Ballpoint pen combined with an near field communication chip-embedded plate

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the invention includes a body part that performs a writing function and fixes an NFC part, the NFC part in the form of a plate having an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip embedded inside, and a coupling part attached to the outer side of the NFC part, wherein the NFC part transmits a signal including pre-set link information to a smartphone in contact via NFC communication, and the pre-set link information provided by the NFC part includes ballpoint pen-related information and character-related information, and provides user-customized information regarding the ballpoint pen-related information and character-related information based on the unique identifier information of the smartphone, and can further provide the user-customized information that differs by time and date.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to information linkage between a writing instrument and a smartphone, and more specifically, to a ballpoint pen configured to enable the provision of information through contact with a smartphone by combining a ballpoint pen with a plate embedded with an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, ballpoint pens have a simple structure limited to writing functions and typically lack features for user interaction or providing additional information. Consequently, functions that provide information about the pen itself, or link content related to the design or characters applied to the product's exterior, were not considered.

[0004] Meanwhile, Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is already widely applied to various everyday products and services, and is extensively utilized in cards, smartphone accessories, and simple payment systems. By combining NFC with writing instruments, everyday writing tools can be expanded into information delivery media, and new possibilities for application can be anticipated, such as providing user-customized content or brand-linked information.

[0005] Therefore, an information-linked writing instrument structure that allows access to specific links or content simply by touching a smartphone, and provides information linked to the exterior design applied to the ballpoint pen or user-customized information, can be effectively utilized. Prior art literature

[0007] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0004248 The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention relates to a ballpoint pen combined with a plate containing an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip.

[0009] The present invention relates to a ballpoint pen combined with an NFC chip-embedded plate, wherein the ballpoint pen and the plate with an embedded NFC chip are structurally combined, thereby enabling the user to conveniently link information using a smartphone without installing a separate application.

[0010] The present invention relates to a ballpoint pen combined with an NFC chip-embedded plate, configured to enable link connection through an NFC chip embedded inside the plate, thereby providing various content such as events and promotions linked to external design elements as well as information about the ballpoint pen itself.

[0011] The present invention relates to a ballpoint pen combined with an NFC chip embedded plate that provides user-customized information and enhances usability by providing a structure capable of providing different customized information depending on the identification information of a smartphone or the time or date of contact. means of solving the problem

[0013] A ballpoint pen combined with an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip embedded plate according to one embodiment of the present invention structurally combines the plate embedded with the NFC chip and the ballpoint pen, so that a user can receive information by connecting to a pre-set link simply by touching a smartphone to the plate.

[0014] An NFC chip embedded plate according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed of a flat material such as plastic or acrylic, and a visual design element may be applied to one side, and an NFC chip is embedded inside. The NFC chip embedded plate can be attached to the upper part or clip of a ballpoint pen in a detachable or fixed manner.

[0015] An NFC chip according to one embodiment of the present invention includes link information and can provide various information, such as web pages, content, and event notifications, by transmitting information when a smartphone is tagged. In addition, through server integration, it can be configured to provide user-customized information based on the smartphone's identification information or the time and date of contact.

[0016] An NFC chip-embedded plate according to one embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured in various ways depending on the character or brand design, and by configuring it with a replaceable structure, it may include linking various types of information to a single ballpoint pen or being flexibly utilized for marketing purposes. Effects of the invention

[0018] The present invention structurally combines a ballpoint pen and a plate embedded with an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip, thereby enabling convenient information synchronization using a smartphone.

[0019] The present invention is configured to enable link connection through an NFC chip embedded inside the plate, thereby providing various content such as events and promotions linked to the exterior design elements as well as information about the ballpoint pen itself.

[0020] The present invention provides a structure capable of providing different customized information depending on the identification information of a smartphone or the time or date of contact, thereby enabling the provision of user-customized information and increasing usability. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a front view of a ballpoint pen combined with a plate containing an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration and combined state of a ballpoint pen and an NFC plate according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the state of recognizing an NFC chip through a smartphone according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing information about a ballpoint pen provided on a linked page linked through NFC recognition according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing character or design information provided on a linked page linked through NFC recognition according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing that various information is provided based on user identification information, time, or date in a linked page linked through NFC recognition according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Hereinafter, specific details for implementing the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, in the following description, specific descriptions regarding widely known functions or configurations will be omitted if there is a risk of unnecessarily obscuring the gist of the present invention.

[0024] In the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. Additionally, in the description of the following embodiments, the description of identical or corresponding components may be omitted. However, even if a description of a component is omitted, it is not intended that such component is not included in any embodiment.

