JP6414274B2 - Information code generation method, information code, information code reader, and information code utilization system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information code generation method, an information code, an information code reader, and an information code utilization system.

  At present, the use of information codes is diversified, and a technique for arranging photographs and drawings in the code area has also been proposed. For example, in the technique of Patent Document 1, an inversely converted bit string obtained by inversely converting a bit string that forms an area to be read as a single value in a two-dimensional code is obtained, and the inversely converted bit string is converted based on the format information of the two-dimensional code. By generating a two-dimensional code, a special two-dimensional code having a design area composed of a single gradation value is generated.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, in the case of a special two-dimensional code in which the design area is composed of white modules, a design composed of gradation values in a range that is read as white is formed in the design area. In this way, the special two-dimensional code and the given design data are synthesized. On the other hand, in the case where the design area is a special two-dimensional code composed of, for example, a black module, the special two-dimensional code is formed so that a design composed of gradation values in a range read as black is formed in the design area. And given design data.

Japanese Patent No. 5057560

  By the way, the inventors of the present application have recorded at least data recording or design display by a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area as an information code that can more freely display a design or a mark in the code area. It came to assume the structure which provides the area | region (free area | region) in which either is possible in a code area. However, when providing such a free area, if the free area is limited to a single fixed shape, for example, if the free area is too large for the display content in the free area, or If the display area inside the empty area and the outline of the empty area are significantly different, the display contents can be used to record a little more data, but the fixed shape of the empty area divides the space. As a result, the efficiency of data arrangement may be hindered.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is an area (free space) in which at least one of data recording and design display can be performed by a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area. An object of the present invention is to provide a configuration that is advantageous in arbitrarily providing a region) in a code region.

The first invention is
An information code generation method for generating, by an information code generation device, an information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information within a predetermined code area are arranged,
A specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells, and an error correction code is recorded by a plurality of types of cells. And a method of recording data in the data recording area at a position other than the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and the error correction code recording area within the code area. A free area that is at least one of data recording or design display in a different manner and that is not subject to error correction by the error correction code is a predetermined size larger than the size of the single cell. And the cell in the data recording area at the boundary of the empty area or at a position adjacent to the boundary. Wherein the provision of the identification of the different display mode from the display mode.

The second invention is
An information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged in a predetermined code area,
A specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells, and an error correction code is recorded by a plurality of types of cells. And a method of recording data in the data recording area at a position other than the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and the error correction code recording area within the code area. Is a predetermined size in which at least one of data recording and design display is possible by different methods, and an empty area that is not subject to error correction by the error correction code is larger than the size of the single cell It is provided in
An identification display unit having a display method different from the display method of the cells in the data recording area is provided at a boundary portion of the empty area or a position adjacent to the boundary portion.

The third invention is
An information code reading device for reading an information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area,
The information code includes a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged in the code area, a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells, and a plurality of types of the cells. An error correction code recording area for recording an error correction code, and data in the data recording area at a position other than the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and the error correction code recording area within the code area. The size of a single cell is a free area that is at least one of data recording and design display different from the method for recording data and that is not subject to error correction by the error correction code. Larger than a predetermined size, and the data recording at the boundary of the empty area or at a position adjacent to the boundary. The display method of the cells in the region are provided with identification of the different display mode,
An imaging unit capable of imaging the information code;
A decoding unit for decoding data recorded in the data recording area when the information code is imaged by the imaging unit;
An identification display detection unit for detecting the identification display unit from a captured image of the information code imaged by the imaging unit;
It is characterized by having.

The fourth invention is:
An information code generation device for generating an information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information within a predetermined code area are arranged;
An information code reader for reading the information code generated by the information code generator;
An information code using system comprising:
The information code generation device includes:
A specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells, and an error correction code is recorded by a plurality of types of cells. And a method of recording data in the data recording area at a position other than the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and the error correction code recording area within the code area. A free area that is at least one of data recording or design display in a different manner and that is not subject to error correction by the error correction code is a predetermined size larger than the size of the single cell. A table of the cells in the data recording area at a boundary of the empty area or at a position adjacent to the boundary. Method to generate the information code in the configuration provided with an identification part different display method from,
The information code reader is
An imaging unit capable of imaging the information code;
A decoding unit for decoding data recorded in the data recording area when the information code is imaged by the imaging unit;
An identification display detection unit for detecting the identification display unit from a captured image of the information code imaged by the imaging unit;
It is characterized by having.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the space in which at least one of data recording and design display is possible by a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area at a position other than the specific pattern area within the code area. A region can be provided, and convenience can be further improved. In particular, the free area is an area where at least one of data recording and design display is possible by a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area. Restrictions caused by the region can be suppressed as much as possible.

  An information code in which areas other than the data recording area, the error correction code recording area, and the specific pattern area are secured can be generated inside the code area. In particular, the empty area is not subject to error correction by the error correction code recording area, and it is not necessary to set an error correction code for this empty area, so that it is efficient and effective for the data recording area. An error correction code can be attached to.

In particular, since an identification display unit having a display method different from the cell display method in the data recording area can be provided at the boundary part of the empty area or at a position adjacent to the boundary part, this identification display is performed when reading the information code. The position of the empty area can be specified more accurately by recognizing the part.
The boundary part of the empty area is, for example, an outer edge part along the boundary of the empty area in the empty area, and the position adjacent to the boundary part of the empty area is, for example, an area outside the empty area ( For example, a portion along the boundary of the empty area (outside the empty area).

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the identification display unit can be configured by a predetermined line-shaped contour line, when the information code is read, the predetermined line-shaped contour line is recognized. It becomes possible to specify the position of the empty area more accurately.

  According to the invention of claim 3, since the identification display unit can be configured by different types of cells different in color, density, luminance, and shape from the cells arranged in the data recording area, the information code is When reading, it is possible to identify the position of the empty area more accurately by recognizing this heterogeneous cell.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize an information code that enables the position of a free area to be specified by irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength band different from visible light. In addition, this information code indicates that special ink is not visible when light in a visible light wavelength band different from the predetermined wavelength band is irradiated. It becomes difficult to get in the way.

  According to the invention of claim 5, since the identification display part can be constituted by a plurality of symbols, when reading the information code, the position of the empty area is more accurately recognized by recognizing the plurality of symbols. It becomes possible to specify.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, at least one of data recording and design display can be performed at a position other than the specific pattern area within the code area by a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area. A region can be provided, and convenience can be further improved. In particular, the free area is an area where at least one of data recording and design display is possible by a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area. Restrictions caused by the recording area can be suppressed as much as possible.

  An information code in which areas other than the data recording area, the error correction code recording area, and the specific pattern area are secured can be generated inside the code area. In particular, the empty area is not subject to error correction by the error correction code recording area, and it is not necessary to set an error correction code for this empty area, so that it is efficient and effective for the data recording area. An error correction code can be attached to.

  In particular, since an identification display part of a display method different from the display method of the cell in the data recording area is provided at the boundary of the empty area or at a position adjacent to the boundary part, the reader is made to recognize this identification display part, The position of the empty area can be grasped more accurately.

  In the seventh aspect of the invention, since the identification display unit is configured by a predetermined line-shaped contour line, the reader device is made to recognize the predetermined line-shaped contour line and more accurately grasp the position of the empty area. be able to.

  In the invention of claim 8, the identification display unit is constituted by a different type cell different in color, density, luminance, and shape from the cell arranged in the data recording area. Can be recognized, and the position of the empty area can be grasped more accurately.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize an information code that makes it possible to specify the position of a free area by irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength band different from visible light. In addition, this information code indicates that special ink is not visible when light in a visible light wavelength band different from the predetermined wavelength band is irradiated. It becomes difficult to get in the way.

  According to the invention of claim 10, since the identification display part can be constituted by a plurality of symbols, when reading the information code, the position of the empty area is more accurately recognized by recognizing the plurality of symbols. It becomes possible to specify.

  According to the invention of claim 11, it is possible to realize a reading apparatus that reads a characteristic information code that easily matches the shape of the empty area with the display content in the empty area.

  The data recording area can be corrected based on the recorded contents of the error correction code recording area, and the empty area can be handled not to be subject to error correction.

  In particular, the identification display unit provided at the boundary of the free area of the information code to be read or the position adjacent to the boundary can be detected by the identification display detection unit, so that the position of the free area can be grasped more accurately. It becomes possible.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the identification display detection unit can detect a predetermined line-shaped outline provided at the boundary of the empty area of the information code to be read or at a position adjacent to the boundary. Therefore, it becomes possible to grasp the position of the empty area more accurately.

  According to the invention of claim 13, since the identification display detector can detect the heterogeneous cell provided at the boundary of the free area of the information code to be read or at a position adjacent to the boundary, It becomes possible to grasp the position more accurately.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the special ink provided at the boundary of the empty area of the information code to be read or the position adjacent to the boundary is irradiated with the light of the predetermined wavelength band different from the visible light. Since the information code can be imaged in the enabled state, the position of the special ink in the captured image can be reliably detected by the identification display detection unit, and the position of the empty area can be grasped more accurately. It becomes possible.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, since the identification display detector can detect a plurality of symbols provided at the boundary of the empty area of the information code to be read or at a position adjacent to the boundary, the empty area The position of can be grasped more accurately.

  In the invention of claim 16, an area in which at least one of data recording and design display is possible by a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area at a position other than the specific pattern area in the code area As a result, it is possible to provide a free space, which can further improve convenience. In particular, the free area is an area where at least one of data recording and design display is possible by a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area. Restrictions caused by the region can be suppressed as much as possible.

  An information code in which areas other than the data recording area, the error correction code recording area, and the specific pattern area are secured can be generated inside the code area. In particular, the empty area is not subject to error correction by the error correction code recording area, and it is not necessary to set an error correction code for this empty area, so that it is efficient and effective for the data recording area. An error correction code can be attached to.

  In particular, the identification display unit provided at the boundary of the free area of the information code to be read or the position adjacent to the boundary can be detected by the identification display detection unit, so that the position of the free area can be grasped more accurately. It becomes possible.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the identification display detection unit can detect a predetermined line-shaped contour line provided at the boundary of the empty area of the information code to be read or at a position adjacent to the boundary. Therefore, it becomes possible to grasp the position of the empty area more accurately.

  According to the invention of claim 18, since the identification display detection unit can detect the heterogeneous cell provided at the boundary of the free area of the information code to be read or at a position adjacent to the boundary, It becomes possible to grasp the position more accurately.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the special ink provided in the boundary portion of the empty area of the information code to be read or the position adjacent to the boundary portion is visually recognized by irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength band different from the visible light. Since the information code can be imaged in the enabled state, the position of the special ink in the captured image can be reliably detected by the identification display detection unit, and the position of the empty area can be grasped more accurately. It becomes possible.

  According to the invention of claim 20, since the identification display detection unit can detect a plurality of symbols provided at the boundary of the free area of the information code to be read or at a position adjacent to the boundary, the free area The position of can be grasped more accurately.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating an information code utilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of an information code reading device that constitutes the information code utilization system of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining the data configuration of the information code used in the information code utilization system of FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another type of code corresponding to the information code used in the information code utilization system of FIG. FIG. 5 illustrates the correspondence between the arrangement of each data word in the information code generated by the information code generation apparatus constituting the information code utilization system in FIG. 1 and the arrangement of each data word in another type of code. It is explanatory drawing to do. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the format data of the information code used in the information code utilization system of FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating a fixed area (static area) for recording format information and a dynamic area for recording data to be decoded. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of information code generation in the information code generation device constituting the information code utilization system of FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of reading an information code in the information code reading device constituting the information code utilization system of FIG. FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of part of the format information (fixed information) in the information code used in the information code utilization system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 10B is a diagram of FIG. FIG. 10C is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of fixed information different from FIGS. 10A and 10B. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of position data when a specific position of a free area is specified in the fixed mode. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining the configuration of position data when a specific position of an empty area is specified in the user mode (manual mode). FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the center position setting area. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating a method for setting a free area in the fixed mode. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating a method for setting a free area in the user mode (manual mode). FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating a shape candidate of a free area in the fixed mode. FIG. 17 is an explanatory view for conceptually explaining an example in which the basic shape of the empty area is rotated and arranged. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining an example in which a design is displayed in a rectangular empty area. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an example in which an empty area is set according to a design. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of arrangement of code words and the like in an example in which an empty area is set according to the design. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the data configuration of the information code used in the modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating a fixed area (static area) for recording format information and a dynamic area for recording data to be decoded in a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a free area and a data storage area are changed when a fixed area (static area) is configured as shown in FIG. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an information code used in the information code utilization system according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 24 (A) is a diagram showing a state in which an empty area is left blank, and FIG. B) is a diagram illustrating a state in which a design is added to the empty area. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an information code used in the information code utilization system according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 25 (A) is a diagram showing a state in which an empty area is left blank, and FIG. B) is a diagram illustrating a state in which a design is added to the empty area. FIG. 26 illustrates the correspondence between the arrangement of each data word in the information code generated by the information code generation apparatus constituting the information code utilization system in FIG. 1 and the arrangement of each data word in another type of code. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship different from that in FIG. 5. FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the structure of an information code used in an information code utilization system according to a representative example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the structure of the representative example of FIG. 27 is embodied. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram illustrating information codes used in the information code utilization system according to the second modification of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating information codes used in the information code utilization system according to Modification 3 of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram illustrating information codes used in an information code utilization system according to Modification 4 of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram illustrating information codes used in the information code utilization system according to the fifth modification of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram illustrating information codes used in the information code utilization system according to Modification 6 of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an application example of a heterogeneous cell arranged at the boundary portion of the information code of FIG. FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of reading an information code in the information code reading device constituting the information code utilization system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the structure of the information code used in the information code utilization system according to the fifth embodiment.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
An information code utilization system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is generated by an information code generation device 2 that generates an information code 100 in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged in a predetermined code area, and an information code generation device 2. The information code reading device 10 for reading the information code 100 is provided.

