of the reactive additive is 10% by mass or less, the transparency of the ink storage tube 51 is ensured, making it possible to see the remaining amount and color of the ink 60 inside the ink storage tube 51.
[0056] The synthetic resin foams up when the reactive additive absorbs the energy of the laser light and generates heat, resulting in a white-tinged mark 80. Alternatively, the synthetic resin carbonizes when the reactive additive absorbs the energy of the laser light and generates heat, resulting in a black-tinged mark 80. Furthermore, because foaming and carbonization occur simultaneously, the mark 80 appears white or black depending on the background color. Specifically, the foaming of the surface of the ink reservoir tube 51 is the primary cause of the white-tinged mark 80, while the presence of carbonized material within the synthetic resin contributes to its black-tinged appearance.
[0057] In the writing instrument refill 50 of this embodiment, the reactive additive absorbs the energy of the laser light, causing the surrounding synthetic resin to foam and carbonize, resulting in the engraving 80 being both white and black. This ensures good visibility whether or not there is ink 60 in the ink reservoir tube 51. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4(B), the white color is dominant in the part with ink 60 at the tip, ensuring the visibility of the letters "REFILL" in the engraving 80. On the other hand, the black color is dominant in the part without ink 60 at the rear end, ensuring the visibility of the letters "2021" in the engraving 80.
[0058] In this embodiment, the marking 80 is printed using laser marking, in which the synthetic resin forming the ink reservoir 51 itself is foamed and carbonized. However, since it is sufficient for the marking to be approximately the same color as the visible ink, inkjet printing on the surface of the ink reservoir 51, hot stamping, or a transparent sticker may also be used.
[0059] In the writing instrument refill 50 of this embodiment, a two-dimensional code, an identification code 71, is formed near the tip of the surface of the part of the ink storage tube 51 where the ink is visible from the outside. This identification code 71 consists of an input code 72 located on the writing tip side and an access code 73 located near the rear end. This identification code 71 is printed (for example) in the same color system as the ink 60 stored in the ink storage tube 51. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4(B), when the ink storage tube 51 is filled with ink 60, the color of the ink 60 contained within the ink storage tube 51 is visible from the outside, making the identification code 71 difficult to see as it blends in with the ink 60. Here, the range of being in the same color system may be, for example, a color difference (ΔE*ab) between the two colors, the ink 60 and the identification code 71, through the ink storage tube 51, which is less than 1.6.
[0060] Furthermore, if the ink 60 is, for example, black, the identification code 71 may be formed as an engraving 80 by laser marking, which carbonizes the surface of the ink reservoir tube 51. Since laser marking allows for fine printing, it is possible to clearly print fine patterns such as two-dimensional codes even on thin objects such as writing instrument refills 50. In addition, it is easy to change the two-dimensional code as an input code 72 unique to each writing instrument refill 50, thereby making it possible to identify each individual writing instrument refill 50.
[0061] As shown in Figure 4(B), when the writing instrument refill 50 is first used, the color of the identification code 71 and the color of the built-in ink 60 are the same color, making it impossible to read it as a two-dimensional code. However, as the ink 60 is consumed, as shown in Figure 4(A), the background of the identification code 71 becomes a different color, making it possible to read it as a two-dimensional code. At this point, as described above, the terminal 30 becomes able to read the identification code 71.
[0062] According to the information processing system of this embodiment described above, it is possible to obtain information about the ink reservoir tubes of writing instruments owned by the user.
[0063] In the present invention, the information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method of the embodiments described above can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.
[0064] In the embodiments described above, it is preferable to input different content for each writing instrument refill from the standpoint of preventing fraudulent input, but one type of input code may be used to reduce the amount of character information and improve identification accuracy. [Industrial applicability]
[0065] This invention can be used in information processing devices, information processing systems, and information processing methods for identifying images displayed on writing instrument refills. [Explanation of symbols]
[0066] 1. Information processing system 2. Communication network 3. Base station 10. Server (Information Processing Device) 11. Communication Interface (Input Section) 12 Memory (Storage Unit) 124 Point Management Table 125 User ID Column 126 points column 13 Processor 14 Signal lines 21 Symbol identification unit 22 Association unit 23 Calculation unit 24 Special Offers Department 30 devices 31 cameras 32 User interface 321 Display unit 33 Communication interface 34 Memory 35 Processor 36 signal lines 41 Image capture control unit 42 Symbol identification unit 43 Information processing unit 50 Writing instrument refills 51 Ink reservoir tubes 52 Fittings 53 Ballpoint pen tip 54 Writing ball 60 Ink 70 Engraving 71 Identification code 72 Input code 73 Access Code
Claims
[Claim 1] A storage unit in which user identification information is stored, An input section into which image data is input along with user identification information, A symbol identification unit identifies whether or not an identification code, which is uniquely displayed on the surface of the ink reservoir tube of a writing instrument refill, is included in the image data input via the input unit. When the identification code is identified by the symbol identification unit, the association unit associates the user identification information input via the input unit with the identification code and stores it in the storage unit. Having, The aforementioned identification code comprises an access code for a server that records the use of a writing instrument refill, and an input code for confirming the end of use of the writing instrument refill. The information processing device is characterized in that the input code is displayed on the writing tip side of the part of the ink storage tube where the ink is visible from the outside.