JP2008052587A - Program, information storage medium, two-dimensional code generation system and two-dimensional code - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate a two-dimensional code in which an optional design is constructed by colors of modules arranged in the two-dimensional code. <P>SOLUTION: A color value of each module of color design data is corrected on the basis of the value of a converted bit string resulting from reconversion of an inversely converted bit string resulting from inverse conversion of binary design data corresponding to the color design data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, a two-dimensional code generation system, and a two-dimensional code.

  Conventionally, a two-dimensional code in which modules indicating data are two-dimensionally arranged based on predetermined format information is known. With this two-dimensional code, a larger amount of data can be read in a narrower area than the one-dimensional code. As such a conventional technique, for example, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2938338.

In such a two-dimensional code, if the data amount is small with respect to the size of the two-dimensional code, an area not showing data is generated. In this case, in the conventional two-dimensional code, modules are arranged according to predetermined format information in an area not showing data.
Japanese Patent No. 2938338

  However, the format information for arranging modules in an area not showing data is configured such that various modules are arranged in a balanced manner in an area not showing data. Therefore, it has been impossible to differentiate from other two-dimensional codes by giving a feature to the configuration of the module pattern of the generated two-dimensional code.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a program and information that can generate a two-dimensional code so that modules arranged in a predetermined area, such as an area not showing two-dimensional code data, can be arranged in an arbitrary design. It is to provide a storage medium.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a program and an information storage medium that can generate a two-dimensional code so that an arbitrary design is configured by the colors of modules arranged in the two-dimensional code.

(1) The present invention is a system for generating a two-dimensional code,
Size data of a two-dimensional code, original data to be read from the two-dimensional code, multi-tone design data composed of tone values for each module of the two-dimensional code corresponding to the size data, and the multi-tone A data acquisition unit that acquires binarized design data in which the gradation value of each module of the design data is binarized according to the gradation value of each module;
A design data area specifying unit for specifying a design data area of a two-dimensional code according to the data amount of the original data based on the size data and the original data;
A binarized design data conversion unit for obtaining an inversely converted bit string obtained by inversely converting the binarized design data corresponding to the design data area based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
A two-dimensional code data generation unit for obtaining a converted bit string obtained by converting the obtained inversely converted bit string and the bit string of the original data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
A corrected level obtained by correcting the gradation value so that at least a gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the design data area is read as a value of the converted bit string corresponding to each module. A multi-tone design data correction unit for obtaining a tone value;
The present invention relates to a two-dimensional code generation system including a two-dimensional code generation unit that generates a two-dimensional code based on the corrected gradation value.

  The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units. The present invention also relates to a two-dimensional code generated based on the program. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores (records) a program that causes a computer to function as each unit. The present invention also relates to a printed matter on which a two-dimensional code generated using the above-described two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium is printed. The present invention also relates to a system, a program, and an information storage medium that generate a two-dimensional code image that is read as a two-dimensional code generated using the above-described two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium.

  In the present invention, the “tone value (color value)” is a parameter for setting brightness and color, and is a parameter indicating gray scale, R · G · B, Y · Cr · Cb, Y · M. Various parameters such as parameters indicating brightness for each color component such as C / K, hue indicating hue, saturation indicating vividness, parameter such as brightness indicating brightness, parameter such as brightness, etc. Can do. That is, various parameters that affect the reading of the two-dimensional code can be used. The “multi-gradation design data” can be data composed of gradation values of at least three gradations (three values).