(Information code generator)
The information code generation device 2 is configured as an information processing device such as a personal computer, for example, and includes a control unit 3 including a CPU, an operation unit 4 including a keyboard, a mouse, and other input devices, a ROM, a RAM, and an HDD. A storage unit 5 including a storage device such as a nonvolatile memory, a display unit 6 including a known display device (liquid crystal display or other display device), and a communication interface for performing wired communication or wireless communication with an external device. And a printing unit 8 (printing apparatus) that has the same hardware configuration as a known printer and can print the information code 100 or the like based on print data from the control unit 3. Yes.

(Information code reader)
Next, the overall configuration of the information code reader 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the information code reader 10 is configured as a code reader capable of reading a two-dimensional code in hardware, and an outer case is formed by a case (not shown), and various electronic components are included in the case. Is housed.

  The information code reader 10 mainly includes an optical system such as an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 23, a filter 25, and an imaging lens 27, and a micro 35 such as a memory 35, a control circuit 40, an operation switch 42, and a liquid crystal display device 46. It is composed of a computer (hereinafter referred to as “microcomputer”) system and a power supply system such as a power switch 41 and a battery 49. These are mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) or housed in a case (not shown).

  The optical system includes an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 23, a filter 25, an imaging lens 27, and the like. The illumination light source 21 functions as an illumination light source capable of emitting illumination light Lf, and includes, for example, a red LED and a diffusion lens, a condensing lens, and the like provided on the emission side of the LED. In the present embodiment, illumination light sources 21 are provided on both sides of the light receiving sensor 23, and the illumination light Lf can be irradiated toward the reading object R through a reading port (not shown) formed in the case. It is configured. As the reading object R, for example, various objects such as a resin material and a metal material are conceivable. For example, an information code 100 (described later) as shown in FIG. Is formed by.

  The light receiving sensor 23 corresponds to an example of an “imaging unit” that can image the information code 100 (described later), and is configured to receive the reflected light Lr irradiated and reflected on the reading object R and the information code 100. Thus, for example, an area sensor in which light receiving elements, which are solid-state imaging elements such as C-MOS and CCD, are two-dimensionally arranged corresponds to this. The light receiving sensor 23 is mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) so that incident light incident through the imaging lens 27 can be received by the light receiving surface 23a.

  The filter 25 is an optical low-pass filter that allows passage of light having a wavelength less than or equal to the wavelength of the reflected light Lr, for example, and can block passage of light exceeding the wavelength, and a reading port (not shown) formed in the case. And the imaging lens 27. Thereby, unnecessary light exceeding the wavelength equivalent of the reflected light Lr is prevented from entering the light receiving sensor 23. Further, the imaging lens 27 is constituted by, for example, a lens barrel and a plurality of condensing lenses accommodated in the lens barrel. In the present embodiment, the imaging lens 27 is provided at a reading port (not shown) formed in the case. The incident reflected light Lr is collected, and a code image of the information code 100 is formed on the light receiving surface 23 a of the light receiving sensor 23.

  The microcomputer system includes an amplification circuit 31, an A / D conversion circuit 33, a memory 35, an address generation circuit 36, a synchronization signal generation circuit 38, a control circuit 40, an operation switch 42, an LED 43, a buzzer 44, a liquid crystal display device 46, and a communication interface 48. Etc. This microcomputer system is configured around a control circuit 40 and a memory 35 that can function as a microcomputer (information processing apparatus), and the image signal of the information code 100 captured by the optical system described above is signaled in hardware and software. It can be processed.

  An image signal (analog signal) output from the light receiving sensor 23 of the optical system is input to the amplification circuit 31 and amplified by a predetermined gain, and then input to the A / D conversion circuit 33, and the analog signal is converted into a digital signal. Is converted to The digitized image signal, that is, image data (image information) is input to the memory 35 and stored in the image data storage area of the memory 35. The synchronization signal generation circuit 38 is configured to generate a synchronization signal for the light receiving sensor 23 and the address generation circuit 36. The address generation circuit 36 is based on the synchronization signal supplied from the synchronization signal generation circuit 38. Thus, the storage address of the image data stored in the memory 35 can be generated.

  The memory 35 is composed of a semiconductor memory device or the like, and corresponds to, for example, a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) or a ROM (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.). In addition to the above-described image data storage area, the RAM of the memory 35 is configured to be able to secure a work area and a reading condition table used by the control circuit 40 in each processing such as arithmetic operation and logical operation. . The ROM stores in advance a predetermined program that can execute a reading process and the like that will be described later, and a system program that can control each piece of hardware such as the illumination light source 21 and the light receiving sensor 23.

  The control circuit 40 is a microcomputer capable of controlling the entire information code reader 10, and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and has an information processing function. Various input / output devices (peripheral devices) are connected to the control circuit 40 via a built-in input / output interface. In this embodiment, a power switch 41, an operation switch 42, an LED 43, a buzzer 44, A liquid crystal display device 46, a communication interface 48, and the like are connected. In addition, a host computer HST corresponding to the host system of the information code reader 10 can be connected to the communication interface 48.

  The power supply system includes a power switch 41, a battery 49, and the like. When the power switch 41 managed by the control circuit 40 is turned on and off, the conduction of the drive voltage supplied from the battery 49 to each device and each circuit described above is established. Or shut off is controlled. The battery 49 is a secondary battery that can generate a predetermined DC voltage, and corresponds to, for example, a lithium ion battery.

(Information code)
Next, the information code 100 used in the information code using system of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The example of FIG. 1 and the example of the right side of FIG. 5 are slightly different in the cell arrangement and the size of the specific pattern, but the basic idea is the same and has the same characteristics. The information code 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 is generated by, for example, the information code generation device 2 described above, and has a configuration in which cells 102 serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area. It has become. In the information code 100 of FIGS. 1 and 5, the “code region” is a rectangular region that can include all of the plurality of dark cells arranged. Specifically, three position detection patterns (cutout symbols) ) The smallest square or rectangular area including all 104. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 5, the plurality of cells 102 are configured by either a rectangular (for example, a square outer diameter) light (white) cell or a dark (black) cell, Within the code area, these cells 102 are arranged in a matrix around an empty area 110 described later. In the information code 100, a light or dark margin area is formed around the code area so as to surround the code area. In the examples of FIGS. The margin area is arranged adjacent to the periphery of the code area.

  The information code 100 includes data in a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside a rectangular code area (for example, a square shape or a rectangular shape), and a plurality of types of cells 102. A data recording area for recording and an error correction code recording area for recording an error correction code by a plurality of types of cells 102 are provided. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the specific pattern of the information code 100 is, for example, a known predetermined model number of a QR code (registered trademark) (in the example of FIG. 5, a predetermined model number of a QR code standardized by JIS or the like). ), The position detection pattern (cutout symbol) 104 as the specific pattern is arranged at each of the three corners of the code area in the examples of FIGS. ing. Further, a timing pattern 106 and an alignment pattern 108 as specific patterns are also provided at predetermined positions in the predetermined model number. As described above, in the information code 100, a specific pattern (position detection pattern 104, timing pattern 106, alignment pattern 108 (not shown in FIG. 5)) having a predetermined shape is arranged at a predetermined position. . The specific pattern area is an area in which, for example, bright cells and dark cells are arranged and represents a fixed pattern (fixed figure) larger than a single cell size. The pattern areas are arranged at the same position, and only the data recording area, the error correction code recording area, and the empty area are different. It should be noted that, within the code area, positions other than the empty area 110, which will be described later, are configured by such specific pattern areas, recording areas (areas consisting of either data recording areas or error correction code recording areas), and the like. Yes.

  The number of rows and columns of cells of the information code 100, the shape and position of a specific pattern, the position of format information, the codeword candidate position (address for specifying the arrangement order of codewords), etc. You may grasp. For example, a plurality of model numbers may be provided in the type of the information code 100. In this case, the number of rows and columns of cells, the shape and position of a specific pattern, the position of format information, the candidate position of a code word for each model number (Address) may be determined in advance. Then, if the model number information is arranged at a predetermined position (reserved area) in the code area, the reading device, based on this model number information, the number of rows and columns of the information code 100, the shape of the specific pattern, and It becomes possible to grasp the position, the position of the format information, and the candidate position (address) of the code word. Note that the present invention is not limited to this method, and any other method may be used as long as the reader can grasp the method.

  Within the code area, the area other than the specific pattern area, data recording area, and error correction code recording area is an area where data is not recorded by the cell 102 and is not subject to error correction by the error correction code. A certain free area 110 is provided in a size larger than the size of the single cell 102. In the example of FIG. 1, FIG. 5, etc., the data recording area and the error correction code recording area are arranged annularly and rectangularly along the periphery of the code area, and a free area 110 is formed at the center of the code area. Yes. A method for arranging the empty area 110 will be described later.

  In the following description, the configuration corresponding to the predetermined model number as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5 is associated with another model number (Ver. Number) smaller than the predetermined model number as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 5 A representative example in which the position of each codeword of the information code 100 in the right diagram and the position of each codeword in the other code 120 in the left diagram of FIG. 5 are associated by the arrangement conversion table as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. This will be described as an example. In this example, the amount of data that can be stored in the other type code 120 in the left diagram of FIG. 5 can be expressed with the empty area 110 provided by the information code 100 as shown in the right diagram of FIG. Conversely, when the information code 100 shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5 is read, each code word of the information code 100 can be read as a code word of another type code 120 as shown in the left diagram of FIG. .

  In the right diagram of FIG. 5, each codeword area arranged around the empty area 110 is conceptually shown by a broken line frame or the like. An area (predetermined position 105) for recording format information is conceptually indicated by a predetermined type of hatching. In the area for recording the format information and the area for recording the code word, only the cells are shown, and the specific arrangement of the cells is omitted. Further, in the example of the right side of FIG. 5, the empty area 110 (the central part of the code area) is marked with a grid to correspond to the cell arrangement, but the configuration of the empty area 110 is free, as shown in FIG. A pattern may be added to the symbol, a symbol or pattern may be added, or a blank may be used. In this specification, the empty area is also referred to as a canvas area.