[0025] The advantages and features of the disclosed embodiments and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various different forms, and these embodiments are provided merely to make the present invention complete and to fully inform a person skilled in the art of the scope of the invention.

[0026] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the disclosed embodiments will be described in detail. The terms used in this specification have been selected to be as generally used as possible, taking into account the functions of the present invention; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the relevant field, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description section of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in this invention should be defined not merely by their names, but based on the meanings they possess and the overall content of the present invention.

[0027] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly specifies them as singular. Additionally, plural expressions include singular expressions unless the context clearly specifies them as plural. Throughout the specification, when a part is described as including a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0028] In the embodiments of this specification, when a component is described as being "connected," "bonded," or "combined" with another component, this may include not only a direct connection but also an indirect connection in which another component exists in between. Furthermore, when a component is described as "comprising" or "having" another component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude the other component but may include additional components.

[0029] Additionally, the term 'part' as used in the specification refers to a hardware component, and the 'part' performs certain roles. The functions provided within the components and 'parts' may be combined into a smaller number of components and 'parts' or further separated into additional components and 'parts'.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a front view of a ballpoint pen combined with a plate containing an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 together, a ballpoint pen combined with an NFC chip embedded plate may include a body part (110), an NFC part (120), and a coupling part (130).

[0033] The body (110) is a ballpoint pen body that performs general writing functions, and is equipped with an ink cartridge or a refill inside, and its exterior can be formed in various shapes such as cylindrical or rectangular. Additionally, the material of the body (110) may be one of plastic, metal, wood, and elastomer, but is not limited thereto.

[0034] As another example, the body part (110) may not only be a main body that performs a writing function, but may also include a structure for detachably fixing the NFC part (120). Specifically, a coupling support part formed as a curved extension or protruding shape may be integrally provided at the top of the body part (110) so that a coupling part (130) can be mounted. The coupling support part may be configured in a 'U' or 'C' shape, and may include a structure of a detachment-preventing fixing projection protruding from the bottom of the coupling support part so that the NFC part (120) can be stably fixed to the body part (110) by inserting or fastening the coupling part (130). This structure facilitates the replacement and attachment / detachment of the NFC part (120) without the need for separate screws or adhesives, and ensures compatibility with NFC parts (120) of various designs.

[0035] The NFC unit (120) includes a main body formed of a single-structure plate, and has an NFC chip embedded inside so that it can communicate information with an external device such as a smartphone through short-range wireless communication.

[0036] The NFC section (120) may include an NFC lower section (121), an NFC communication section (122), and an NFC upper section (123), and the NFC lower section (121) and the NFC upper section (123) each constitute the rear and front surfaces of the plate, and may be a single flat structure.

[0037] The NFC lower portion (121) may be formed into a circular or square concave groove into which the NFC communication portion (122) can be inserted, and may be configured such that the NFC communication portion (122) is fitted into the inner side of the groove. The NFC communication portion (122) is inserted into the groove of the NFC lower portion (121) and attached by an adhesive or other fixing means, thereby being stably fixed so as not to be detached by external vibration or impact.

[0038] Various design elements or brand images can be applied to the NFC top portion (123), and configurations selectable according to user preference or marketing purpose can enhance the aesthetics and diversity of the product.

[0039] The NFC communication unit (122) is inserted into the groove of the NFC lower part (121) to be protected from the outside and can be configured to ensure the stability of the internal chip against external environments such as shock or moisture. Additionally, while inserted into the groove of the NFC lower part (121), it can be attached by means of an adhesive or other fixing means so as not to be detached by external vibration or shock. Furthermore, the outer side of the NFC communication unit (122) can be combined with a coupling unit (130) by means such as adhesive or welding, thereby allowing the NFC unit (120) to be stably connected to the body part (110) of the ballpoint pen.

[0040] As another example, the NFC communication unit (122) is a part in which an NFC chip is embedded and can perform wireless communication functions. The NFC chip contains pre-configured link information and can be recognized and transmit information through short-range wireless communication with an external terminal such as a smartphone.

[0041] As another example, the NFC communication unit (122) may be formed from an insulating material such as plastic, epoxy resin, or silicone, and may be formed in various shapes such as a circle, square, or ellipse, but may not be limited thereto.

[0042] The coupling portion (130) is a part that connects the NFC portion (120) to the body portion (110) in a fixed or detachable manner, and can be attached to the outer side of the NFC communication portion (122) by means such as adhesive or welding, and through the coupling portion (130), the NFC portion (120) is stably coupled to the coupling support portion of the body portion (110) and can be configured to be replaceable as needed.

