JP2006215633A - Information recording medium and information reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information recording medium and an information reader capable of easily correcting, if any, geometric distortions when information such as two-dimensional barcodes or facial photographs are optically read with the information reader, and of easily contributing to enhancing reading accuracy. <P>SOLUTION: A mark (mark 6) for use when the information reader (swipe image scanner 1)corrects any geometric distortion caused when the surface of an information recording medium (card 2) is optically read is included in the reading area (reading area 3) of the information recording medium where information is read by the information reader. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information recording medium such as paper or plastic that records predetermined information, and an information reading device that reads information recorded on the information recording medium.

  Conventionally, there are information recording media on which various personal information is recorded, such as a license, a cash card, or a credit card. In the information recording medium, a magnetic stripe, an IC chip, a bar code, or the like is used for recording personal information. Of these, barcodes are the simplest and cheapest way to record personal information. Bar codes are widely used in various fields including merchandise distribution fields. For example, in US driver's licenses, a code-type stack type bar code called PDF417 is used. In recent years, two-dimensional barcodes in which the amount of information is increased by stacking one-dimensional barcodes have become widespread.

  There are various methods for reading personal information recorded in a two-dimensional barcode. For example, using a camera incorporating a two-dimensional image sensor to image a target (two-dimensional barcode), analyzing the obtained two-dimensional image data and reading personal information, or using a flatbed scanner There is a method of optically reading an object (two-dimensional barcode) placed on glass from the opposite side. However, both of these methods require expensive equipment and a wide installation environment, and are not suitable for department store reception or personal use, for example. Therefore, in reception and personal use, swipe-type information readers that read the information recorded on the two-dimensional barcode by holding the edge of the card in a hand (pinch by hand) and swiping the card are widely used.

  By the way, some information recording media include not only a two-dimensional barcode printed but also a card on which a face photograph is posted. For example, the plastic card 100 shown in FIG. 11 has a two-dimensional barcode 101 printed on the lower side and a face photograph 102 in the upper left corner. For example, the ID card disclosed in Patent Document 1 (see FIG. 5 of Patent Document 1) has a barcode (face photo content code) printed on the lower side and a photograph of the upper body on the left side. .

  As described above, a card on which a visual feature such as a facial photograph, a fingerprint, or a signature is posted has high security reliability. For example, a face photograph is placed on a card, and the features of the face photograph (such as the center position and size of eyes, mouth, and nose) are encoded and embedded in a two-dimensional barcode. Then, even if the face photo is replaced with another one, the two-dimensional barcode and face photo are optically read, and the features of the face photo and the features of the face photo embedded in the two-dimensional barcode By verifying, forgery crime can be easily prevented.

JP 2001-52142 A (FIG. 5)

  However, as described above, even a card that has a two-dimensional barcode and a facial photograph and can contribute to the prevention of counterfeit crimes can be read by a swipe-type information reader used for reception and personal use. If trying to do so, geometrical distortion may occur and reading accuracy may be reduced.

  That is, in the swipe type (manual type) information reading apparatus, when an information recording medium is not swiped at a constant speed because of an artificial operation in which a human swipes by holding (pinching) the end of the information recording medium. There is. In this case, jitter in the carrying direction occurs in the image data recorded in the information reading apparatus, and as a result, the two-dimensional barcode image and the face photograph image are distorted and the reading accuracy is lowered. Such a problem occurs in the same manner even in an automatic information reading device if the conveyance speed changes due to some failure during the conveyance of the card by the motor.

  On the other hand, if a two-dimensional image sensor or flatbed scanner other than a swipe-type information reader is used for reception and personal use, an artificial operation called swipe is not required. Will not be distorted. However, as described above, there are many factors that hinder the spread of the market, such as an increase in cost and the need for a wide installation environment. For this reason, even if the two-dimensional barcode image or the face photograph image is distorted, it is desired to introduce a card that can correct this distortion.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the object of the present invention is to obtain geometric distortion even when information such as a two-dimensional barcode or a facial photograph is optically read by an information reader. An object of the present invention is to provide an information recording medium and an information reading apparatus that can easily correct the distortion even if it occurs, and that can easily contribute to improvement of reading accuracy.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a geometric distortion when optically reading the surface of an information recording medium in a reading area of the information recording medium where information is read by an information reading device. And a mark used when the distortion is corrected by the information reading device is included.