  The format information (format information) is configured as shown in FIG. 6, for example, and is recorded at a predetermined position 105 (a predetermined type of hatching position) in the information code 100 with a specific format configuration. The predetermined position 105 corresponds to an example of a fixed area whose position is determined in advance. This format information includes correction level information for specifying an error correction level and mask number information for specifying a mask number. The correction level information is information that specifies an error correction level used in the information code 100. The mask number is information for specifying which mask type is the mask applied to the codeword area of the information code 100 (area in which the data codeword and error correction codeword are recorded).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the format information is recorded in a state reflecting a predetermined type of mask pattern (specific mask), and the format information is identified by identifying the mask type of the format information in the same manner as a known QR code. 5 It is possible to detect a specific code type (type provided with a free area 110) as shown in the right figure. For example, when the model 1 is configured as a QR code of a known standard, data (cell array) expressed when the model 1 mask is applied to the format information as shown in FIG. 6 is recorded at a predetermined position. However, when configured as the model 2, data (cell array) expressed when the model 2 mask is applied to the format information as shown in FIG. 6 is recorded at a predetermined position. . On the other hand, in the information code 100 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 5 (special type code having a free area 110), a specific mask of a different type from the models 1 and 2 (FIG. 6) for the format information as shown in FIG. Then, the data (cell array) expressed when the frame QR is used is recorded at a predetermined position 105. In any of the known standard models 1 and 2 and the type of the information code 100, format information is configured with a correction digit (correction level information) to be recorded and a check digit corresponding to a mask number. On top of that, various different masks can be put on. Specifically, mask processing is performed by a known method using various types of mask patterns, and the bit pattern after the mask processing is recorded at a predetermined position. Therefore, when the format information is recorded at the predetermined position 105 after applying a specific mask (example for frame QR in FIG. 6) to the format information like the information code 100, the information recorded at the predetermined position 105 in this way is recorded. If the mask process is canceled and decoded based on the specific mask, the check digit is matched, so that the type of the information code 100 can be specified. On the contrary, even if the data at the predetermined position 105 of the information code 100 is removed based on the masks of the model 1 and model 2, the check digit does not match. be able to.

  In this information code 100, after detecting a specific pattern (position detection pattern 104, etc.) and specifying the code area, code direction, and each cell position in the same manner as the known QR code, the same as the known QR code. By decoding the predetermined position 105 where the format information is recorded by the method, it is possible to identify the type of the information code 100 (special type having the empty area 110) according to the type of the mask that has been successfully decoded. Then, an error correction level used in the information code 100 can be specified based on the decoded format information, and a mask applied to a code word area of the information code 100 (an area where a data code word or an error correction code word is recorded). The type can be specified.

  The content recorded in the information code 100 has a structure as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The header data is set at the head of the data array, and the input data (data to be decoded) follows the header data. ing. In the example of FIG. 3, input data (data to be decoded) is compressed by a known method and converted into a data word (data code word). The header data used in the information code 100 is also referred to as a “frame QR header” in the following description. Further, in this specification, such an area for recording data words (data code words) of header data and input data (data to be decoded) and an area for recording the above-described format information correspond to “data recording areas”. To do. Further, in the example of FIG. 3, as header data (frame QR header)), the other type code 120 (code type used for decoding the information code 100), which will be described later, is shown in the information table according to the arrangement conversion table (FIG. 5). Information that can identify the type (model number or format) of the code associated with 100 is recorded. Further, information as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 (information for specifying the position of the empty area) is recorded as header data, which will be described in detail later.

  An error correction code word (ECC word) that becomes an error correction code follows the input data (data word that is data to be decoded). In the information code 100, an area for recording the error correction code is an error correction code recording area. Note that a method for generating an error correction code (error correction code word) based on a data word (in the example of FIG. 3, header data and input data (data to be decoded)) is a known two-dimensional code (such as a QR code). A method defined in the standard can be used. For example, as a method for generating an error correction codeword based on a data word (data codeword), an error correction codeword generation method (JISX0510: 2004, 8.5 error correction) defined in JISX0510: 2004 is used. be able to. Note that the method of generating the error correction codeword is not limited to this, and various known methods can be used.

  Further, in the information code 100, each data word (data code word) representing the data to be decoded (data code word) and an error correction code word are arranged in the code area based on predetermined arrangement position information. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, the arrangement candidate positions of the respective code words are determined in advance within the code area of the information code 100, and a number (address) is assigned to each arrangement candidate position. The arrangement position information is information for specifying which arrangement candidate position each code word constituting the recording contents shown in FIG. 3 should be arranged. In the example of FIG. 5, arrangement candidate positions Nos. 1 to 21 are schematically illustrated. At each arrangement candidate position, the first and last bit portions are numbered and clearly shown. In FIG. 5, the arrangement candidate positions after No. 22 are omitted.

  Specifically, in the model number of the other type code 120 (known QR code) (the model number of the other type code 120 specified by the header data shown in FIG. 3), the code word in each order is included in the other type code 120. Whether to be arranged at the position is determined in advance by a known standard or the like, and when decoding the other type code 120, the code words in each order can be decoded based on the arrangement determined in this way. . In the arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table), the arrangement positions (arrangement positions of the code words in each order) determined by the other type code 120 are converted into the candidate positions (the code words of each code word) determined in advance in the information code 100. (Candidate positions for placement) respectively. Specifically, “the arrangement position of the first code word in the other type code 120 corresponds to the first arrangement candidate position of the information code 100”, “the arrangement position of the second code word in the other type code 120 is information. "Corresponding to the second placement candidate position of the code 100" and "the placement position of the third code word in the other type code 120 is equivalent to the third placement candidate position of the information code 100", respectively. The arrangement position of each numbered code word in the other type code 120 is associated with each arrangement candidate position of the information code 100. Thus, when the information code 100 is decoded, the code word of each placement candidate position in the code area is stored in the other type code 120 associated with the placement position information (placement conversion table). It is only necessary to re-arrange at each arrangement position and decode the other-type code 120 by a known method. For example, in the example in the lower diagram of FIG. 5, the code word at the first placement candidate position of the information code 100 is placed at the placement position of the first code word in the other type code 120, and the second placement candidate position of the information code 100. And the other type code (QR code) may be decoded after the code word is rearranged such that it is arranged at the arrangement position of the second code word in the other type code 120. The arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table) described above is preferably provided in the information code generation device 2 that generates the information code 100 and the information code reader 10 that reads the information code 100, respectively.

(Information code generation process)
Next, an information code generation process and an information code generation method will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, a case where the other type code 120 is a QR code (registered trademark) and the information code 100 has a specific pattern similar to the QR code as shown in FIG. 5 will be described as an example. In this example, the information code 100 having the empty area 110 is also referred to as “frame QR”.

  The information code generation process of FIG. 8 is a process performed by the information code generation device 2 and is started by a predetermined operation on the operation unit 4, for example. In this processing, first, data to be encoded from outside (decoding target data), attribute data, and code type data (information code 100 is generated, or a general two-dimensional code (for example, a general QR code) is generated. (Data specifying whether to generate) (S1). In this configuration, the control unit 3 and the operation unit 4 correspond to an example of a “data acquisition unit” and function to acquire data to be decoded (input data from the outside). Further, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the control unit 3 and the communication unit 7 may be configured as a “data acquisition unit” and function to acquire data input from outside through communication as decryption target data. Good.

  After acquiring the data in S1, a method for compressing the acquired data is determined by a known method (S2), and the compressed data (decoded data) is expressed by a plurality of data words (data code words). (S3). Then, after S3, it is determined whether or not the code type data acquired in S1 is the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free space 110. If the code type data acquired in S1 is the type of the information code 100 having the free area 110 (frame QR), the process proceeds to Yes in S4, and the type of the information code 100 having the free area 110 (frame QR). ) Is generated and set at the head of a data array including a plurality of data words as shown in FIG. 3 (S5). In the header data of FIG. 3, information (version number information or the like) that can specify at least the type (model number, format) of another type code 120 described later is recorded. On the other hand, in S5, if the code type data acquired in S1 is not the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free area 110 (data for selecting a general two-dimensional code (for example, If it is data for selecting model 1 or model 2), the process proceeds to No in S4.

  When the process proceeds to No in S4, an error correction code is generated by a known method based on the configuration of the data word (data code word) generated in S3, and a plurality of error correction words (error correction) representing the error correction code are generated. Codeword) is generated (S6). On the other hand, when proceeding from S4 to S5, an error correction code is generated by a known method based on the configuration of the final data word (a plurality of data code words representing header data and input data) generated in S3 and S5. Then, a plurality of error correction words (error correction code words) representing the error correction code are generated (S6).

  After S6, it is determined whether or not the code type data acquired in S1 is the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free area 110 (S7), and the code type data acquired in S1 is If it is not the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free area 110, the process proceeds to No in S7, and a two-dimensional code (for example, QR code) is generated by a known method. When the process proceeds to No in S7, the model number of the two-dimensional code having a size capable of storing the data word (data code word) generated in S3 and the error correction word (error correction code word) generated in S6 (in this example, In a plurality of standardized known QR code model numbers, a model number of a size that can store the data word generated in S3 and the error correction word generated in S6) is determined, and the arrangement predetermined by the model number is determined. According to the pattern, the data word generated in S3 and the error correction word generated in S6 are arranged (S9).

  On the other hand, if the code type data acquired in S1 is the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free area 110, the process proceeds to Yes in S7, and the data word (data) generated in S3 and S5 (Code word), the error correction word (error correction code word) generated in S6, and the empty area, the model number of the two-dimensional code (QR code in the examples of FIGS. 5 and 8) is determined ( S10). In this configuration, the user can set the position and size of the empty area, and in S10, the model number of the two-dimensional code is determined based on the position and size of the empty area thus set. .

  In the example of FIGS. 5 and 8, for example, in a plurality of model numbers (sizes) determined in advance by the type of the information code 100, the data word (data code word) generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction generated in S6 A model number of a size that can store a word (error correction code word) and an empty area is determined. When there are a plurality of model numbers having a size capable of storing the data word (data code word) generated in S3 and S5, the error correction word (error correction code word) generated in S6, and the empty area, The smallest model number may be determined from among them, or the user may be able to specify any one of the model numbers. When the information code 100 is generated, the predetermined size (number of rows and columns), the arrangement of the specific pattern, and each candidate position of the code word are used in the model number thus determined. The arrangement order of the correct code words is determined according to the above-described arrangement conversion table. In the following, an example in which the model number as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5 is determined in S10 will be specifically described.

Here, a method for setting a free area will be described.
In this configuration, the shape of the vacant area is set to a first method (fixed mode) for selecting from among a plurality of candidate shapes and a shape according to shape designation information input from the outside to the information code generation device. It can be determined by one of the second methods (user mode). Regardless of which method is used to determine the free area, information specifying the method used to determine the shape of the free area and information specifying the position of the free area are recorded in the fixed area as format information. Note that the position of the fixed area in which such format information is recorded is not particularly limited. For example, as shown conceptually in FIG. 7, an example of setting the fixed area in the vicinity of the position detection pattern 104 is given. It is done.

  In this configuration, the data configuration of the format information in the fixed mode (FIX MODE) (information that can specify the position of the empty area) is simply as shown in FIG. FIG. 10B shows the state. Further, the data structure of the user mode (USER MODE) is as shown in FIG. In any mode, the mode is specified by the first MD bit definition value (information for specifying a method used to determine the shape of the empty area). That is, by selecting the MD bit definition value, either the fixed mode (FIX MODE) or the user mode (USER MODE) can be selected.

  First, a setting example in the fixed mode will be described. Fixed mode (FIX MODE) uses a predefined free space shape (hereinafter also referred to as canvas shape), and selects the desired shape by selecting the position where the free space of the candidate shape is placed and the rotation angle. It is a mode to set the free space. With such a configuration, it is possible to select a canvas shape that matches the infinite number of illustration shapes designated by the user as much as possible while suppressing the addition of information to the limit.

  In the fixed mode, as data for specifying the position of the empty area, as shown in FIG. 11, the MD bit for specifying the mode, the CEN bit for specifying whether to set the center position, and whether to change the size are specified. SZ bit to perform, ANG bit to specify whether or not to change the rotation angle, MASK NO. Bits etc. are included. Furthermore, a CENTER POS bit for specifying a specific position of the center position, a SIZE bit for specifying a specific size, and an ANGLE bit for specifying a specific rotation angle are included.

  In this configuration, the CENTER POS coordinate system (coordinate system for designating a specific position of the center position) is 16 as shown in FIG. 13 regardless of the model number (code Ver.) Of the information code 100. Based on the equally divided block coordinates, the coordinate position shown in FIG. 13 (the two position detection patterns are located 8 blocks away from the boundary of the adjacent code (first boundary), and the two position detection patterns are adjacent to each other. 4 bits are set at a position 8 blocks away from another code boundary (second boundary). That is, a predetermined size (16 × 4 × 4 blocks in the example of FIG. 13) is set at a position 8 blocks away from the first boundary and 8 blocks away from the second boundary. . When the CEN bit shown in FIG. 12 is 1, the canvas center position is set to the position (reference position) specified by the CENTER POS bit (reference position information for specifying the reference position in allocating the empty area). It has become. For example, in the candidate sequence as shown in FIG. 13, positions that are candidates for the center position are defined in advance, and when a specific center position is designated by the CENTER POS bit in FIG. From the candidate positions (candidate blocks), one of the center positions (in the example of FIG. 13, the center position of any one of the 16 candidate blocks) is designated. For example, the example of FIG. 14 shows an example in which the first block is selected from 16 blocks and the center position of the first block is designated. By making the center position changeable in this way, for example, the position can be changed as shown in FIGS. 17B to 17H from the basic position of each empty area as shown in FIGS. It becomes like this. When the CEN bit is 0, for example, CENTER POS = 0, and the center position of the 0th block is designated as the center of the empty area.