[0043] As another example, the connecting part (130) may be formed of a material having elasticity and frictional force such as ABS resin, silicone, rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and may be implemented with a structure having a groove formed on the inside so that the connecting support part of the body part (110) can be inserted and fixed, but is not limited to such an embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the state of recognizing an NFC chip through a smartphone according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, when a ballpoint pen combined with a body part (110) and an NFC part (120) is placed in close proximity to an external smartphone (200), such as a smartphone, the NFC communication part (122) embedded in the NFC part (120) can be recognized by the NFC function of the smartphone.

[0046] The NFC communication unit (122) can transmit information to the smartphone (200) via short-range wireless communication, and when the smartphone (200) recognizes the signal, it can be connected to a pre-set link (URL). The user can access the information stored in the NFC unit simply by touching the smartphone without any additional operation.

[0047] As another example, information provided from the NFC unit may be displayed on the display of the smartphone (200), and such information may be composed of various items such as product information about the ballpoint pen, design-related content, promotions, or user-customized content, but may not be limited thereto.

[0048] FIGS. 4 and 5 are drawings illustrating the provision of information about a ballpoint pen and character or design information on a linked page linked through NFC recognition according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, when a smartphone (200) is brought close to the NFC unit (120), it is connected to a pre-configured web link via NFC communication, and various information can be provided to the user through the link.

[0050] For example, practical and useful information for product management, such as information related to ballpoint pen manufacturing, ballpoint pen type, sales location information, ink cartridge replacement cycle, price information, after-sales service information, and usage records per user, may be provided through a link connected via the NFC unit (120). This information may be linked to a server or web-based system based on a unique product identifier or production serial number to provide ballpoint pen-related information, and may not be limited to this embodiment.

[0051] As another example, the link information stored in the NFC communication unit (122) may include a unique number or identification number assigned to each individual ballpoint pen. For convenience of explanation, it will be referred to as an identification number below. The identification number may be a unique number assigned to the ballpoint pen. Such identification numbers can be linked to a server or cloud-based management system and utilized to identify information such as the product's model, color, design, and usage cycle. For example, the linked link may include information on when the ballpoint pen was purchased based on the unique number. Additionally, the linked link may further include information on when the user used the ballpoint pen or when the user registered the ballpoint pen through the link. Through the above, the user can verify information regarding the time of purchase or registration of the ballpoint pen. Furthermore, for example, the server may provide the user with a site for purchasing by verifying the information of the ballpoint pen, the type of ink cartridge compatible with it, the replacement cycle, and additional items available for purchase based on the unique number. Through this, the user can easily obtain the necessary information without separate searching or verification. As a specific example, the server can recognize ballpoint pen type information in advance based on a unique number, and can recognize information on the average tip replacement cycle and consumable replacement cycle of the corresponding ballpoint pen type. Considering the above, when the ballpoint pen is tagged with the NFC communication unit (122), the time from the time of purchase to the present time and the replacement cycle information can be compared, and the relevant information can be output. That is, if the NFC communication unit (122) is tagged after a certain period of time has passed since the purchase date, the link may further include the information described above, thereby improving the user's convenience in managing the ballpoint pen.

[0052] As another example, the above-mentioned unique number can also be utilized for a recovery function in the event of a lost ballpoint pen. For example, if a user loses the ballpoint pen, the user can update information related to the ballpoint pen through a separate application or link. Here, the user inputs information regarding the loss of the ballpoint pen, and the link of the NFC communication unit (122) may include user contact information along with the information regarding the loss of the ballpoint pen. As another example, the user can pre-set their contact information, a lost message, etc., in the link connected via the NFC communication unit (122). Here, when another smartphone recognizes the NFC communication unit (122) of the ballpoint pen, the aforementioned information may be provided, and the finder of the ballpoint pen may check the information and contact the owner of the ballpoint pen. That is, product owner information may be displayed through the connected page, and a lost notification message may be displayed to induce the recovery of the product or contact.

[0053] As another example, the link connected via the NFC communication unit (122) may include information regarding design elements, characters, and brand images applied to the NFC upper part (123). Specifically, background information related to the character, information on goods (souvenirs), video content, related information regarding the character or series, specific seasonal or event-related content, etc., may be provided, and such content may be updated frequently or configured in various ways by theme. As a specific example, such content may be continuously updated within the link and may recognize user tagging. Tagging of the NFC communication unit (122) may be counted through the link, and the content may be updated or changed after a pre-set count. Through the above, the user may continuously perform tagging while using a ballpoint pen and receive information about the changing content. For example, the content provided to the user may be game information that is updated by counting the number of user tags. As another example, additional content-based actions may be performed on a smartphone based on user tagging, and such information may be stored through the link. That is, content that can be continuously provided to the user can be provided through the NFC communication part (122) of the ballpoint pen, and is not limited to a specific form.