  More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

  (1) In an information recording medium used for an information reading apparatus, the information recording medium has a reading area where information is read by the information reading apparatus, and the reading area optically covers the surface of the information recording medium. An information recording medium comprising a mark that is used when a geometric distortion occurs during reading and when the information reading apparatus corrects the distortion.

  According to the present invention, in the information recording medium used in the information reading apparatus, the information recording medium has a reading area where information is read by the information reading apparatus, and the reading area includes the information recording medium. When a surface (for example, a surface on which a two-dimensional barcode or a facial photograph is printed) is optically read, geometric distortion (for example, distortion extending in the conveyance direction) occurs, and the information reader Since the mark used when the distortion is corrected is included, the distortion of the image due to the jitter in the transport direction can be corrected.

  That is, for example, when an object on the surface of an information recording medium, such as a two-dimensional bar code, a facial photograph, a fingerprint, or a signature, is optically read by a swipe type information reader, jitter in the transport direction (geometric shape) caused by the swipe However, according to the present invention, the distortion can be corrected based on distortion correction information obtained by optically reading the above-described mark.

  As described above, the present invention simply corrects geometric distortion that occurs when the surface of an information recording medium is optically read by simply marking (printing) the information recording medium in advance. Therefore, the reading accuracy can be easily improved.

  Here, the arrangement of the “mark” in the reading area is not particularly limited. For example, it may be arranged adjacent to a two-dimensional barcode or a face photograph, or may be included in a two-dimensional barcode or a face photograph.

  In addition, the “mark” is, for example, the type of line / frame / filled figure / symbol / character, straight line / triangle / rectangular / diamond / plural parallel lines / broken line, etc. It does not matter whether the size of a part of the area is one, two, three, or the like.

  The “information reading device” includes a swipe type (manual type) information reading device as well as an automatic information reading device. For example, when the card is conveyed by the motor and the conveyance speed is changed due to some failure, even in such a case, it is possible to correct image distortion due to jitter in the conveyance direction.

  (2) The mark is a figure having a width in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the information recording medium in the information reading apparatus and the width changing in the conveyance direction (1). ) The information recording medium described.

  According to the present invention, the above-described mark has a figure having a width in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the information recording medium in the information reading apparatus, and the width of the mark changes with respect to the conveyance direction. Such marks become continuous position information in the transport direction, and information necessary for correcting image distortion due to jitter in the transport direction can be extracted with high resolution. As a result, in the information reading apparatus, it is possible to improve accuracy when correcting image distortion due to jitter in the conveyance direction.

  (3) The mark includes a plurality of figures arranged in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the information recording medium in the information reading apparatus, and the positional phase of the plurality of figures is the information reading apparatus. The information recording medium according to (1) or (2), wherein the information recording medium is deviated in a transport direction of the information recording medium.

  According to the present invention, the above-described mark is composed of a plurality of figures arranged in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the information recording medium in the information reader, and the positional phase of these figures is the information Since the reading apparatus is shifted in the transport direction of the information recording medium, the width in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the information recording medium is reduced to some extent in consideration of the layout on the information recording medium, and a plurality of segments are divided. Even when a plurality of figures are considered, it is possible to accurately extract information necessary for correcting image distortion due to jitter in the conveyance direction in the information reading apparatus. For example, even when local roundness occurs in a part of one mark figure due to jitter in the transport direction, information necessary to correct image distortion from other figures whose positional phase is shifted Can be taken out with high accuracy.

  Preferably, the information recording medium is arranged in the reading area of the information reading medium side by side in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the information recording medium in the information reading apparatus, and the positional phases are shifted from each other in the conveying direction of the information recording medium in the information reading apparatus. Two figures are arranged. As a result, information necessary to correct the above-described distortion can be accurately extracted at a minimum printing cost.

  (4) The reading area includes an encoded information portion having encoded information related to an owner of the information recording medium, and the mark is adjacent to the encoded feature or the encoded feature The information recording medium according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the information recording medium is disposed in a section.

  According to the present invention, the reading area described above includes an encoded information part having encoded information relating to the owner of the information recording medium, such as a two-dimensional bar code, for example, Since it is arranged adjacent to the information part or in the encoded information part, it is possible to improve the accuracy in correcting the image distortion due to the jitter in the transport direction in the encoded information part.