  Also, when the SZ bit is set to 1, the SIZE bit for specifying the size is used to specify how many blocks the canvas radius (the radius of the circumscribed circle including the empty area) is, with 1 block as the minimum unit. ing. For example, if the SIZE bit is 0, the candidate shape of the empty area is arranged so as to be inscribed in a circle having a radius of one block. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, if the SIZE bit is 5, an empty area candidate shape (triangle in the example of FIG. 14) is arranged so as to be inscribed in a circle having a radius of 6 blocks.

  When the ANG bit is set to 1, the rotation angle of the empty area is designated by the ANGLE bit. The specified value is composed of, for example, 2 bits, and the rotation angle is specified in a range of 0 to 45 degrees in units of 15 degrees, for example. That is, any angle of 0 °, 15 °, 30 °, and 45 ° can be designated by the designated value of the ANGLE bit (rotation angle information that identifies the rotation angle from the reference configuration of the candidate shape). . Each candidate shape has a basic posture at 0 ° determined in advance as shown in FIG. 16, and these basic postures correspond to the reference arrangement. By specifying the ANGLE bit in this way, a basic figure as shown in FIG. 16E can be rotated as shown in FIG. Thus, by adding information specifying the rotation angle of the empty area shape (canvas shape) to the frame QR header, it is possible to select the empty area shape (canvas shape) more freely. However, since the resolution such as the angle designation value is proportional to the header information increase amount, it is preferable to set the value to prevent the increase of the information amount as much as possible, for example, 15 degree units (0 to 45 degrees).

  MASK NO. In the bit, any figure can be designated from candidate figures as shown in FIG. In this configuration, a numerical value is assigned to each candidate graphic, and MASK NO. By designating any numerical value by bit, the shape of the free area corresponding to the numerical value can be designated. For example, 0 is assigned to the graphic as shown in FIG. 16A and 1 is assigned to the graphic as shown in FIG. 16B. In this case, MASK NO. If 1 is specified as the bit, a figure as shown in FIG. 16B can be specified as the basic shape of the empty area. If a shape that is used as frequently as possible is registered as a mask pattern, it is easy to omit the rotation angle specification and size specification, and it is easy to reduce the amount of information in the frame QR header. It can be configured more efficiently. In this way, by recording the format information as shown in FIG. 11 in the data area, the reader 10 can determine the specific position of the empty area (particularly, the code area of the empty area based on such format information). The coordinates, shape, rotation angle from the basic posture, and size) can be specified in detail. Further, in this configuration, for example, among all codewords whose positions are determined in the code area as shown in FIG. In the apparatus 10, for example, among codewords whose numbers are determined in order as shown in FIG. 5, codewords that do not include an empty area may be read in ascending order of numbers.

  Next, a setting example in the user mode (USER MODE) will be described. In the user mode (USER MODE), a plurality of coordinate designation information (shape designation information) can be input by, for example, external input by operation of the operation unit 4 or input by data transmission from an external device (not shown). This coordinate designation information (shape designation information) can be recorded in a fixed area in the code area as format information as shown in FIG. In this case, each position designated by the plurality of coordinate designation information (shape designation information) in the code area is determined as an outer edge portion of the empty area. Specifically, as in the example of FIG. 15, the vertex coordinate position of the polygon can be arbitrarily designated. With such a configuration, it is possible to select a canvas shape that matches the infinite number of illustration shapes designated by the user as much as possible while suppressing the addition of information to the limit.

  Specifically, the user mode (USER MODE) is a mode in which, for example, a maximum of 32 points can be designated as canvas shape definitions. In this user mode (USER MODE), as shown in FIG. 15A, the coordinates of each vertex position are 64 blocks (6 blocks in length and 8 blocks in width) regardless of the model number (code Ver.) Of the information code 100. Bits) are specified in a coordinate system divided. In this user mode (USER MODE), the MD bit is specified as 1 as shown in FIG. Further, the number of coordinates of the vertex position is designated by the POINT NUM bit shown in FIG. Then, the coordinate designation information (POS1 bit to POSn bit) for designating each coordinate position is included by the number designated by the POINT NUM bits. For example, when the number of coordinates of the vertex position is specified by 5 by the POINT NUM bit, each vertex position is indicated by the coordinate information of the five vertex positions of the POS1, POS2, POS3, POS4, and POS5 bits. Become. As shown in FIG. 15A, information (POS1 bit to POSn bit) designating each coordinate position is 1 block in the right direction and 1 in the downward direction from the coordinate system divided into the above 64 blocks (6 bits). This is information for designating any of the 8 × 8 64 blocks that have been block-shifted. When any block is designated by the POS bit, the center position of the block becomes the vertex position. For example, when the 17th block is designated by the POS1 bit, the vertex position specified by the POS1 bit is the center position of the 17th block. As described above, in the coordinate system divided into 64 blocks (6 bits), when a plurality of blocks are specified by information (POS1 bit to POSn bit) specifying each coordinate position, the vertex positions of these blocks are connected. The broken line is the outer edge position of the empty area (see FIG. 15A).

  After the vacant area is set in this manner, after S10, the data word (data code word) generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction word (error correction code word) generated in S6 are arranged as described above. Placement is based on the position information (placement conversion table). In the information code generation device 2, the above-described arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table) is stored in the storage unit 5, and in this arrangement conversion table, as described above, each arrangement position (each (Order position of code word) is associated with a predetermined candidate position (position candidate position of each code word) in information code 100, respectively. In the process of S11, the code words to be recorded (the data words (data code words) generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction words (error correction code words) generated in S6) are shown in the left of FIGS. Is represented by another code 120 (a two-dimensional code having a size smaller than that of the information code 100 and a size capable of storing the data word generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction word generated in S6). After specifying the arrangement position of each code word (code word in each order), the code word in each order is associated with the arrangement position of the code word in each order by arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table). It arrange | positions in each arrangement | positioning candidate position in the information code 100. FIG. For example, in the arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table) in FIG. 5, the arrangement position of the first code word in the other type code 120 is associated with the first arrangement candidate position of the information code 100. The first code word of the code words to be recorded (the data word generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction word generated in S6) is arranged at the first arrangement candidate position in the information code 100. In addition, since the second code word arrangement position in the other-type code 120 and the second arrangement candidate position of the information code 100 are associated with each other, the second code word in the code words to be recorded Is placed at the second candidate position in the information code 100. Thus, if the arrangement position of the Nth code word in the other type code 120 is associated with the Mth arrangement candidate position of the information code 100, the Nth code word in the code word to be recorded is associated. The code word is placed at the Mth placement candidate position in the information code 100.

  That is, only the data word generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction word generated in S6 can be expressed by another type code 120 (configured as a known QR code) smaller than the information code 100. When the data word generated in S3, S5, the error correction word generated in S6, and the empty area 110 are stored, it must be expressed by the information code 100 having a larger size. Therefore, in this embodiment, the data word generated in S3 and S5, the error correction word generated in S6, and the empty area 110 are represented by a large size information code 100, and the data word generated in S3 and S5 Each arrangement of code words when the error correction word generated in S6 is expressed by another type code 120 (known QR code) and each arrangement of code words when stored in the information code 100 having a larger size Can be specified by a predetermined arrangement conversion table.

  In this configuration, the “arrangement conversion table” as shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to an example of “arrangement position information for specifying each arrangement position when a plurality of data words expressing the data to be decoded are arranged in the code area”. The arrangement conversion table (arrangement position information) includes data words in each order when the data to be decoded is expressed by a plurality of data words, and each arrangement position in the code area of the data words in each order. Are configured as information determined in association with each other. The storage unit 5 corresponds to an example of an “arrangement position information recording unit” and functions to record data (arrangement position information) of such an arrangement conversion table.

  After S9 or S11, a mask pattern to be applied to the code word whose placement location has been determined in S9 or S11 is determined by a known predetermined method (for example, a known method used in QR code), and the determined mask. Masking is performed by a known mask processing method so that the pattern is reflected in the code word whose location is determined in S9 or S11 (S12). Then, the check digit is calculated based on the mask pattern information (mask number) and error correction level information set in S12, and the format information including the error correction level, mask number, and check digit is generated as shown in FIG. (S13).

  If the code type data acquired in S1 is the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free area 110, the process proceeds to Yes in S14, and the format information generated in S13 includes the above-described format information. Mask processing is performed to reflect the specific mask (frame QR mask) (see FIG. 6). On the other hand, if the code type data acquired in S1 is not the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the vacant area 110, the process proceeds to No in S14 and has a mask pattern different from the mask pattern set in S16. Set the mask (model 1 mask or model 2 mask). After the format information is masked in S15 or S16, the format information after the mask processing is arranged at a predetermined position in the code area (S17). After the information code 100 or other two-dimensional code is generated in this way, the code is printed by the printing unit 8 (S18). In S18, instead of printing, the information code 100 or the like may be displayed on the display unit 6, or the data of the information code 100 generated by the processing up to S17 may be transmitted to an external device.

  In this configuration, the control unit 3 of the information code generation device 2 corresponds to an example of a “data recording area generation unit”. When the empty area 110 is provided in the code area, a specific format configuration is provided at a predetermined position in the code area. The format information is recorded and the data words representing the decoding target data (input data) acquired by the data acquisition unit are arranged based on the arrangement position information recorded in the arrangement position information recording unit. A data recording area is generated. In addition, in the “data recording area generation unit” configured by the control unit 3, when the empty area 110 is provided inside the code area, the cell array at the predetermined position 105 reflects a predetermined type of mask pattern (specific mask). Is configured.

(Information code reading process)
Next, processing when the information code 100 shown in the right diagram of FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 is read by the information code reader 10 of FIG. 2 will be described. The reading process in FIG. 9 is executed, for example, when a predetermined operation (for example, operation of the operation switch 42) is performed by the user. First, as shown in S21 of FIG. 9, the information code 100 is imaged. Then, an image of the information code 100 is acquired and the outer shape of the information code 100 is detected. Specifically, the position detection pattern 104 is detected by a known method (a known method performed by a QR code), and the outer shape of the information code 100 is detected by a known method performed by a QR code. The light receiving sensor 23 corresponds to an example of an “imaging unit” and functions to image the information code 100 generated by the information code generation device 2.

  After S21, the information (format information) at a predetermined position of the information code 100 is decoded, and the information code type and the mask correction level are acquired (S22). As described above, if the check digit is correct when the information recorded at the predetermined position 105 is decrypted after the mask process is canceled based on the specific mask (frame QR mask), the type of the information code 100 It can be specified that the type is a type having a free area 110, and an error correction level and a mask number included in the format information can be acquired. Then, based on the mask number included in the format information acquired in S22, the mask of the entire code (specifically, the area of the code word) is released (S23). If the read target is the information code 100 having the empty area 110 (that is, if the mask is successfully released by the above-described specific mask (frame QR mask)), the process proceeds to Yes in S24, at the beginning of the data word. By deciphering the provided header data (frame QR header: FIG. 3), the original code size (the model number and format of the other type code 120) is specified (S25), and according to the same layout conversion table as FIG. The information code 100 as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5 is returned to the original code (other type code 120) as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 5 (S26). Specifically, the code word at each placement candidate position of the information code 100 is rearranged at the placement position in the other type code 120 associated with each placement candidate position in the placement conversion table. In the case of No in S24 or after S26, the cell arrangement (when proceeding to No in S24, it is the cell arrangement of the QR code to be read, and in the case after S26, the other type code 120 arranged in S26. Each recorded codeword is specified and created from the cell arrangement) (S27). Then, error correction calculation is performed by a known method based on the error correction code word in the error correction code recording area, and the code word in the data recording area is decoded (S29). Then, the data decoded in S29 is output by display on the display unit, data transmission, printing, or the like (S30). As the process of S30, the data decoded in S29 may be output as it is, or another process may be added.