  In the two-dimensional code, for example, by reading out which of the binarized data the module constituting the two-dimensional code indicates (for example, white or black), the bit string embodied in the two-dimensional code is read. Therefore, it is preferable that each module of the two-dimensional code has a color that is read as being clearly different, such as white or black. However, even if the module color is not white or black, if the gradation value is a dark color in the range close to black, it will be read as indicating one value, and if the gradation value is a light color in the range close to white It can be read as indicating the other value. In other words, if the color of each module of the two-dimensional code indicates a binary data, it can function as a two-dimensional code. However, if the color of the module of the two-dimensional code is a color that may not be able to be read as to which of binary data, such as brightness is an intermediate gradation value, two-dimensional There may be a case where a code reading error occurs or a situation where the code cannot be read as a two-dimensional code.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data is based on the value of the converted bit string obtained by further converting the inversely converted bit string obtained by inversely transforming the binary design data corresponding to the multi-gradation design data. Correct. That is, according to the present invention, data for generating a two-dimensional code that can be read as a two-dimensional code and has a binary design corresponding to multi-tone design data is obtained by obtaining a bit string after conversion. Generate. And, by correcting each gradation value so that the gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data is read as the value of the converted bit string, it can be read as indicated by the value of the converted bit string, and A two-dimensional code having a multi-tone design is generated.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, there is a possibility that the multi-tone design data module may not be able to read which of the binarized data indicates that the brightness is an intermediate tone value. Even if the module is present, the gradation value of the module can be corrected so as to be read as the value of the bit string after conversion. Then, since the converted bit string includes the information of the original data, the two-dimensional code reader can cause the system user to read the original data as information to be transmitted via the two-dimensional code. it can.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a two-dimensional code in which a multi-tone design pattern that can attract attention can be easily generated according to a normal two-dimensional code generation procedure. Moreover, even if a multi-gradation design is configured, it is generated according to the normal two-dimensional code generation procedure based on the binarized data for each module, so that the two-dimensional code is accurately read by the reader. Can be made.

(2) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
The gradation value after correction in which the gradation value is corrected so that the gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the design data area is read as the value of the converted bit string corresponding to each module Seeking
The two-dimensional code generator is
A two-dimensional code may be generated for the design data area based on the corrected gradation value, and a two-dimensional code may be generated for the other areas of the two-dimensional code based on the converted bit string. .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to generate a two-dimensional code in which a multi-tone design is configured in the design data area and a module pattern based on the converted bit string is configured in other areas such as the original data area. Therefore, according to the present invention, a module in an area other than the design data area can be configured by a binarized pattern, and a two-dimensional code that can be read more reliably can be generated.

(3) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
An error correction data generation unit for generating error correction data for correcting a read error of the generated two-dimensional code based on the inversely converted bit string;
The two-dimensional code data generation unit
Obtaining a converted bit string obtained by converting the obtained inverse conversion bit string, the bit string of the original data, and the bit string of the error correction data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
The gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the design data area, the original data area corresponding to the data amount of the original data, and the error correction data area corresponding to the size data is The corrected gradation value may be obtained by correcting the gradation value so that it is read as the value of the converted bit string corresponding to.

  According to the present invention, the gradation values of the multi-tone design data are corrected in the design data area, the original data area, and the error correction data area. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to generate a two-dimensional code reflecting the gradation value of the multi-gradation design data in a wider area.

(4) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
A function pattern setting unit for setting a function pattern used for reading the two-dimensional code;
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
The corrected gradation value is corrected so that the gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the area where the functional pattern is arranged is read as the value of the functional pattern corresponding to each module. You may make it obtain | require a gradation value.

  According to the present invention, the gradation value of the multi-tone design data is corrected in the functional pattern area such as the area where the alignment pattern is arranged. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to generate a two-dimensional code reflecting the gradation value of the multi-gradation design data in a wider area.

(5) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
You may make it correct | amend the gradation value for every module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the said design data area | region based on the conversion type according to the said gradation value.

  In the present invention, since the binarized design data is data corresponding to the multi-grayscale design data, the converted bit string serving as a reference for correcting the grayscale value also corresponds to the design data area. The value corresponds to the gradation value of the data module. Therefore, according to the present invention, after correcting the original gradation value as much as possible while reducing the types of conversion equations for correction according to the gradation value and reducing the allocation process according to the gradation value. Can be reflected in the gradation value.

(6) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
When the gradation value is a value in the first range near the middle of the range that the gradation value can take, the gradation value is corrected based on a conversion formula corresponding to the gradation value;
The two-dimensional code generator is
For the module in which the gradation value is in the first range, a two-dimensional code is generated based on the corrected gradation value, and the gradation value is a second value other than the value in the first range. For a module having a value in the range, a two-dimensional code may be generated based on the gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data.