  That is, for example, barcodes other than the PDF417 coding system are easily affected by jitter in the transport direction, but by placing the above-mentioned mark adjacent to the barcode, an image sensor such as an image sensor can be used when swiping. The moving speed of the bar code and the mark passing through the front of the image becomes the same, and as a result, the accuracy in correcting image distortion due to jitter in the transport direction can be improved.

  (5) The reading area includes a characteristic portion having a visual characteristic related to an owner of the information recording medium, and the mark is arranged adjacent to or in the characteristic portion. The information recording medium according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein:

  According to the present invention, the above-described reading area includes features having visual characteristics (such as eye and nose positions) relating to the owner of the information recording medium, such as a face photograph, fingerprint, and signature. Since the mark described above is arranged adjacent to or in this feature, the mark is arranged adjacent to or in the encoded information portion. Similarly to the above, it is possible to improve the accuracy in correcting the distortion of the image due to the jitter in the transport direction in the feature portion.

  It should be noted that a mark can be arranged at a predetermined position of the encoded information part or the characteristic part to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling that occurs in the reading area of the information recording medium. For example, a mark is embedded in a part of a two-dimensional barcode or a photo frame of a face photo so that it cannot be recognized as a distortion correction mark (or a part of a two-dimensional barcode or a photo frame of a face photo As a mark). In addition, the mark itself is shaped to surround the person in the face photo. In this way, by making the mark into a figure that cannot be recognized as a distortion correction processing mark, it is possible to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling caused by arranging the mark in the reading area of the information recording medium. .

  (6) An information reading apparatus comprising distortion correction means for correcting the distortion based on the mark on the surface of the information recording medium according to any one of (1) to (5).

  According to the present invention, since the information reading apparatus is provided with the distortion correcting means for correcting the above-described distortion based on the mark on the surface of the above-described information recording medium, the image distortion due to the jitter in the transport direction is reduced. It is possible to provide an information reading apparatus capable of correcting with high accuracy.

  (7) It has a frame that forms a travel path, a part of the frame is formed as a travel reference surface, and information is read by swiping the information recording medium along the travel reference surface. (6) The information reading device according to (6).

  According to the present invention, for example, a part of a substantially U-shaped frame (for example, the bottom) is formed as a travel reference plane, and information is read by swiping the information recording medium along the travel reference plane. Therefore, it is possible to accurately correct image distortion due to jitter in the transport direction. Note that swipe refers to an operation of causing a card to run an information recording medium quickly to an information reading device.

  As described above, the information recording medium and the information reading apparatus according to the present invention can easily correct geometric distortion generated when the surface of the information recording medium is optically read, and thus the reading accuracy can be improved. Can improve

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Appearance configuration]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the external configuration of a swipe type (manual type) image scanner 1 and a card 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a state in which the card 2 is passed through the swipe type image scanner 1, and FIG. 1B shows a state in which the card 2 is enlarged as viewed from the front.

  In FIG. 1A, a swipe type image scanner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a frame having a substantially U-shaped cross section, and the bottom of the frame is formed as a card running reference plane. ing. A card passage 1a is formed between two side plate portions facing each other with the bottom portion interposed therebetween. The electrical configuration of the swipe type image scanner 1 will be described later.

  On the other hand, in FIG.1 (b), the card | curd 2 which concerns on embodiment of this invention is a general card | curd based on JIS, Comprising: For example, width 86mm, height 54mm, thickness 0.76mm It is a plastic card of size. In this example, a plastic card is used. For example, a paper card such as a stamp card, an IC card with an IC chip built in the card, and a rewritable card that can be rewritten by applying a special coating to the card surface. It doesn't matter what type it is. Further, regarding the size, any size may be used. Furthermore, information recording media targeted for POS terminals and ISU 100 can also be employed.

  The card 2 has a reading area 3 (shaded area in the figure) from which information is read by the swipe type image scanner 1, and the reading area 3 has encoded information regarding the owner of the card 2. A dimensional barcode 5 and a mark 6 printed below the two-dimensional barcode 5 are included. This mark 6 is used when geometric distortion occurs when the surface of the card 2 is optically read, and is used when correcting this distortion (see [Correction Processing] described later). . A face photograph 4 is affixed to an area other than the reading area 3 (upper left corner of the card 2).