[0054] As another example, a link connected via an NFC communication unit (122) can provide character-related content applied to the NFC upper unit (123) in stages based on the tagging frequency and cumulative count of the NFC communication unit (122). For example, when the tagging frequency and cumulative count are low, a simple character image or a basic background may be displayed, and when the tagging frequency and cumulative count gradually increase, the character's facial expression, clothing, background, and illustration direction may be changed in stages, and character-related content may be provided by replacing it with an expanded illustration with a new scene composition added. That is, character stage-by-stage direction content can be provided based on the tagging frequency and cumulative count. As described above, scenes of character interaction, modified images based on seasons or themes, and special compositions corresponding to specific events can be sequentially displayed based on tagging frequency and cumulative counts. By providing a user experience where character content is gradually unlocked or evolved according to the user's repeated tagging, it is possible to achieve character-centered, highly immersive content consumption and continuous interest inducement effects beyond simple information provision, and the structure can be expanded to naturally expose more advertising or promotional information within the connected link pages.

[0055] As another example, the link connected via the NFC communication unit (122) may include information related to the brand, such as the brand's logo, color, and design elements applied to the NFC upper part (123). For example, the connected link page may include a brand advertisement video, brand-related campaign content, or a path to an external e-commerce platform where the brand's products can be purchased, allowing the user to access various content and product information related to the brand without a separate search. Additionally, the UI / UX components of the link page may be customized for each brand. Depending on the brand's identity or visual consistency, the background color, font, button design, and content placement method may be configured differently, thereby providing the user with an interface environment where they can intuitively recognize the brand's unique style and message, and the implementation may not be limited to this embodiment.

[0056] As another example, based on the unique identification number, the tagging history, usage cycle, and past access records of the user's smartphone can be stored and analyzed on a server connected via a link through the NFC communication unit, and customized content, advertisements, and new product promotion information can be provided according to the user's usage status or interests. Additionally, advertising information can be displayed, such as advertisements for refill products timed to coincide with ink replacement based on usage frequency over a specific period, or recommendations for limited edition products with specific theme designs. For instance, information regarding the user's purchase time is compared with the average usage period of the ballpoint pen, and information about new ballpoint pen products or other advertising information can be provided when the average usage period is reached or during a pre-set period from that point, and is not limited to a specific format.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing that various information is provided based on user identification information, time, or date on a linked page linked through NFC recognition according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 6, when the NFC unit (120) approaches the smartphone (200), pre-configured link information is transmitted to the smartphone through the NFC communication unit (123), and the web page connected through the link can be configured to provide not only simple content but also user-customized content based on various information at the time of connection.

[0059] For example, a smartphone (200) can transmit identification information of the terminal to a server through the browser's User-Agent, cookie information, session information, or login status during the process of accessing a web page, and the server can identify the unique characteristics of the user based on such information and provide customized information accordingly. Specifically, based on the unique identifier information of the smartphone (200), user-customized information may be displayed according to the user's personal characteristics or purchase history, and recommended products or personalized event information may be displayed by utilizing data such as past access history, registered purchase history, and interest categories, and may not be limited to this embodiment. As another example, by recognizing the user's access time or date, the server may provide different content by time of day or by date.

[0060] Specifically, depending on the time or date of contact, pre-set time-based or date-based information may be provided in a connected manner, and at specific time periods, banners for time sales or lunch-time limited events may be displayed, and on specific dates, user-customized information such as promotion codes, advertisements for season-limited character goods, and anniversary content may be displayed, and may not be limited to such embodiments.

[0061] As a specific example, if tagged via the NFC communication unit (122) in the morning, a character including a studying motion can be displayed on a smartphone. Additionally, if tagged via the NFC communication unit (122) at a time corresponding to lunch or dinner, a character including a eating motion can be displayed on a smartphone. Furthermore, if tagged via the NFC communication unit (122) at a time corresponding to night or bedtime, a character including a deep sleep motion can be displayed on a smartphone. However, this is merely one example and is not limited thereto. That is, it is possible for different information to be displayed depending on the time of day, and it is not limited to a specific form.