  In the present invention, the “first range” can be a range of gradation values that may not be read as to which of binarized data is indicated. For example, when the tone value of each color component takes a value from 0 to 255, the range including the intermediate value of the range that the tone value can take, such as 64 or less and less than 192, is set as the first range, and 0 or more other than that. The second range can be less than 64 and 192 or more and 255 or less. The first range and the second range can be arbitrarily determined depending on the performance of the two-dimensional code reader and the relationship with the reading accuracy. For example, when the data can be corrected by an error correction algorithm or the like, there may be some modules that cannot read which of the binary data is shown in the generated two-dimensional code module. If not, a set of values obtained by thinning out some values from the first range may be handled as the values in the first range. For example, among the values of 64 or more and less than 192, a set of values excluding the intermediate value 128 is also included in the concept of “first range”. That is, it is only necessary to correct intermediate gradation values so that the two-dimensional code generated by the present invention functions as a two-dimensional code.

  According to the present invention, when the gradation value for each module of the multi-tone design data is a value in the first range, the gradation value is corrected, and the value in the second range other than the first range is used. In some cases, the gradation value is not corrected. Therefore, according to the present invention, when the gradation value is in the second range, the original gradation value can be reflected as it is.

(7) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
You may make it correct | amend the gradation value for every module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the said design data area | region based on the conversion formula according to the value of the said bit string after conversion corresponding to each module.

  In the present invention, since the binarized design data is data corresponding to the multi-grayscale design data, the converted bit string serving as a reference for correcting the grayscale value also corresponds to the design data area. The value corresponds to the gradation value of the data module. Therefore, according to the present invention, the original gradation value is reduced as much as possible while reducing the type of conversion equation for correction according to the value of the converted bit string and reducing the allocation process according to the gradation value. This can be reflected in the corrected gradation value.

(8) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
When the gradation value is a value in the first range near the middle of the range that the gradation value can take, the gradation value is based on a conversion formula corresponding to the value of the converted bit string corresponding to each module. Correct,
The two-dimensional code generator is
For the module in which the gradation value is in the first range, a two-dimensional code is generated based on the corrected gradation value, and the gradation value is a second value other than the value in the first range. For a module having a value in the range, a two-dimensional code may be generated based on the gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data.

  According to the present invention, the gradation value is corrected when the gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data is a value in the first range, and the gradation value is corrected when the gradation value is a value in the second range. Is not corrected. Therefore, according to the present invention, when the gradation value is in the second range, the original gradation value can be reflected as it is.

(9) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
When at least the gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the design data area is a value in the first range near the middle of the range of gradation values, a predetermined pattern is assigned to each module. The gradation value may be corrected based on a conversion formula corresponding to the value assigned in.

  According to the present invention, instead of performing batch correction processing for modules whose gradation values are in the first range, values are assigned in a predetermined pattern using, for example, an error diffusion method. The correction process according to is performed. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to represent the original intermediate gradation value by causing different gradation values to appear in a predetermined pattern for a module whose gradation value is in the first range. Thus, the original gradation value can be reflected in the corrected gradation value.

(10) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
You may make it correct | amend the gradation value of each color component for every module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the said design data area based on the conversion formula according to the gradation value of each color component.

  According to the present invention, the gradation value is corrected for each color component in accordance with the gradation value for each color component such as R, G, B, Y, Cr, Cb, Y, M, C, K, etc. The original gradation value can be reflected in the corrected gradation value as finely as possible. For example, the G component (green component) of R, G, and B has a greater influence on the human eye than the value on the data, so it is corrected to a reading value by a camera or the like that is a two-dimensional code reader. May be performed. Then, the corrected gradation value in the present invention may be corrected to an unintended numerical value, which may cause a reading error. Therefore, according to the present invention, such a problem can be solved by correcting the gradation value for each color component.