  The two-dimensional barcode 5 is an extension of the one-dimensional barcode. For example, the information is converted (encoded) into a two-dimensional code by software or hardware, and the two-dimensional code is printed on the card 2 by a printer. Created. In FIG. 1B, the reading area 3 is approximately the lower half (1/2). However, the area of the reading area 3 is 3/1 or 2/3 from the bottom. It doesn't matter. In some cases, the reading area 3 may be provided in the vertical direction of FIG.

[Electrical configuration]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an electrical configuration of the swipe type image scanner 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, the swipe type image scanner 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a contact image sensor 11 and a pad roller 12 that rotates in contact with the card 2 when the card 2 passes through the card path 1a. And an encoder 13 that detects the rotation of the pad roller 12 and acquires the position information of the card 2. Further, the image sensor 11 is electrically connected to an image memory 14 that stores image data of the captured two-dimensional barcode 5 and mark 6, and the image memory 14 corresponds to image data captured from the image memory 14. For example, it is electrically connected to the image processing means 15 that performs various processes such as a correction process described later.

  Based on the electrical configuration as described above, correction processing using the mark 6 by the swipe type image scanner 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[Correction process]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mechanism in which the distortion correction process using the image data of the mark 6 is executed in the swipe type image scanner 1. FIG. 3 shows a two-dimensional barcode 5 (only near the center) and a mark 6 (only near the center) printed below the two-dimensional barcode 5.

  First, the two-dimensional barcode 5 and the mark 6 are read. More specifically, the image sensor (imaging device) 11 images the two-dimensional barcode 5 and the mark 6 of the card 2 passing through the card path 1a by photoelectric conversion. The captured image data of the two-dimensional barcode 5 and the mark 6 is stored in the image memory 14. Thereby, the reading of the two-dimensional barcode 5 and the mark 6 is completed. The image memory 14 may be any memory such as RAM, SDRAM, DDRSDRAM, and RDRAM as long as it can store image data.

  Next, correction processing using the mark 6 is performed. More specifically, the image processing unit 15 reads the image data of the two-dimensional barcode 5 and the mark 6 stored in the image memory 14.

  Here, the predetermined dimension of the mark 6 when the image data of the two-dimensional barcode 5 and the mark 6 is free from jitter in the carrying direction (FIG. 3A) is stored in advance in the image memory 14 or the like. For example, in FIG. 3A, the horizontal length when the height of the mark 6 is B (consisting of one or several numerical values) is stored as A.

  Then, it is assumed that jitter in the transport direction (horizontal direction in the figure) has occurred in the image data of the two-dimensional barcode 5 and the mark 6 obtained by the reading process described above. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B, it is assumed that the image data of the two-dimensional barcode 5 is distorted and the image data of the mark 6 is also distorted by extending the section H.

  In this case, the image processing means 15 detects the horizontal length A ′ when the height of the mark 6 is B ′ (= B), and in the section of the horizontal length A ′, the two-dimensional bar is detected. It is recognized that the image data of the code 5 and the mark 6 are distorted in the transport direction at a magnification of A ′ / A (when the above-mentioned magnification of A ′ / A is 1, jitter in the transport direction occurs. If it is other than 1, it is recognized that there is jitter in the transport direction).

  Similarly, the value of the height B ′ of the mark 6 is appropriately changed to detect a plurality of horizontal lengths A ′. As a result, among the sections of length A ′ that are distorted in the transport direction, the section H that is actually distorted can be identified, and by reducing the identified section H in the transport direction, the geometry can be reduced. It becomes possible to correct the distortion. As described above, the image processing means 15 of the swipe type image scanner 1 can perform correction processing using the mark 6 to correct geometric distortion generated when the surface of the card 2 is optically read. . When signal processing such as position detection processing, structural analysis processing, and decoding processing is performed on the corrected two-dimensional barcode 5, information on the two-dimensional barcode 5 can be read accurately, and thus read. The accuracy can be easily improved.