  In the reading process of FIG. 9, the information (information specifying the free area) as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is obtained by reading the format information. Since the detailed position of the free area can be specified by the information for specifying the free area (FIGS. 11 and 12), for example, the inside of the free area is analyzed (for example, image recognition, image clipping, other In the case of analysis processing), it becomes possible to accurately identify the empty area based on such detailed position information of the empty area.

  The reading processing method is not limited to the above example. For example, after recognizing the position detection pattern 104, the detailed position of the empty area is specified based on the format information, and the empty area of the codeword candidate area is identified. Only the codeword area not including the area may be decoded in order. Since all codeword areas are determined in advance and can be grasped by the reading device 10, if the detailed position of the free area can be specified, the reading apparatus 10 will be free if the detailed position of the free area can be specified. It becomes possible to specify an area of a code word that does not include an area. Therefore, such codeword regions may be decoded in order.

  In this configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of a “determination unit”, and when the information code 100 is captured by the imaging unit, it is determined whether or not the predetermined position 105 of the code area has a specific format configuration. To function. Specifically, it functions to determine whether or not a predetermined type of mask pattern (specific mask) is reflected at the predetermined position 105.

  The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of a “decoding unit”, and when the information code 100 is imaged by the imaging unit, the data recorded in the data recording area based on the contents of the data recording area and the error correction code recording area Specifically, when the determination unit determines that the predetermined position 105 has a specific format configuration (more specifically, a predetermined type of mask pattern is reflected at the predetermined position 105. In this case, the position of each data word in the code area is specified based on the correspondence information (arrangement conversion table) recorded in the correspondence information recording unit, and the data to be decoded is decrypted.

  The arrangement conversion table corresponds to an example of “correspondence information”, and a data word in each order represented by each arrangement position in the code area is determined in advance in another type code 120 different from the information code 100. It is configured as information for determining each corresponding position in the other type code 120 when expressed in (for example, a method defined in a known standard or the like). Then, when the determination unit determines that the predetermined position 105 has a specific format configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponding to the decoding unit converts the data word in each order represented by each arrangement position of the code area to the correspondence information The other-type code 120 functions in such a manner as to be replaced with each corresponding position in the other-type code 120 defined in (1).

(Main effects of this configuration)
According to this configuration, it is possible to provide an empty area that is an area in which decoding target data is not recorded by a cell at a position other than the specific pattern area inside the code area, and the convenience can be further improved. In particular, since the empty area is an area where data to be decrypted is not recorded, the restriction caused by the data recording area can be suppressed as much as possible in configuring the empty area. Furthermore, at least one of a method for selecting the shape of the vacant area from a plurality of candidate shapes prepared in advance, or a method for setting the shape according to the shape designation information input from the outside to the information code generation device Therefore, the shape of the empty area is not fixed to a uniform fixed shape, and the degree of freedom in selecting the shape of the empty area can be increased. For this reason, it becomes easy to match the shape of the empty area with the display content in the empty area, and as a result, more efficient data arrangement becomes possible. For example, if an empty area as shown in FIG. 18 is uniformly used for a display figure as shown in FIG. 18, it becomes inefficient in recording data. According to this configuration, for example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, efficient arrangement according to the design is possible, and data can be recorded more efficiently.

  In addition, the information code 100 in which areas other than the data recording area, the error correction code recording area, and the specific pattern area are secured can be generated inside the code area. In particular, the empty area 110 is not subject to error correction by the error correction code recording area, and it is not necessary to set an error correction code for the empty area 110, so that the data recording area can be efficiently and An error correction code can be effectively attached.

In addition, the information code generation device 2 records a data acquisition unit that acquires data to be decoded and arrangement position information that specifies each arrangement position when a plurality of data words representing the data to be decoded are arranged in the code area. When the arrangement position information recording unit and the vacant area 110 are provided inside the code area, the format information is recorded at a predetermined position in the code area with a specific format configuration, and the decoding target data acquired by the data acquisition unit is recorded. A data recording area generating section for generating a data recording area so as to arrange each data word to be expressed based on the arrangement position information recorded in the arrangement position information recording section; On the other hand, the information code reading device 10 records correspondence information that is information corresponding to the arrangement position information recorded in the arrangement position information recording unit and information that specifies each arrangement position of a plurality of data words in the code area. When the information code 100 is captured by the imaging unit, the corresponding information recording unit, a determination unit that determines whether the predetermined position of the code area has a specific format configuration, and a predetermined position specified by the determination unit A decoding unit that identifies the position of each data word in the code area based on the correspondence information recorded in the correspondence information recording unit and decodes the data to be decoded when it is determined that the format is configured Yes.
In this configuration, the information code reading device 10 confirms the format configuration of the predetermined position 105 by the determination unit, so that the characteristic information code 100 generated by the information code generation device 2 (the information code 100 including the empty area 110) is displayed. ) Or not. If it can be determined that the format is a specific format, the position of each data word in the code area is determined based on information (corresponding information) that can specify the arrangement positions of the plurality of data words in the code area. The data to be decrypted can be decrypted.

Further, the data recording area generation unit of the information code generation apparatus 2 configures a cell array at a predetermined position 105 in a state in which a predetermined type of mask pattern is reflected when the empty area 110 is provided inside the code area. Then, when the information code 100 is imaged by the imaging unit, the determination unit of the information code reading device 10 determines whether or not a predetermined type of mask pattern is reflected at the predetermined position 105, and the information code reading device 10 The decoding unit decodes the data to be decoded on the condition that a predetermined type of mask pattern is reflected at the predetermined position 105.
According to this configuration, whether or not the characteristic information code 100 (the information code 100 including the empty area 110) generated by the information code generation device 2 according to the type of the mask pattern applied to the predetermined position 105 is reliably determined. This makes it easy to realize a “specific format configuration” while suppressing the amount of format information.

  Also, the arrangement position information (correspondence information) associates the data words in each order when the data to be decoded is expressed by a plurality of data words and the arrangement positions in the code area of the data words in each order. Specifically, in the code area, each data word in each order represented by each arrangement position in the code area is expressed in another type code 120 different from the information code 100. It is information that defines each corresponding position. Then, when the determination unit determines that the predetermined position 105 has a specific format configuration, the decoding unit converts the data word in each order represented by each arrangement position in the code area to other types of codes determined by the correspondence information. The other-type code 120 is decoded with a configuration in which each corresponding position in 120 is replaced. According to this configuration, it is possible to satisfactorily read the characteristic information code 100 (the information code 100 including the empty area 110) using the mechanism for reading the other type code 120.

[Modification of the first embodiment]
Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.
In the above embodiment, format information is recorded in the fixed area AR1 (header information storage area) without recording the decoding target data and error correction data, and the decoding target is stored in the data storage area AR2 other than the fixed area (other than the fixed area AR1). Data and error correction data have been recorded, but the present invention is not limited to such an example.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, a part of the data to be decoded (conceptually shown as “ABCDEFG” in the example of FIG. 12) to be recorded in the information code 100 (“AB” in the example of FIG. 21). Is conceptually shown in the fixed area AR1 (header information storage area) other than the format information recording area, and the remainder of the data to be decrypted (in the example of FIG. 21, “CDEFG”). It is also possible to record in the data storage area AR2 outside the fixed area (outside the fixed area AR1). In this way, since the fixed area AR1 used for recording the format information can be used as a recording area for the data to be decoded, more data can be recorded more efficiently.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the code area includes a frame QR header and a header information storage area (fixed area AR1) including a part of the decryption target data, and data storage for storing the remainder of the decryption target data. The header information storage area (fixed area AR1), which is divided into areas AR2, is an area that is not affected by the empty area shape (mask shape), for example, regardless of the empty area shape (canvas mask shape). Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, an error correction code may be added to the recording data independently in each of the fixed area AR1 and the data storage area AR2, and the data structure may be restored. In this configuration, it is possible to specify the frame QR header information storage area (fixed area AR1) in any empty area shape (canvas shape). For example, the frame QR header information storage area (fixed area AR1) is specified regardless of the empty area shape (canvas shape) as shown in FIG. 22 or the empty area shape (canvas shape) as shown in FIG. It is possible to specify the specific position of the empty area based on the recorded contents (contents as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12).

  Even in this configuration, at the time of reading, first, the data of the header information storage area (fixed area AR1) that is not affected by the empty area shape (canvas shape) is decoded, and the frame QR header information is read from the restored data string. 11. The position of the empty area is specified by grasping the specific position of the empty area (canvas shape mask) based on the information as shown in FIG. Then, based on the identification result, information of the entire code (code word arranged outside the free area) can be read by the same method as in the first embodiment. Further, in the data in the header information storage area (fixed area AR1), in addition to the frame QR header information, a part of the data part (conceptually shown as “AB” in the example of FIG. 12) is arranged in the surplus area. All the data to be decrypted can be obtained by combining the data in the data storage area AR2 (conceptually illustrated as “CDEFG” in the example of FIG. 12). In this way, data can be arranged in each area without waste. According to such a configuration, the storage amount of QR header information can be easily expanded.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
The information code utilization system of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment with respect to the hardware configuration, and the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above is used.

  In the information code utilization system of the second embodiment, the information code 200 as shown in FIG. 24B is generated by the information code generation device 2 (see FIG. 1 and the like). Even in this configuration, a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape (such as the position detection pattern 204) is arranged inside the code area, and a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells are provided. Within the code area, a free area 210 that can be used to record data or display a design at a position other than the specific pattern area is different from the method for recording data in the data recording area. A predetermined size larger than the size of one cell is provided. The shape of the empty area 210 can be selected by the same method as in the first embodiment.

  In this configuration, a configuration other than the configuration of the empty area 210 is configured as a known QR code (registered trademark). First, as shown in FIG. An area and an error correction code recording area for recording an error correction code by a plurality of types of cells are provided. The recording method of the data code word in the data recording area and the recording method of the error correction code word in the error correction code recording area are the same as the known QR code (registered trademark), for example, a method defined in JISX0510 The arrangement of the position detection pattern 204 in the code area, the arrangement of the data code word in the data recording area, and the arrangement of the error correction code word in the error correction code recording area are determined.

  However, as shown in FIG. 24A, an information code 200 ′ in which a code word of a partial region is configured as a code word expressed only by white cells is generated, and thus the region expressed only by white cells With AR as a free area 210, as shown in FIG. 24 (B), at least one of the design represented by a figure, a pattern, a color, or a combination thereof, or information represented by one or more symbols, is provided in this free area 210. it's shown. When the design D is displayed in the free area 210 as shown in FIG. 24B, the configuration is different from the original data display as shown in FIG. 24A, but the data error in the free area 210 is A known error correction may be performed using the error correction code recorded in the error correction code recording area.

  In addition, in the information code 200 shown in FIG. 24B, the position of the empty area 210 is specified in advance. Therefore, when the design and information are added and displayed in the empty area 210, the error position by this display is set in advance. I know that. Therefore, the error correction code in the error correction code recording area can be configured to perform erasure correction using the position of the empty area 210 as the error position. In this case, information indicating the position of the empty area 210 (position data that can specify the position of the empty area generated by the method of the first embodiment or the second embodiment) is recorded in the data recording area in advance. Or by storing in advance in the reader 10 (FIG. 1), the reader 10 identifies the position of the empty area 210 (that is, the position of the data code word in which an error has occurred) at the time of reading. The reading apparatus 10 uses the error correction code recorded in the error correction code recording area so as to correct the error of the data code word existing in the empty area 210 whose position is specified in this way. To correct the erasure.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described.
The information code utilization system of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment in terms of hardware configuration, and the configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used.

  In the information code utilization system of the third embodiment, the information code 300 as shown in FIG. 25B is generated by the information code generation device 2 (see FIG. 1 and the like). Even in this configuration, a specific pattern having a predetermined shape (L-shaped alignment pattern 304a and light cells and dark cells are alternately arranged one by one inside the code region, and L along the boundary of the code region. A specific pattern area in which the timing cells 304b) constituting the character-shaped area are arranged, and a data recording area for recording data by a plurality of types of cells, and in a position other than the specific pattern area in the code area, A free area 310 that allows at least one of data recording and design display is provided with a predetermined size larger than the size of a single cell by a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area. . The shape of the empty area 310 can be selected by the same method as in the first embodiment.