(11) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
The value of the converted bit string corresponding to at least the design data area is the first value, and the minimum value of the gradation value of each color component of the corresponding multi-gradation design data module is greater than the first threshold value. Is smaller, the gradation value of each color component is corrected based on a conversion formula that increases the gradation value of each color component of the module,
The value of the converted bit string corresponding to at least the design data area is the second value, and the maximum value of the gradation value of each color component of the corresponding multi-gradation design data module is greater than the second threshold value. May be corrected based on a conversion formula for decreasing the gradation value of each color component of the module.

  According to the present invention, when the gradation value for each color component of a module has a small or large value against the value to be read, the entire gradation value of the module is corrected. That is, according to the present invention, the level of each color component of a module whose converted bit string value is the first value (for example, a module whose color component value should be large, or a module indicating a bright (white) value). If the tone value of the color component indicating the minimum value among the tone values is smaller than the first threshold value, which is the minimum value read as a bright module, for example, only the minimum value color component First, the gradation value of each color component of the module is increased. For the module having the second value, the gradation value of each color component is decreased when the module is larger than the second threshold value. Therefore, according to the present invention, reading errors can be prevented more reliably and the original gradation value can be reflected in the corrected gradation value as much as possible.

(12) In the system, program, and information storage medium for generating data for generating the two-dimensional code according to the present invention,
Size data of a two-dimensional code, original data to be read from the two-dimensional code, multi-tone design data composed of tone values for each module of the two-dimensional code corresponding to the size data, and the multi-tone A data acquisition unit that acquires binarized design data in which the gradation value of each module of the design data is binarized according to the gradation value of each module;
A design data area specifying unit for specifying a design data area of a two-dimensional code according to the data amount of the original data based on the size data and the original data;
A binarized design data conversion unit for obtaining an inversely converted bit string obtained by inversely converting the binarized design data corresponding to the design data area based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
A two-dimensional code data generation unit for obtaining a converted bit string obtained by converting the obtained inversely converted bit string and the bit string of the original data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
A corrected level obtained by correcting the gradation value so that at least a gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the design data area is read as a value of the converted bit string corresponding to each module. A multi-tone design data correction unit that obtains a tone value may be included.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to generate data that can generate a two-dimensional code in which a multi-tone design pattern is configured. The data for generating the generated two-dimensional code includes information on the original data. Therefore, if a two-dimensional code is generated based on the data generated by the present invention, the system user intends to transmit the two-dimensional code via a two-dimensional code symbol while forming a multi-tone design pattern. The original data as information can be read by a two-dimensional code reader.

  Thus, according to the present invention, a two-dimensional code in which a multi-tone design pattern that can attract attention can be easily generated according to a normal two-dimensional code generation procedure. In addition, even if the generated two-dimensional code has a multi-tone design, it is generated according to the normal two-dimensional code generation procedure, so that the two-dimensional code can be read accurately by the reader. Can do.

(13) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The size data of the two-dimensional code, the original data to be read from the two-dimensional code, the gradation value for each module of the two-dimensional code corresponding to the size data, and the gradation value in the range to be read as the first value Multi-tone design data composed of tone values in a range to be read as the second value, and the tone values for each module of the multi-tone design data are binarized according to the tone values of each module A data acquisition unit for acquiring the binarized design data,
A design data area specifying unit for specifying a design data area of a two-dimensional code according to the data amount of the original data based on the size data and the original data;
A binarized design data conversion unit for obtaining an inversely converted bit string obtained by inversely converting the binarized design data corresponding to the design data area based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
A two-dimensional code data generation unit for obtaining a converted bit string obtained by converting the obtained inversely converted bit string and the bit string of the original data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
A two-dimensional code generation unit that generates a two-dimensional code based on at least a gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the design data area may be included.

  According to the present invention, there are many gradation values that do not exist as gradation values in module units that may not be able to be read as to which of the binarized data indicates that the lightness is an intermediate gradation value. By using the gradation design data, it is possible to generate a two-dimensional code in which a multi-gradation design pattern is configured without performing gradation value correction processing.

(14) The present invention provides:
A module representing given binary data is a two-dimensional code arranged two-dimensionally,
A module representing original data to be read from the two-dimensional code;
At least in a region other than the original data region where the module representing the original data is arranged, a module that constitutes a multi-gradation design with a gradation value for each module is arranged,
The gradation value for each module is
This is related to a two-dimensional code characterized in that the module represents any one of the binarized data and is in a readable range.