  The mark 6 is printed adjacent to the lower side of the two-dimensional barcode 5 (see FIG. 1B). By doing so, the mark that passes through the front of the image sensor 11 at the time of swiping is used. 6 and the two-dimensional barcode 5 have the same moving speed. As a result, the swipe type image scanner 1 can improve the accuracy in correcting image distortion due to jitter in the transport direction.

[Modification]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the external configuration of the card 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The same elements as those in FIG. 1B are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 4 (a), a face photograph 4 is affixed inside the reading area 3 in a card 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. A mark 6 is printed below the face photograph 4. Therefore, the geometric distortion of the face photograph 4 can be corrected in the image processing means 15 (see FIG. 2) of the swipe type image scanner 1 as described above.

  That is, in the swipe type image scanner 1, since a human being swipes with the card 2 is interposed, the card 2 may not pass through the card path 1a at a constant speed. In such a case, jitter in the transport direction occurs in the image data stored in the image memory 14 (see FIG. 2), and the face image is distorted. The mark 6 included in the reading area 3 is provided to correct this geometric distortion. The mechanism of distortion correction using the mark 6 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 4A, the face photograph 4 is pasted on the reading area 4 together with the two-dimensional barcode 5, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in FIG. May be affixed (or a transparent film may be affixed thereon with a fingerprint 4 ′), or a sign 4 ″ may be affixed (or a sign 4 ″ may be entered as shown in FIG. 4C). And a transparent film may be pasted thereon).

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the mark 6 is arranged at a position adjacent to the face photograph 4, the fingerprint 4 ′, and the sign 4 ″ so that the image sensor 11 can be swiped. The moving speed of the mark 6 passing through the front is the same as that of the face photograph 4, the fingerprint 4 ', and the sign 4' '. As a result, the swipe type image scanner 1 corrects image distortion due to jitter in the transport direction. Can improve the accuracy.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mechanism in which distortion correction using the image data of the mark 6 is executed in the swipe type image scanner 1. FIG. 5 shows a perfect circle portion 4 a corresponding to an arbitrary part of the face photograph 4 and a mark 6 placed below the face photograph 4.

Similar to the correction processing described with reference to FIG. 3, first, in the swipe type image scanner 1, when the image data in the image memory 14 has no jitter in the carrying direction (FIG. 5A), the mark 6 is predetermined. The dimensions are stored in advance in the image memory 14 or the like. For example, in FIG. 5A, the horizontal length when the height of the mark 6 is B (consisting of one or several numerical values) is stored as A. Then, it is assumed that jitter in the transport direction as shown in FIG. 5B, for example, is generated in the image data stored in the image memory 14. That is, it is assumed that the distorted extend with distorted image data conveying direction of the true circle portion 4a (the horizontal direction in the drawing), only the image data is also the section H ₁ and interval of H ₂ marks 6.

  In this case, the image processing means 15 of the swipe type image scanner 1 detects the horizontal length A ′ when the height of the mark 6 becomes B ′ (= B), and the horizontal length A ′ is detected. In the section, it is recognized that the image data of the perfect circle portion 4a and the mark 6 is distorted in the transport direction at a magnification of A ′ / A.

In this way, the height B ′ of the mark 6 is appropriately changed, and a plurality of horizontal lengths A ′ are detected. Then, among the sections of length A 'is distorted in the conveying direction, it is possible to specify the interval H _1, which is actually distorted. Similarly, the interval H _2, which is actually distorted can also be specified. Therefore, the image processing means 15 of the swipe type image scanner 1 can correct the distortion based on the distorted section and the distorted magnification.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the appearance of the mark 6 being changed.

  In FIG. 6A, a triangular mark 6a is a figure similar to the mark 6 shown in FIG. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the graphic has a width in the direction (vertical direction in FIG. 6) perpendicular to the card 2 conveyance direction in the swipe type image scanner 1 and is distorted as described above. It becomes possible to specify the section.

  Here, as the figure having a width in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the card 2 in the swipe type image scanner 1, there are various types. For example, in FIG. 6A, as shown by the mark 6b and the mark 6c, it may be a figure symmetrical with the mark 6a, or as shown by the mark 6d, a figure that combines the mark 6a and the mark 6b. Alternatively, as shown by the mark 6e, the mark 6f, and the mark 6g, a parallelogram, a rhombus, or a trapezoid may be used. Further, in FIG. 6B, as indicated by the mark 4h, a triangular figure surrounding the sign 4 ″ may be used. In addition, as long as it can be distinguished by contrast, it may be a graphic with overlapping symbols.