[0062] As another example, the link connected via the NFC communication unit (122) can be configured so that the background image or visual composition within the character content can be changed based on date information. For example, if the accessed date corresponds to a specific season, a corresponding seasonal theme background image can be displayed via a smartphone, and on a specific anniversary, character content including decorative elements or congratulatory messages corresponding to the anniversary can be provided. This configuration can simultaneously provide user customization and date information-based visual effects, and is not limited to a specific form.

[0063] As another example, the link connected via the NFC communication unit (122) may be configured to provide customized product recommendation information or advertising content of the brand applied to the NFC upper part (123) to the user based on the unique identifier information, connection time, and date information of the smartphone (200). Specifically, the server of the connected link may analyze data linked to the user's past connection history, connection frequency by brand, or past purchase history based on the smartphone identification information, and may search for products similar to the product types preferred or frequently used by the user within the same brand applied to the NFC upper part (123) and output them as recommendation information. Additionally, if the date of connection corresponds to a specific season, seasonal brand products with materials, styles, or colors suitable for the season may be recommended and output. If the time or date of connection is close to the brand's planned event, promotion, or event schedule, advertising content related to the event, discount information, or information on upcoming products may be linked and output together, and the example may not be limited to this embodiment.

[0064] As another example, the link information transmitted to the smartphone via the NFC communication unit (122) may include a unique identification number individually assigned to each ballpoint pen, and the server of the link may analyze the unique number together with the identification information, time and date information of the connected smartphone, and provide user-customized content that varies according to each user's situation.

[0065] Specifically, if a user has a history of repeatedly NFC-tagging the same ballpoint pen during weekday morning hours, the server learns the usage pattern and timing associated with the unique number to determine whether the cartridge replacement cycle has arrived, and can output advertising information including refill products suitable for that time, discount promotions, or exclusive event information.

[0066] In addition, when a ballpoint pen with a specific unique number is contacted on a specific date, a personalized congratulatory message, limited edition character content, or product reward benefit information may be provided based on user information including the user's birthday, specific season, or anniversary registered with the unique number, and such user-customized information may consist of different content depending on the user and the time of contact, even if it is the same product, and may not be limited to the embodiments described above.

[0068] In other words, this configuration goes beyond general information provision to offer dynamic and flexible information integration services, such as promotion timing, seasonal events, ad exposure at specific times, and content delivery based on user interests.

[0069] Although the present specification described above has been explained with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely illustrative and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible therefrom. However, such modifications should be considered to be within the technical scope of protection of the present specification. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present specification should be determined to include other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims based on the technical spirit of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0071] 110: Body 120: NFC section 121: NFC bottom part 122: NFC communication unit 123: NFC top part 130: Joint 200: Smartphone

Claims

Claim 1 A ballpoint pen combined with an NFC chip-embedded plate, comprising: a body portion that performs a writing function and fixes an NFC portion; the NFC portion in the form of a plate having an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip embedded therein, wherein the NFC portion includes an NFC upper portion, an NFC communication portion, and an NFC lower portion; and a coupling portion attached to the outer side of the NFC portion; wherein the NFC portion transmits a signal including pre-set link information to a tagged smartphone via NFC communication, and the pre-set link information provided by the NFC portion includes ballpoint pen-related information and character-related information, and provides user-customized information regarding the ballpoint pen-related information and character-related information based on the unique identifier information of the smartphone, and further provides user-customized information including ballpoint pen-related promotions, anniversary information, and seasonal limited edition character content through the pre-set link information based on the unique identifier information according to the time and date when the smartphone is tagged to the NFC communication portion, and counts the number of times the smartphone is tagged to the NFC communication portion via the server of the pre-set link, and provides character stage-by-stage performance content based on the number of tagged. Claim 2 A ballpoint pen combined with an NFC chip embedded plate, wherein the NFC portion is formed as a single-structure plate, the NFC lower portion has a concave groove formed in one of a circular, square, or elliptical shape, and the NFC upper portion has a character design or brand image applied. Claim 3 A ballpoint pen combined with an NFC chip embedded plate, wherein the NFC communication part of the NFC portion is inserted into a groove of the NFC lower portion and fixed by an adhesive or other fixing means, and the NFC communication part is formed in one of a circular, square, or elliptical shape using an insulating material selected from plastic, epoxy resin, and silicone. Claim 4 A ballpoint pen combined with an NFC chip embedded plate, wherein, in claim 1, a coupling support portion formed in a ‘U’ or ‘C’ shape as a curved extension or protruding shape is integrally provided on the upper part of the body portion, and a structure of a detachment prevention fixing projection protruding from the lower part of the coupling support portion is included. Claim 5 delete

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