  The present invention also relates to a two-dimensional code generation system including a two-dimensional code generation unit that generates the two-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code data generation unit that generates data for generating the two-dimensional code. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as a two-dimensional code generation unit that generates the two-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code data generation unit that generates data for generating the two-dimensional code. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores (records) a program that causes the computer to function as the two-dimensional code generation unit or the two-dimensional code data generation unit.

  The present invention also relates to a printed matter on which the two-dimensional code is printed. The present invention also relates to a system, a program, and an information storage medium that generate a two-dimensional code image that is read as the two-dimensional code.

  According to the present invention, while the system user is allowed to read information to be transmitted via the two-dimensional code, the reading device reads the information, and the modules constituting a given design are arranged according to the gradation value for each module. A dimensional code can be provided.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1.2 Structure of 2D Code FIG. 1 shows an example of the structure of a 2D code symbol generated by the 2D code generation system of the present embodiment. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a QR code (registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED) is used as a two-dimensional code. However, the two-dimensional code that can be generated by this embodiment is not limited to a QR code.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the two-dimensional code symbol 10 of the present embodiment is configured by arranging square modules in a square shape, 45 in the vertical direction and 45 in the horizontal direction, for a total of 2025. In this symbol 10, a position detection pattern 12, an alignment pattern 13, and a timing pattern 14 used when reading data from the symbol 10 are arranged. Then, as an area other than the area where the position detection pattern 12, the alignment pattern 13 and the timing pattern 14 are arranged, an encoding area 16 where a module pattern (encoding pattern) of data to be read from the symbol 10 is arranged. Is provided.

  In this encoding area 16, the model number area 18 in which the encoding pattern of the model number information (size information) of the symbol 10 is arranged, and the format information (error correction level information, information on the mask processing pattern) of the symbol 10 are encoded. A format area 20 in which a pattern is arranged and a data area 22 in which an encoding pattern of data that can be arbitrarily input by a user of the system according to the present embodiment are included.

2.2 Dimensional Code Generation Processing FIG. 2 shows an example of the processing flow of the two-dimensional code generation system of the present embodiment. First, in step S1, various data for generating a two-dimensional code are acquired.

  FIG. 3 shows details of this data acquisition process. First, in step S2, model number information and format information of a symbol desired by a user of the system are acquired based on information input to the input unit. Here, the model number information includes size information (1 to 40) for specifying the size of the symbol 10. In the present embodiment, the number of modules constituting the symbol 10 and the arrangement thereof can be specified by the size information. Further, the format information includes error correction level information for specifying the type of error correction algorithm for correcting the read error of the generated symbol. In this embodiment, four stages of error correction levels L, M, Q, and H are prepared, and the accuracy of error correction differs depending on the error correction level.

  In step S4, the system user acquires a character string of original data that is information to be transmitted via the two-dimensional code symbol. As this original data, for example, network address information such as URL and mail address, various management information, identification information, encryption information and the like are input. In step S6, the acquired character string of the original data is converted based on the format information of the two-dimensional code to generate a bit string of the original data. Then, an end pattern bit string indicating the end of the original data is inserted at the end of the bit string of the original data. This end pattern indicates that when a two-dimensional code is read, it is not necessary to output an encoded pattern after the end pattern as information.

  In step S10 in FIG. 2, the bit string of the original data including the end pattern is divided into 8-bit code words (data code words) based on the format information of the two-dimensional code. Then, in step S12, based on the acquired size information and error correction level information, it is determined whether or not the size and error correction level satisfy the required number of data code words.