  Further, in order to increase the accuracy (resolution) of distortion correction, the amount of change in the direction perpendicular to the card 2 transport direction in the mark 6 (marks 6a to 6h) may be increased. For example, in FIG. 6 (a) or FIG. 6 (b), a horizontally long triangle is used, but this may be a vertically long triangle or a single vertically long straight line. However, for example, if the triangular mark 6 is created with an amount of change of 45 degrees, it may not be possible to lay out within the prescribed range of the card 2 (for example, within a range of height 54 mm). Therefore, the figure may be divided into several segments.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram regarding correction processing when a graphic divided into several segments is adopted as the mark 6.

  In FIG. 7, as shown by the mark 6i in FIG. 7A, the figure can be divided into several segments while maintaining the change amount of 45 degrees. As a result, the above-described layout problem can be solved, and as a result, the accuracy of distortion correction can be improved while suppressing the height of the mark to some extent.

  On the other hand, the segmented mark 4i shown in FIG. 7A becomes a figure that repeats monotonous increase or monotonous decrease, and therefore local roundness may occur at the change point (vertex of each triangle). . Therefore, in order to improve this, the mark 4 i and the mark 4 j which is a line symmetrical figure are combined, and the positional phase of both is shifted in the transport direction of the card 2. Thereby, even if the figure of the mark 4i is a non-linear part, distortion correction can be performed with high accuracy by using the linear part of the mark 4j.

Details of this distortion correction will be described below. FIG.7 (b) is the enlarged view to which the dotted-line part X of Fig.7 (a) was expanded. First, in the swipe type image scanner 1, when the image data in the image memory 14 has no jitter in the transport direction (FIG. 7B), the predetermined dimensions of the marks 6i and 6j are stored in the image memory 14 or the like in advance. Let me. For example, in FIG. 7 (b), the advance is stored in the horizontal direction of the length of time the height of the mark 6i and mark 6j is respectively _{B 1} and _{B 2} as _{A 1} and _{A 2.} Then, it is assumed that jitter in the transport direction as shown in FIG. 7C has occurred in the image data stored in the image memory 14, for example. In this case, the image processing means 15 detects the horizontal length A ₁ ′ when the height of the mark 6 i is B ₁ ′ (= B ₁ ), and the height of the mark 6 j is B ₂ ′. The horizontal length A ₂ ′ when (= B ₂ ) is detected.

Here, since a local roundness occurs at the vertex of the triangle of the mark 6i (see FIG. 7C), the height B ₁ ′ and the horizontal length A ₁ ′ of the mark 6 i are distorted. It is difficult to specify the section. That is, in the portion where the local roundness is generated, the width of the mark 6i does not change greatly with respect to the transport direction, so that the resolution is lowered and the distorted section cannot be specified. Therefore, in order to improve this, the mark 6j which is a figure symmetrical with respect to the mark 6i and shifted in positional phase is used. As shown in FIG. 7C, the mark 6i and the mark 6j have a positional relationship such that even if the mark 6i is locally rounded, the mark 6j is not locally rounded. It has become. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately identify the distorted section using the height B ₂ ′ of the mark 6 j and the horizontal length A ₂ ′.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which a mark 6k made of a parallelogram frame is arranged on the sign 4 ″.

According to the mark 6k shown in FIG. 8, a correction process similar to the distortion correction described with reference to FIG. 7 can be performed. That is, predetermined dimensions (A ₁ , A ₂ , B ₁ , B ₂ ) of the mark 6k are stored in advance in the image memory 14 (FIG. 8 (a)), and temporarily conveyed as shown in FIG. 8 (b). Even if direction jitter occurs, it is not a dimension (A ₁ ′, B ₁ ′) that makes it difficult to identify a section that is distorted due to local roundness. The distortion can be corrected by using dimensions (A ₂ ′, B ₂ ′) that can be specified.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the marks 61 to 6n are arranged adjacent to or in the face photograph 4. FIG.