  In this configuration, except for the configuration of the empty area 310, it is configured as a known data matrix code. First, as shown in FIG. 25A, in the code area, a specific pattern area, a data recording area, An error correction code recording area for recording an error correction code by a plurality of types of cells is provided. The recording method of the data code word in the data recording area and the recording method of the error correction code word in the error correction code recording area are the same as the known data matrix code, and the alignment pattern 304a and timing cell 304b in the code area are the same. The arrangement of the data code word in the data recording area and the arrangement of the error correction code word in the error correction code recording area are determined in accordance with, for example, the ECC200 version.

  However, as shown in FIG. 25A, an information code 300 ′ in which a code word of a partial region is configured as a code word expressed only by white cells is generated, and thus the region expressed only by white cells. With AR as a free area 310, as shown in FIG. 25 (B), at least one of the design represented by a figure, a pattern, a color, or a combination thereof, or information represented by one or more symbols, is provided in this free area 310. it's shown. When the design D is displayed in the free area 310 as shown in FIG. 25B, the configuration is different from the original data display as shown in FIG. 25A, but the data error in the free area 310 is A known error correction may be performed using the error correction code recorded in the error correction code recording area.

  In addition, in the information code 300 shown in FIG. 25B, the position of the empty area 310 is specified in advance. Therefore, when a design or information is added and displayed in the empty area 310, the error position by this display is set in advance. I know that. Therefore, the error correction code in the error correction code recording area can be configured to perform erasure correction using the position of the empty area 310 as the error position. In this case, information indicating the position of the empty area 310 (position data that can specify the position of the empty area generated by the method of the first embodiment or the second embodiment) is recorded in the data recording area in advance. Or by storing in advance in the reader 10 (FIG. 1), the reader 10 identifies the position of the empty area 310 (that is, the position of the data code word in which an error has occurred) at the time of reading. The reading apparatus 10 uses the error correction code recorded in the error correction code recording area so as to correct the error of the data code word existing in the empty area 310 whose position is specified in this way. To correct the erasure.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. First, a representative example of the fourth embodiment will be described.
The information code utilization system of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment in terms of hardware configuration, and the configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used. Then, the information generating device 2 as shown in FIG. 1 generates an information code 400 as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 (an information code formed by arranging cells as units for displaying information within a predetermined code area). The generated information code 400 can be read by the reading device 10 as shown in FIGS. 27 conceptually shows an arrangement example of the specific pattern area, the format area, the model number area, the code word area, and the empty area of the information code 400 generated by the system according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. The example of the information code provided with the identification display part similar to FIG. 27 is shown. In the information code 400 shown in FIG. 27, the specific cell array in the area of the predetermined position 105, the area 107, and each code word area is omitted, but in fact, as in FIG. Are arranged in light cells and dark cells.

  The information code 400 shown in FIG. 27 is also stored in a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern (position detection pattern 104, timing pattern 106, etc.) having a predetermined shape is arranged in the code area, and a plurality of types of cells 102. A data recording area for recording the error correction code and an error correction code recording area for recording an error correction code by a plurality of types of cells 102 are provided. Further, at least one of data recording and design display in a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area at a position other than the specific pattern area, data recording area, and error correction code recording area inside the code area. The empty area 410 that can be detected is provided in a predetermined size larger than the size of the single cell 102. This empty area 410 is configured as an area that is not subject to error correction using an error correction code. In the example of FIG. 27, the internal configuration of the empty area 410 is omitted, but various pictures, characters, figures, other symbols, and the like can be displayed in the empty area 410.

Here, a method for generating the information code 400 will be described.
Also in this configuration, a plurality of model numbers are prepared for the type of the information code 400. For each model number, the number of rows and columns of cells, the shape and position of a specific pattern, the position of format information, and the candidate position (address) of a code word Is predetermined. When the generating device 2 generates the information code 400, the model number information is arranged at a predetermined position in the code area (the reserved area 107 in the example of FIG. 27). On the other hand, the reader 10 has the above information (number of cell rows and columns, shape and position of a specific pattern, position of format information, candidate position (address) of a code word) for each model number. Therefore, when the reading device 10 reads the information code 400, the code image of the information code 400 is analyzed, and the model number information arranged at a predetermined position is read, so that the number of rows and columns of cells of the information code 400, The shape and position of the specific pattern, the position of the format information, and the candidate position (address) of the code word can be grasped.

  When generating the information code 400, one of the model numbers is selected from a plurality of model numbers prepared in advance. As a result, the basic configuration in the code area (the position of the position detection pattern 104 as the specific pattern, the number of rows and columns of cells, the candidate position of the code word) is determined. For example, the model number of the configuration shown in FIG. 27 has a cell array of 29 rows and 29 columns, and a specific pattern (the same structure as the QR code (registered trademark) cut-out symbol) is formed at three predetermined corners. A position detection pattern 104) is arranged. An area (predetermined position 105) for recording format information is provided at a predetermined position near the position detection pattern 104. Further, in the 29 × 29 matrix area, codeword candidate positions are determined in advance at positions other than the position detection pattern 104 and the predetermined position 105, and addresses from 0 to 67 are assigned to the candidate positions. Yes. In this way, since the configuration in the code area is defined in advance in the configuration corresponding to the model number, if the model number is specified, it is possible to specify which order code word is arranged at which position. Become. The information of the determined model number is recorded at a predetermined fixed position in the model number array. For example, in the example of FIG. 27, model number information is recorded in an area 107 specified by, for example, a predetermined type of hatching.

  After the model number is determined and the basic configuration in the code area is determined, the shape and position of the empty area 410 are determined. As the method for determining the shape of the vacant area 410, any of the above-described embodiments may be used. For example, as in the first method (fixed mode) of the first embodiment, among the plurality of candidate shapes prepared in advance. Alternatively, it may be determined by the method selected from the above, or, similarly to the second method (user mode) of the first embodiment, the information code generator 2 is set to a shape according to the shape designation information input from the outside. You may decide by the method to do. Further, the position of the empty area 410 may be determined as a fixed position determined in advance, or may be determined by inputting information specifying the position by the user.

  Then, after the empty area 410 is determined, the information is configured such that the code word of the data recording area and the code word of the error correction code recording area are respectively arranged at the candidate position of the code word deviating from the determined position of the empty area 410. A code 400 is generated. For example, in the model number configured as shown in FIG. 27, position detection patterns 104 are arranged at three corners, and 68 codewords numbered 0 to 67 with the positions of these position detection patterns 104 as a reference. Candidate positions are defined in advance. In such a layout, when the empty area 410 is determined as shown in FIG. 27, codeword candidate positions that at least partially fall within the empty area 410 are excluded from the arrangement target positions, and the positions of the excluded codewords The code words are arranged in order as if skipping. For example, in the example of FIG. 27, since the empty area 410 is set so as to enter the candidate positions of the code words 50, 51, 53, 54, and 60 to 67, these 50, 51, 53, Code words are not arranged at the candidate positions of the 54th and 60th to 67th codewords. That is, after the code words are arranged in order at positions 0 to 49, the code words 50 and 51 are skipped and the code words are arranged at the position 52, and then the codes 53 and 54 are skipped and the codes 55 to 59 are skipped. The code words are arranged in order at the positions. In this way, the data code word obtained by encoding the data to be decoded and the error correction code word representing the error correction code can be reliably arranged at the candidate positions outside the empty area 410.

  After determining the specific pattern area (position detection pattern 104 or other specific pattern area), the format area (the area at the predetermined position 105), the model number area 107, each codeword area, etc. Specific content. In this configuration, when the information code 400 is generated by the information code generation device 2, an identification display of a display method different from the cell display method in the data recording area at the boundary of the empty area 410 or a position adjacent to the boundary. The information code 400 is generated with the configuration provided with the section. For example, in the examples of FIGS. 27 and 28, the identification display unit 420 is configured by a contour line 420a having a predetermined line shape. For example, the outline 420a is configured as a line of a predetermined color that differs from the color of the cell 102 in at least one of color, density, and luminance, and the line type is, for example, a solid line, a broken line, a one-dot chain line, or two points It is a known line type such as a chain line. In addition, various designs and information can be displayed inside the boundary portion clearly indicated by the outline 420a. For example, in the example of FIG. 28, the design of the cat is represented inside the boundary portion indicated by the outline 420a.

  The above-described data code word and error correction code word arrangement method (see FIG. 27) can be similarly applied to other embodiments. For example, the code word can be arranged in the same way in the first embodiment, and in this case, the position of the empty area determined by the method of the first embodiment is excluded from a plurality of predetermined code word candidate positions. The data code words may be arranged in order from the address with the smallest number in the remaining code word candidate positions, and then the error correction code word may be arranged. In the case of the first embodiment, since the position of the empty area is recorded in the code as data, if the position of the empty area can be specified by this data, the position of the code word can also be specified.

Next, reading of the information code 400 will be described.
When the information code 400 generated in this way is read by the reading device 10, first, the information code 400 is imaged by the light receiving sensor 23. In this example as well, the light receiving sensor 23 corresponds to an example of an imaging unit.

  Then, the code area is extracted from the captured image of the obtained information code 400, and the data in the data recording area is decoded. The method for extracting the code area from the captured image of the information code 400 is the same as the reading of the known QR code (registered trademark). After specifying the areas of the three position detection patterns 104, the position detection pattern 104 is extracted. The outer edge of the code area as the corner is specified. In addition, a timing pattern 106 is provided as a specific pattern, and the number of rows and the number of columns can be specified by the arrangement of the timing pattern 106. In addition, the model number can be grasped by reading the predetermined area 107, and the candidate position of each code word can be specified by grasping the model number. Further, the format information can be grasped by reading the area at the predetermined position 105.

  As described above, after the specific pattern area, the format area, the model number area, and the candidate positions of the respective code words are specified, the empty area 410 is recognized. Specifically, a contour line 420a having a predetermined line shape is detected from the captured image of the information code 400 captured by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit). For example, when the contour line 420a is composed of a predetermined color different from the color of the cell 102, the contour line 420a can be detected by extracting the region of the predetermined color. Then, the area inside the contour line 420 a detected in this way is recognized as a free area 410. If the outline 420a is a line having a higher density than that of the light cell and a lower density than that of the dark cell, the luminance is set to a predetermined first threshold value (the luminance of the dark cell is distinguished from the luminance of the outline). A method may be used in which an area larger than a predetermined second threshold value and smaller than a predetermined second threshold value (threshold value for distinguishing the brightness of the bright cell and the brightness of the contour line) is detected.

  After the empty area 410 is detected in this way, the remaining candidate positions excluding the candidate positions that enter the position of the empty area 410 among the candidate positions of the codeword grasped by reading the model number area are specified, Each code word (data code word and error correction code word) arranged at the remaining candidate positions is decoded in ascending order of number. In this way, data recorded in the data recording area can be decoded, and the position of the empty area 410 can be specified.

  In this configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of an identification display detection unit and an empty area detection unit, and detects the identification display unit 420 from the captured image of the information code 400 captured by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit). Specifically, it functions to detect the position of the empty area 410 by detecting a contour line 420a having a predetermined line shape from the captured image of the information code 400.

  The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of a code word specifying unit, and based on a plurality of code word candidate positions defined in advance and the position of a free area detected by the free area detection unit, It functions to specify the position of the code word in the code word and error correction code recording area. Further, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of a decoding unit, decodes the code word in the data recording area specified by the code word specifying unit and the code word in the error correction code recording area, and records the data record based on the decoding result. It functions to decrypt the data recorded in the area.

[First Modification of Fourth Embodiment]
Next, Modification Example 1 of the fourth embodiment will be described.
Note that the modification example 1 is the same as the representative example except that the configuration of the identification display unit and the detection method of the identification display unit are different from the representative example of the fourth embodiment.

  In the first modification, the outline 420a used in FIGS. 27 and 28 becomes visible when, for example, light having a predetermined wavelength band different from the visible light is irradiated, and the visible light wavelength band different from the predetermined wavelength band. It is represented by special ink that becomes invisible at the time. This special ink may be, for example, a known ultraviolet light emitting ink or an infrared light emitting ink.

  In this way, when the contour line 420a is represented by special ink, an irradiation unit that emits light in a predetermined wavelength band as one of the illumination light sources 21 of the information code reader 10 or as another light source from the illumination light source 21. May be provided. For example, when the special ink is an ultraviolet light emitting ink, the irradiation unit may be configured to irradiate the ultraviolet light. When the special ink is an infrared light emitting ink, the irradiation unit is irradiated with the infrared light. What is necessary is just to comprise.