  If it is determined that the requested number of data code words is not satisfied (N in step S12), that is, if the amount of original data is small with respect to the size of the two-dimensional code, the data code word string is padded in step S14. Add grass code words. This padding code word means that when the data amount of the original data is small with respect to the size of the two-dimensional code, the encoding area 16 after the encoding pattern indicating the original data becomes, for example, blank (only the bright module). This is added in consideration of the trouble in reading the two-dimensional code. In the present embodiment, a predetermined coding pattern indicating that data is empty is repeatedly added based on the format of the two-dimensional code.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the required number of data code words is satisfied (Y in step S12), no padding code word is added, and in step S16, the data code word string is divided into the number of blocks for error correction, and step S18. In step (b), an error correction code word is generated for each block. This error correction code word is a predetermined bit string unit for generating an encoding pattern of information used in an error correction algorithm for correcting a reading error of a two-dimensional code. In step S20, an error correction code word is added after the data code word string.

  Then, in step S22, the data code word / error correction code word of each block is interleaved according to the format information of the two-dimensional code, and the remaining bits are added as necessary. In step S24, based on the format information of the two-dimensional code. A dark (black) module and a light (white) module corresponding to the position detection pattern 12, the alignment pattern 13, the timing pattern 14, and the code word string are arranged in the matrix.

  In step S 26, the mask processing pattern is applied to the symbol encoding region 16. This mask process is a process for ensuring that the dark (black) module and the bright (white) module arranged in the encoding area 16 in step S24 are arranged in a well-balanced manner. In step S28, the coding pattern of the model information acquired in step S2 is arranged in the model number area 18, and the coding pattern of the format information is arranged in the format area 20, thereby completing the symbol.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the two-dimensional code symbol generated in this way. In the present embodiment, the arrangement of the dark (black) module and the light (white) module corresponding to each code word string starts from the lower right corner of the symbol 10 shown in FIG. Scan and place from right to left. Here, each code word string is arranged in the order of the original data and the data code word indicating the end pattern, the padding code word, and the error correction code word. Therefore, in the encoding area 16 of the symbol 10, as shown in FIG. 4, the original data area 30 in which the encoding pattern of the original data is arranged and the unused data area in which the encoding pattern of the padding data is arranged. 32 and an error correction code area 34 in which an encoding pattern of an error correction code is arranged.

3. Design Data Processing Here, in the present embodiment, the coding pattern of the unused data area 32 merely indicates that the data is empty. Therefore, modules can be freely arranged in the unused data area 32. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the area that should become the unused data area 32 is used as the design data area 33, and the arrangement (pattern) of the modules in the design data area 33 is configured to form a given design. Data (bit string) for generating the symbol 10 is generated.

  Further, in the two-dimensional code of the present embodiment, which of the binarized data indicates the modules constituting the two-dimensional code, that is, each module is a light (white) module or a dark (black) module. By reading out whether there is a bit string or not, a bit string embodied in a two-dimensional code is read out. Therefore, it is preferable that each module of the two-dimensional code has a color that is read as being clearly different, such as white or black. However, even if the module color is not white or black, if the color value (gradation value) is a dark color in the range close to black, it is read as indicating one value, and the color value is a bright color in the range close to white. If so, it can be read as indicating the other value. In other words, if the color of each module of the two-dimensional code indicates a binary data, it can function as a two-dimensional code.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the color of the module arranged in the design data area 33 constitutes a given design, and 2 of the colors in a readable range indicating which of the binarized data is indicated. A dimension code symbol 10 is generated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the design data processing characteristic of the present embodiment is performed in the data acquisition processing in step S1 of FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the flow of design data processing. First, until step S6 in FIG. 3, size information, error correction level information, and original data are acquired (steps S2 and S4), and a bit string of the original data is generated based on the format information of the two-dimensional code (step S2). S6), the two-dimensional code corresponding to the size information based on the given color image data (multi-tone image data) selected as the design to be formed into the two-dimensional code by the system user in step S40 of FIG. Color design data (multi-tone design data) composed of color values for each module is generated.

3-1. Color Design Data Generation Processing FIG. 6A is an example of given color image data P0. In the present embodiment, the color image data P0 can be so-called full-color image data in which the color values of the R, G, and B color components can take from 0 to 255. The color image data P0 can be taken in by a system user with hardware such as a scanner, stored in an information storage medium, or created with image creation software.

  Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, an image indicating the range of the design data area 33 may be generated and displayed on the display unit. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the original data area 30 is determined according to the size information and the data amount of the original data, and the error correction data area 34 is determined according to the size information. Therefore, the original data area 30 is specified based on the size information and the bit string of the original data, the error correction data area 34 is specified based on the size information, and based on the size information, the original data area 30, and the error correction data area 34. Thus, the design area 33 can be specified. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6B, the two-dimensional code symbol 10 can be displayed so that the design area 33 is blank.

  Then, the system user compares the two-dimensional code symbol 10 with the given color image data P0 and adjusts the size of the color image data P0 so that the desired design is within the design area 33. Alternatively, the size information of the two-dimensional code is changed. In this embodiment, the color image data P0 is converted into color design data Pm composed of color values for each module of the two-dimensional code corresponding to the acquired size information as shown in FIG. 6C. . That is, the color image data P0 having an arbitrary resolution is converted into color design data Pm having a two-dimensional code module as one pixel. In the example of FIG. 6C, the color values are converted into a total of 2025 square modules of 45 vertical and horizontal.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of details of the color design data generation processing in step S40 of FIG. In the present embodiment, the color image data P0 composed of pixels smaller than the two-dimensional code module is reduced and converted to color design data Pm having the two-dimensional code module as a pixel. In the example of FIG. 7, the color value of one module is determined by extracting the representative pixel at the position (area) of the color image data P0 corresponding to the module position (area). The color value of one module may be determined by averaging the pixels at the position (region) of the color image data P0 corresponding to (), and various methods can be employed in this embodiment.

  In the example of FIG. 7, first, in steps S50 and S52, 0 is substituted for Y and X, and in step S54, Y is added to the number of vertical pixels Y0 of the color image data P0, and the number of vertical modules of the two-dimensional code. Divide by Size to obtain the coordinate V of the color image data P0 corresponding to the coordinate Y = 0 of the two-dimensional code, and similarly multiply the number of horizontal pixels X0 of the color image data P0 by X to the number of modules next to the two-dimensional code. Dividing by Size, the coordinate U of the color image data P0 corresponding to the coordinate X = 0 of the two-dimensional code is obtained. In step S56, the decimal values of U and V are rounded down and converted into integer values.

  In step S58, 0 is substituted into C (R = 0, G = 1, B = 2) indicating the type of each color component of the color image data P0. In step S60, the color C (R) at the position (U, V) of the color image data P0 is substituted into the read a, and in step S62, the color C ((X, Y) position in the color design data Pm). Write a to R). Then, in step S64, 1 is added to C indicating the type of each color component. If C is less than 3, that is, all the color values of each color component at that coordinate have not been read in step S66 (Y in step S66), step S60 is performed. Returning to FIG. 5, the same processing is performed for the color values of the other color components. When the color values of the RGB color components at the position (0, 0) are thus written (N in step S66), 1 is added to the coordinate value X in step S68, and step S54 is performed until the X coordinate becomes 45 in step S70. The process from step S70 to step S70 is repeated, and the color values of the RGB color components are written for all positions where the Y coordinate is 0 (N in step S70).

  Then, 1 is added to the coordinate value Y in step S72, and the processing from step S52 to step S74 is repeated until the Y coordinate becomes 45 in step S74, and the color C at all (X, Y) positions in the color design data Pm. The color C at the position (U, V) of the color image data P0 is written. Thus, in this embodiment, the given color image data P0 as shown in FIG. 6A is composed of color values for each module of the two-dimensional code corresponding to the size information as shown in FIG. 6B. Converted to color design data Pm.

3-2.2 Binary Design Data Generation Processing When the color design data Pm is acquired in step S40 of FIG. 5, the color value for each module of the color design data Pm is changed to the color value of each module in step S41 of FIG. By binarizing accordingly, binarized design data Pbw as shown in FIG. 8 is generated and acquired. That is, among the modules of the color design data Pm, conversion is performed such that a relatively dark module is a black module and a relatively light module is a white module. This binarized design data Pbw indicates values that should be recognized by the reading device when the color distribution of the color design data Pm is read by the two-dimensional code reading device.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of details of the binarized design data generation process. As shown in FIG. 9, first, in step S80 and step S81, 0 is substituted for the coordinate values Y and X of the color design data Pm, and in step S84, 0 is substituted for a in which the value for each coordinate is stored. . In step S86, a total value T of the color values of the RGB color components at the position (0, 0) of the color design data Pm is obtained. In step S94, a value obtained by dividing the total color value T of each color component by the number of color components 3 is substituted into a. That is, the average value of the color values of the RGB color components at the position (0, 0) is stored in a.