  According to the marks 6l to 6n shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, it is possible to correct image distortion due to jitter in the transport direction, as in the correction processing described above. In particular, according to the mark 6l or the mark 6m, one is embedded in the photo frame of the face photo 4 (FIG. 9A) or embedded in the face photo 4 (FIG. 9B). ), The other needs only one straight line. As a result, the arrangement space can be made compact. In particular, according to the mark 6n, the mark 6n is embedded in the face photograph 4 and surrounds the person image (FIG. 9C). Therefore, the mark 6n is used for distortion correction processing. It cannot be easily recognized as a figure, and as a result, the uncomfortable feeling caused by placing the mark 6n in the reading area 3 of the card 2 can be eliminated.

  Note that the distortion correction may be performed by stopping the mark 6 and using a device such as an encoder. However, such a method causes a cost increase and a volume increase due to the use of a device such as an encoder.・ We will go against the trend of the compact age. In this regard, according to distortion correction using the present invention, it is possible to correct distortion due to jitter in the carrying direction by simply placing a predetermined mark 6 on the card 2, and thus the reliability of the swipe type image scanner 1 and the card 2. Can be improved easily.

  In this embodiment, as a method of detecting distortion from a mark, a method of learning an image when it is not distorted in advance is adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if a premise is made that the width of the mark changes linearly, it can be seen that the speed fluctuates by the amount of distortion of the straight line portion on the image. In other words, in the case of a graphic in which the width of the mark changes linearly, the speed fluctuation can be corrected by correcting the speed out of the linearity.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how to detect a skew when reading the two-dimensional barcode 5.

  In FIG. 10, according to the mark 6p, the skew at the time of reading the two-dimensional barcode 5 can be detected without making the mark conspicuous. That is, by applying wavy lines (marks 6p) above and below the two-dimensional bar code 5, the change in the amount of deviation of the peak position of the mark 6p can be known, so that the skew is detected when the amount of deviation of the peak position changes. Can do. For example, when skew is detected when the initial phase shift is 90 degrees, the phase shift is 70 degrees or 100 degrees.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The information recording medium and the information reading apparatus according to the present invention are useful as those capable of correcting distortion even when geometric distortion occurs when optically reading the surface of the information recording medium. is there.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of an external configuration of a swipe type image scanner and a card according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electrical configuration of a swipe type image scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mechanism in which distortion correction processing using mark image data is executed in a swipe type image scanner. It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline | summary of the external appearance structure of the card | curd which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the mechanism in which distortion correction using the image data of a mark is performed in a swipe type image scanner. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a mode that the external appearance of the mark was changed. It is explanatory drawing regarding the correction process when the figure divided | segmented into several segments is employ | adopted as a mark. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a mode that the mark which consists of a parallelogram frame is arrange | positioned at the sign. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a mode that the mark is arrange | positioned adjacent to or in a face photograph. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a mode that the skew at the time of two-dimensional barcode reading is detected. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Swipe type image scanner 2 Card 3 Reading area 4 Face photograph 5 Two-dimensional barcode 6 Mark 11 Image sensor 12 Pad roller 13 Encoder 14 Image memory 15 Image processing means

Claims (7)

In an information recording medium used for an information reader,
The information recording medium has a reading area where information is read by the information reading device,
The reading area includes marks used when geometric distortion occurs when optically reading the surface of the information recording medium, and the distortion is corrected by the information reading device. An information recording medium characterized by that.   2. The mark according to claim 1, wherein the mark has a width in a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the information recording medium in the information reading apparatus, and the width changes in the conveyance direction. Information recording medium. The mark is composed of a plurality of figures arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the information recording medium in the information reading device,
The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the positional phases of the plurality of figures are shifted in the conveyance direction of the information recording medium in the information reading apparatus. The reading area includes an encoded information portion having encoded information regarding the owner of the information recording medium,
4. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the mark is arranged adjacent to or within the encoding feature. The reading area includes a feature having visual characteristics related to an owner of the information recording medium,
4. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the mark is disposed adjacent to or in the feature portion.   6. An information reading apparatus comprising: a distortion correcting unit that corrects the distortion based on a mark on a surface of the information recording medium according to claim 1. 7. A frame having a travel path, wherein a part of the frame is formed as a travel reference plane, and information is read by swiping the information recording medium along the travel reference plane. The information reading apparatus described.

Images