  In this example, when the information code 400 is imaged by the light receiving sensor 23 in a state where light of a predetermined wavelength band is irradiated by the irradiating unit, the information code in a state where the outline 420a is emitted and visible. 400 images are obtained. Then, the control circuit 40 corresponding to the identification display detection unit detects the special ink region (the region of the outline 420a) in the captured image of the information code in a state where the light of the predetermined wavelength band is irradiated by the irradiation unit. Thus, the outer edge portion of the empty area 410 can be specified. In this case as well, the region of the outline 420a may be detected by the same method as in the representative example.

[Modification 2 of the fourth embodiment]
Next, a second modification of the fourth embodiment will be described.
Note that the modification example 2 is the same as the representative example except that the configuration of the identification display unit and the detection method of the identification display unit are different from the representative example of the fourth embodiment.

  In the representative example and the modified example 1, the example in which the identification display unit is configured by the outline is shown. However, the identification display unit is different from the cell 102 arranged in the data recording area in at least one of color, density, luminance, and shape. May be constituted by different types of cells. In the example of FIG. 29 according to the modification example 2, a low-density cell 422a having a density different from that of the cell 102 is arranged in the empty area 410 at a position adjacent to at least the boundary of the empty area 410. The low density cell 422a has a lower density than the dark color cell among the two types of cells 102 (light color cell and dark color cell) constituting the data recording area, and has a higher density than the light color cell. Yes. In the example of FIG. 29, the light color cell is configured by a white cell, the dark color cell is configured by a black cell, and the low concentration cell 422a is configured by, for example, a gray cell.

  In this way, when the identification display unit 422 is represented by the low concentration cell 422a, the information code 400 is imaged in the same manner as the representative example, and the specific pattern region, the format region, the model number region, The candidate position of each code word is specified. Then, the position of the empty area 410 is specified by recognizing the low concentration cell 422a. Specifically, the density of each cell position is detected in the captured image of the information code 400 captured by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit). For example, after specifying the center position of each cell arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, the density of each center position is detected, and the density of the center position is a predetermined threshold value A1 (threshold value for distinguishing the light color cell from the low density cell 422a). ) And smaller than a predetermined threshold A2 (threshold for distinguishing the dark color cell from the low density cell 422a) is detected as the position of the low density cell 422a. It should be noted that a cell whose density at the center position is equal to or lower than the threshold A1 is determined as a white cell (light cell), and a cell whose density at the center position is equal to or higher than the threshold A2 is determined as a black cell. After the areas of the plurality of low-concentration cells 422a are detected in this way, the outer edge of the area where the plurality of low-concentration cells 422a is concentrated is set as the outer edge of the empty area 410, and the area inside the outer edge Is recognized as a free area 410.

  In this configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an identification display detection unit, and functions to detect a heterogeneous cell (low-density cell 422a) from the captured image of the information code 400 captured by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit).

  In the above-described example, the low concentration cell 422a is arranged at least at the boundary in the empty area. However, the low concentration cell 422a is not arranged in the empty area and is arranged adjacent to the empty area outside the empty area. The dark cell may be the low concentration cell 422a. In this case, the low concentration cell 422a does not enter the empty region, and the inner side of the low concentration cell 422a becomes the empty region.

[Modification 3 of the fourth embodiment]
Next, Modification 3 of the fourth embodiment will be described.
Note that Modification 3 is the same as the above-described representative example, except that the configuration of the identification display unit and the detection method of the identification display unit are different from the representative example of the fourth embodiment.

  In the third modification, the identification display unit is configured by different types of cells having different shapes from the cells 102 arranged in the data recording area. In the example of FIG. 30, an irregularly shaped cell 423 a having a predetermined shape different from the shape of the normal cell 102 (a shape obtained by filling a square with light or dark colors) is adjacent to the boundary of the empty area 410 in the empty area 410. It is the composition arranged at the position to do. The irregularly shaped cell 423a includes a cell in which a circular figure is drawn in a cell region, a cell in which a white circle is drawn in a black square, or a figure in which a black circle is drawn in a white square. It has become.

  As described above, when the identification display unit 423 is represented by the irregularly shaped cell 423a, the information code 400 is imaged similarly to the representative example, and the specific pattern area, the format area, the model number area, and the candidate position of each code word are specified. To do. Then, the position of the empty area 410 is specified by recognizing the irregularly shaped cell 423a. Specifically, a region having a specific cell shape (the shape of the irregularly shaped cell 423a) is detected in the captured image of the information code 400 captured by the imaging unit. After the regions of the plurality of irregularly shaped cells 423a are detected in this way, the regions of the plurality of irregularly shaped cells 423a are recognized as the outer edge portion of the empty region 410, and the inner region is recognized as the empty region 410.

  In this configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an identification display detection unit, and functions to detect a different type cell (different shape cell 423a) from a captured image of the information code 400 captured by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit).

  In the above-described example, the irregularly shaped cell 423a is arranged at the boundary in the empty area. However, the irregularly shaped cell 423a is not arranged in the empty area, and the dark color arranged adjacent to the empty area outside the empty area. The cell, the bright cell, or both may be the irregularly shaped cell 423a. In this case, the irregularly shaped cell 423a does not enter the empty area, and the inside of the irregularly shaped cell 423a is grasped as an empty area.

[Modification 4 of the fourth embodiment]
Next, Modification 4 of the fourth embodiment will be described.
Note that the modification example 4 is the same as the representative example except that the configuration of the identification display unit and the detection method of the identification display unit are different from the representative example of the fourth embodiment.

  In the present modification example, the identification display unit is configured by a plurality of symbols. In the example of FIG. 31, a symbol area 424 a in which the character “A” is represented is arranged in a position adjacent to the boundary of the empty area 410 in the empty area 410. The symbol area 424a is configured such that the letter A is represented in a rectangular frame.

  As described above, even when the identification display unit 424 is represented by the symbol area 424a, when reading, the information code 400 is imaged in the same manner as the representative example, and the specific pattern area, the format area, the model number area, and each code word The candidate position of is identified. Then, the position of the empty area 410 is specified by recognizing the symbol area 424a. Specifically, a specific character (character “A”) is detected in the captured image of the information code 400 captured by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit). A known character recognition technique (OCR technique) may be used to detect the character. After the symbol area 424a representing the specific character “A” is detected in this way, the plurality of symbol areas 424a are recognized as outer edges of the empty area 410, and the inner area is recognized as the empty area 410. To do.

  In this configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponds to the identification display detection unit and functions to detect a plurality of symbols from the captured image of the information code 400 captured by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit).

[Fifth Modification of Fourth Embodiment]
Next, Modification Example 5 of the fourth embodiment will be described.
The modified example 5 is the same as the representative example except that the configuration of the identification display unit and the detection method of the identification display unit are different from the representative example of the fourth embodiment.

  Also in this modified example, the identification display part is composed of a plurality of symbols. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 32, numbers are represented at positions adjacent to the boundary of the empty area 410 in the empty area 410. The number area 425a is arranged. The number area 425a has a configuration in which any number from 0 to 9 is represented in a rectangular frame.

  As described above, even when the identification display unit 424 is represented by the numeric area 425a, when reading, the information code 400 is imaged in the same manner as the representative example, and the specific pattern area, the format area, the model number area, and each code word The candidate position of is identified. Then, the position of the empty area 410 is specified by recognizing the numeric area 425a. Specifically, numbers are detected in the captured image of the information code 400 imaged by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit). For the detection of numbers, a known character recognition technique (OCR technique) may be used. Then, after the numerical areas where the numbers are represented in this way are detected, the numerical areas 425a are recognized as the outer edges of the empty areas 410, and the inner areas are recognized as the empty areas 410. In the example of FIG. 32, numbers are arranged in order at the boundary of the empty area 410, and 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, 1, 2,. As shown in the figure, the circular boundary can be recognized by tracing adjacent numbers in order.

  In this configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponds to the identification display detection unit and functions to detect a plurality of symbols from the captured image of the information code 400 captured by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit).

[Modification 6 of the fourth embodiment]
Next, Modification 6 of the fourth embodiment will be described.
Note that the modification example 6 is the same as the representative example except that the configuration of the identification display unit and the detection method of the identification display unit are different from the representative example of the fourth embodiment.

  In this modified example, the identification display unit 426 is configured by different types of cells having a shape different from that of the cells 102 arranged in the data recording area. In the example of FIG. 33, the irregularly shaped cell 426 a having a shape different from that of the cell 102 is arranged in a position adjacent to the boundary of the empty area 410 in the empty area 410. The irregularly shaped cell 426a has a configuration in which one side of the outer edge of the black cell of the cell 102 is deformed into a predetermined shape (uneven shape).

  As described above, when the identification display unit 426 is represented by the irregularly shaped cell 426a, the information code 400 is imaged similarly to the representative example, and the specific pattern area, the format area, the model number area, and the candidate position of each code word are specified. To do. Then, the position of the empty area 410 is specified by recognizing the irregularly shaped cell 426a. Specifically, a region having a specific cell shape (the shape of the irregularly shaped cell 426a) is detected in the captured image of the information code 400 captured by the imaging unit. After the areas of the plurality of irregularly shaped cells 426a are thus detected, the areas of the plurality of irregularly shaped cells 426a are recognized as outer edges of the empty area 410, and the inner area is recognized as the empty area 410.

  In this configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an identification display detection unit and functions to detect a different type cell (different shape cell 426a) from a captured image of the information code 400 captured by the imaging unit.

  In the modification example 6, the configuration in which the irregularly shaped cell 426a is arranged at the outer edge portion of the empty area 410 is illustrated. However, among the dark cells constituting the data recording area and the error correction code recording area, it is adjacent to the empty area 410. The cell may be configured as an irregularly shaped cell 426a. In this case, the irregularly shaped cell 426a is not included, and the area inside the irregularly shaped cell 426a is recognized as the empty area 410.

  Further, the irregularly shaped cell 426a may have information. For example, as shown in FIG. 34, information may be defined to be represented by the uneven pattern of the irregularly shaped cell 426a, and only the irregularly shaped cell 426a in which the predetermined information is represented may be recognized as a boundary portion. . In the example of FIG. 34, the information is represented such that the upper end portion of the dark cell is divided into eight regions, and each region is 0 when it is concave and 1 when it is convex.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.
The information code generated in the fifth embodiment includes all the features of the information code generated in the second embodiment, and further includes an identification display unit similar to that in the fourth embodiment at the boundary of the free space It has become.

  Note that the example of FIG. 36 is the same as the information code of FIG. 24 except that the position of the empty area and the contents of the empty area are different from those of FIG. Note that the position of the empty area may be the same position as in FIG.

  Even in this configuration, the information code 200 can be generated by the same information code generation device 2 as in the first embodiment. The information code 200 also includes a specific pattern area (position detection pattern 204, timing pattern, alignment pattern, etc.) and a data recording area for recording data to be decoded by a plurality of types of cells. And an error correction code recording area for recording an error correction code by a plurality of types of cells. The empty area 210 is configured as a target area for error correction using an error correction code. That is, the information code 200 is configured as a known QR code (registered trademark) so that an error in the data caused by the drawing of the empty area 210 can be corrected by the error correction code recorded in the error correction code recording area. It has become.

  In this example, when the information code 200 is generated by the information code generation device 2, a QR code (registered trademark) is generated by a known method, and then a part of the QR code (registered trademark) is overwritten. An empty area 210 is provided at a predetermined position. Then, the information code 200 is generated with a configuration in which an identification display unit having a display method different from the cell display method in the data recording area is provided at the boundary of the empty area 210 or at a position adjacent to the boundary. In the example of FIG. 36, the identification display unit 220 is configured by a contour line 220a having a predetermined line shape. The outline 220a has the same characteristics as the representative example of the fourth embodiment, and is configured as a line of a predetermined color different from the cell color, for example, and the line type is, for example, a solid line or a broken line These are known line types such as a one-dot chain line and a two-dot chain line. And various designs, information, etc. can be displayed inside the boundary part clearly indicated by the outline 220a. In FIG. 36, the drawing contents inside the empty area 210 are omitted, and specific cells of the area A0 to A25 of each codeword and a fixed area (hatching area) in which format information and the like are recorded. The contents are also omitted.

In this embodiment, for example, the information code is read in the flow as shown in FIG.
In this example, first, an information code is imaged, and the outer shape of the information code is detected (S41). Then, the format information arranged at a predetermined position is read, and the code type (model number, etc.) of the imaged information code is specified (S42). Note that the reading process in FIG. 35 is, for example, a process that assumes the reading of a known QR code, and external shape recognition and format information reading can be performed by a standardized QR code reading method. .

  After the outer shape and the code type of the imaged information code are specified in this way, the boundary information of the empty area is detected. This detection method is the same as the representative example of the fourth embodiment, and a predetermined line-shaped contour line is detected from the captured image of the information code captured by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit). For example, when the information code 200 as shown in FIG. 36 is captured, the contour 220a is configured by a predetermined color different from the color of the cell. Therefore, the contour 220a is detected by extracting the region of the predetermined color. can do. If boundary information exists (that is, when the contour line 220a is detected), the process proceeds to Yes in S44, and the area inside the detected contour line 220a is recognized as a free area 210. (S45). On the other hand, when the boundary information does not exist (that is, when the outline 220a is not detected), the process proceeds to No in S44.

  In S44, the process proceeds to Yes. If the free area 210 is recognized in S45, then the mapping process is performed, each cell position is specified by a known cell position specifying method performed by the QR code, and each cell position is determined. Brightness / darkness is determined (S46). The recorded contents of each code word (data code word and error correction code word) are read based on the light / dark judgment result. Then, the contents of the data code word are decoded. When this data code word is decoded, the erasure correction is performed after setting the position of the code word existing in the empty area 210 detected in S45 as the error position (S47). It should be noted that a method of performing error correction using an error correction code is known, and correction (erasure correction) with a known error position at the time of error correction is also known. Correction may be performed using a correction method. On the other hand, when the process proceeds to No in S44, the same reading as the normal QR code is performed. Also in this case, the mapping process is performed, each cell position is specified by a known cell position specifying method performed by the QR code, and the brightness of each cell position is determined (S48). Then, the recorded contents of each code word (data code word and error correction code word) are read based on such a light / dark determination result. In the decoding of S49, since the error position cannot be specified, general error correction is performed assuming that the error position is unknown.

  In this configuration, the control circuit 40 (FIG. 2) corresponds to an example of a decoding unit. When the information code 200 is imaged by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit), the error recorded in the error correction code recording area is recorded. It functions to perform error correction based on the correction code and to decrypt the data recorded in the data recording area. The control circuit 40 corresponds to a free area detection unit and functions to detect the position of the free area 210. Further, the position of the free area 210 detected by the free area detection unit and the error correction code recording area Based on the error correction code recorded in (1), erasure correction is performed using the position of the empty area 210 as the error position, and the data recorded in the data recording area is decoded.

  According to such a configuration, since the erasure correction can be performed with the position of the empty area as a known error position, the correction efficiency can be improved as compared with the error correction when the error position is unknown. For example, assuming such erasure correction, it is easier to expand the area where error correction is possible, so it becomes easier to secure a larger free area, and the free area can be configured more freely.

  In the above-described representative example of the fifth embodiment, the example in which the identification display unit 220 is a contour line 220a having a predetermined line shape has been described. However, the identification display unit 220 is different from the modification examples of the fourth embodiment. In this case, the identification display unit may be detected by a method similar to the method described in each modification.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can also be configured as a display device capable of displaying any one, plural, or all of the information codes described above. Moreover, it can also be configured as a printing apparatus capable of printing any one, plural or all of the information codes described above. Furthermore, it can also be configured as a computer-readable program for generating any one, plural or all of the information codes described above. Moreover, it can also be comprised as a recording medium which recorded the program for producing | generating the 1 or several or all the information code mentioned above. Furthermore, it can also be grasped as an information code medium (a printed material, a formed material formed by direct marking, etc.) to which one or a plurality of or all information codes are attached. Moreover, it can also be grasped as a display image on which one, a plurality, or all of the information codes described above are displayed.

  1 and the like show an example in which the information code generation device 2 and the information code reading device 10 are configured as separate devices, but the information code generation device 2 may be configured as the information code reading device 10. Good.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the empty area 110 is provided in the center of the code area has been described. However, the arrangement of the empty area 110 is not limited to this example. For example, in FIG. 1 and the like, a configuration in which a graphic is added to the empty area is shown, but various other designs can be adopted as long as the configuration includes a graphic, a pattern, a color, or a combination thereof. In addition, when information is displayed instead of the design or together with the design, the contents of the information are various. For example, it may be the name of the provider (business owner, individual, etc.) that provides the data recorded in the information code 100, the address of the provider's site, etc., or a product related to the data recorded in the information code 100 It may be a name or service name.

  In the above embodiment, a QR code is taken as an example of the other type code, and a specific pattern of the QR code is given as an example of the specific pattern used in the information code 100. However, other types of two-dimensional codes may be used. For example, a data matrix code may be used as the other type code, and a specific pattern used in the information code 100 may be used as the specific pattern of the data matrix code.

  The correspondence relationship in the arrangement conversion table set as shown in FIG. 5 can be arbitrarily changed as shown in FIG. For example, when the arrangement conversion table set as shown in FIG. 5 in the information code generating device 2 and the information code reading device 10 is changed as shown in FIG. 26, the information codes 100 to be generated include the 22nd to 26th codes. The arrangement of the words is from the arrangement shown in the right figure of FIG. 5 (the arrangement recorded in the arrangement candidate positions 22 to 26) to the arrangement shown in the right figure of FIG. 26 (the arrangement to be recorded in the arrangement candidate positions 42 to 46). As a result, the position and shape of the empty area 110 also change. That is, in this configuration, the position and shape of the empty area 110 can be adjusted by adjusting the arrangement conversion table, and the degree of freedom in configuring the empty area can be further increased.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the setting method of the free area is selected from two modes has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a mode that uses a unique pattern corresponding to a user-defined arbitrary shape A mode other than the two modes described above may be added.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information code utilization system 2 ... Information code production | generation apparatus 10 ... Information code reader 23 ... Light receiving sensor (imaging part)
40... Control circuit (decoding section, free space detection section, codeword identification section, identification display detection section)
100, 200, 300, 400 ... information code 102, 202, 302 ... cell 104, 204 ... position detection pattern (specific pattern)
106 ... Timing pattern (specific pattern)
108 ... alignment pattern (specific pattern)
304a ... alignment pattern (specific pattern)
304b ... Timing cell (specific pattern)
110, 210, 310, 410 ... Empty area 420, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426 ... Identification display section 420a ... Contour line 422a ... Low density cell (heterogeneous cell)
423a, 426a ... irregularly shaped cells (heterogeneous cells)
424a ... Symbol area 425a ... Number area

Claims (20)

An information code generation method for generating, by an information code generation device, an information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information within a predetermined code area are arranged,
A specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells, and an error correction code is recorded by a plurality of types of cells. And a method of recording data in the data recording area at a position other than the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and the error correction code recording area within the code area. A free area that is at least one of data recording or design display in a different manner and that is not subject to error correction by the error correction code is a predetermined size larger than the size of the single cell. And the cell in the data recording area at the boundary of the empty area or at a position adjacent to the boundary. Information code generation method comprising providing an identification of the different display mode from the display mode.   The information code generation method according to claim 1, wherein the identification display unit is configured by a contour line having a predetermined line shape.   2. The information code generation according to claim 1, wherein the identification display unit is configured by a different type cell different in color, density, luminance, and shape from the cells arranged in the data recording area. Method.   The identification display unit is made of a special ink that is visible when irradiated with light having a predetermined wavelength band different from visible light and is invisible when the visible light wavelength band is different from the predetermined wavelength band. The information code generation method according to claim 1.   The information code generation method according to claim 1, wherein the identification display unit includes a plurality of symbols. An information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged in a predetermined code area,
A specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells, and an error correction code is recorded by a plurality of types of cells. And a method of recording data in the data recording area at a position other than the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and the error correction code recording area within the code area. Is a predetermined size in which at least one of data recording and design display is possible by different methods, and an empty area that is not subject to error correction by the error correction code is larger than the size of the single cell It is provided in
An information code, characterized in that an identification display part having a display method different from the display method of the cell in the data recording area is provided at a boundary part of the empty area or a position adjacent to the boundary part.   The information code according to claim 6, wherein the identification display unit is configured by a predetermined line-shaped outline.   The information according to claim 6, wherein the identification display unit is configured by a different kind of cell different in color, density, luminance, and shape from the cell arranged in the data recording area. code.   The identification display unit is made of special ink that is visible when irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength band different from visible light, and is invisible when the visible light wavelength band is different from the predetermined wavelength band. The information code according to claim 6.   The information code according to claim 6, wherein the identification display unit includes a plurality of symbols. An information code reading device for reading an information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area,
The information code includes a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged in the code area, a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells, and a plurality of types of the cells. An error correction code recording area for recording an error correction code, and data in the data recording area at a position other than the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and the error correction code recording area within the code area. The size of a single cell is a free area that is at least one of data recording and design display different from the method for recording data and that is not subject to error correction by the error correction code. Larger than a predetermined size, and the data recording at the boundary of the empty area or at a position adjacent to the boundary. The display method of the cells in the region are provided with identification of the different display mode,
An imaging unit capable of imaging the information code;
A decoding unit for decoding data recorded in the data recording area when the information code is imaged by the imaging unit;
An identification display detection unit for detecting the identification display unit from a captured image of the information code imaged by the imaging unit;
An information code reading device comprising: The identification display unit is configured by a predetermined line-shaped outline,
The information code reading device according to claim 11, wherein the identification display detection unit detects the contour line having the predetermined line shape from a captured image of the information code captured by the imaging unit. The identification display unit is configured by different types of cells different from at least one of color, density, luminance, and shape from the cells arranged in the data recording area,
The information code reading apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the identification display detection unit detects the heterogeneous cell from a captured image of the information code imaged by the imaging unit. The identification display unit is made of special ink that is visible when irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength band different from visible light, and is invisible when the visible light wavelength band is different from the predetermined wavelength band. And
An irradiation unit for irradiating light of the predetermined wavelength band;
The imaging unit is configured to capture the information code in a state where light of the predetermined wavelength band is irradiated by the irradiation unit,
The said identification display detection part detects the area | region of the said special ink in the picked-up image of the said information code in the state in which the light of the said predetermined wavelength band is irradiated by the said irradiation part. Information code reader. The identification display unit is composed of a plurality of symbols,
The information code reading device according to claim 11, wherein the identification display detection unit detects the plurality of symbols from a captured image of the information code captured by the imaging unit. An information code generation device for generating an information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information within a predetermined code area are arranged;
An information code reader for reading the information code generated by the information code generator;
An information code using system comprising:
The information code generation device includes:
A specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells, and an error correction code is recorded by a plurality of types of cells. And a method of recording data in the data recording area at a position other than the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and the error correction code recording area within the code area. A free area that is at least one of data recording or design display in a different manner and that is not subject to error correction by the error correction code is a predetermined size larger than the size of the single cell. A table of the cells in the data recording area at a boundary of the empty area or at a position adjacent to the boundary. Method to generate the information code in the configuration provided with an identification part different display method from,
The information code reader is
An imaging unit capable of imaging the information code;
A decoding unit for decoding data recorded in the data recording area when the information code is imaged by the imaging unit;
An identification display detection unit for detecting the identification display unit from a captured image of the information code imaged by the imaging unit;
An information code utilization system characterized by comprising: The information code generation device includes the identification display unit configured by a predetermined line-shaped outline,
The information code utilization system according to claim 16, wherein the identification display detection unit detects the contour line having the predetermined line shape from a captured image of the information code captured by the imaging unit. The information code generation device, the identification display unit is configured by a different type cell different in color, density, luminance, and shape from the cell arranged in the data recording area,
The information code utilization system according to claim 16, wherein the identification display detection unit detects the heterogeneous cell from a captured image of the information code imaged by the imaging unit. The information code generation device is capable of visually recognizing the identification display unit when irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength band different from visible light, and not visible when the light is in a visible light wavelength band different from the predetermined wavelength band. Composed by special ink
The information code reader includes an irradiation unit that emits light of the predetermined wavelength band,
The imaging unit images the information code in a state where light of the predetermined wavelength band is irradiated by the irradiation unit,
The identification display detection unit detects the region of the special ink in a captured image of the information code in a state where light of the predetermined wavelength band is irradiated by the irradiation unit. Information code usage system. The information code generation device comprises the identification display unit by a plurality of symbols,
17. The information code utilization system according to claim 16, wherein the identification display detection unit detects the plurality of symbols from a captured image of the information code captured by the imaging unit.

Images