  Then, in step S96, if the average value a is 128 or more, that is, a value larger than the intermediate value between 0 and 255 that the color value can take, it is determined in step S98 that the module at that position is white. 0 shown is substituted. On the other hand, if the average value a is 128 or less, 1 indicating that the module at the position is black is substituted for a in step S100. In step S102, a (0 or 1) is stored at the position (0, 0) of the binarized design data Pbw. Then, 1 is added to the coordinate value X in step S104, and the processing from step S84 to step S106 is repeated until the X coordinate becomes 45 in step S106, and a (0 or 1) for all the positions where the Y coordinate is 0. Is stored.

  Then, 1 is added to the coordinate value Y in step S108, and the processing from step S82 to step S110 is repeated until the Y coordinate becomes 45 in step S110. For all positions of binarized design data Pbw, a (0, 1 Any). Thus, in this embodiment, the color design data Pm as shown in FIG. 6C is binarized according to the color value of each module in the color design data Pm as shown in FIG. Converted into binary design data Pbw.

  In the color design data Pm in the example of FIG. 6C, the left half HL of the heart shape has a dark red color value with an average value of 30 color values, and the right half HR of the heart shape has a color value. The average value is a bright red color value of 230. The left half BL of the background has an average color value of 160, which is a blue color value that is lighter than the middle, and the right half BR of the background has a mean value of 96, which is darker than the middle. The color value is blue. Accordingly, the binary design data Pbw generated from the color design data Pm is a module in which the left half HL of the heart shape and the right half BR of the background are black modules, and the right half HR of the heart shape and the left half BL of the background are It is considered as a white module.

3-3. Binary Design Data Inverse Conversion Processing In this embodiment, as in step S26 in FIG. 2, when a two-dimensional code is generated, conversion is performed by XOR operation between a mask pattern and a code word module pattern. . Therefore, even if binarized design data (bit string of binarized design pattern) corresponding to the color value of the color design data Pm is generated in the design data area 33 of the two-dimensional code, the XOR operation with the mask pattern is performed as it is. The bit string of the binarized design pattern is converted into a bit string that does not correspond to the color value of the color design data Pm.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the bit sequence of the generated binarized design pattern is inversely converted in advance so that if the XOR operation with the mask pattern is performed when generating the two-dimensional code, the bit sequence of the generated binarized design pattern is restored. Keep it. That is, in the present embodiment, before the mask pattern is applied in step S26 in FIG. 2, conversion by the XOR operation is performed in advance between the binarized design pattern and the mask pattern.

  More specifically, in step S42 of FIG. 5, the design data area 33 is specified based on the size information, error correction level information, and the bit string of the original data. In step S44, the binary design corresponding to the design data area 33 is specified. Extract the bit string of the pattern. In step S46, the extracted binary code pattern bit string and the mask pattern bit string are converted by an XOR operation.

  FIG. 10 is an example of an inverse conversion module pattern 44 obtained by performing conversion by XOR operation between the binary design pattern 40 extracted from the binary design data Pbw of FIG. 8 and the mask pattern 42. As shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, when the modules corresponding to the binarized design pattern 40 and the mask pattern 42 are the same type of module, the module is set as a dark (black) module (0 + 0 = 1, 1 + 1 = 1), if the module is of a different type, the module is set as a bright (white) module (0 + 1 = 0, 1 + 0 = 0).

  Accordingly, the inverse conversion module pattern 44 obtained by performing the conversion by the XOR operation does not correspond to the binarized design data Pbw. However, when the XOR operation with the mask pattern is performed again when generating the two-dimensional code, 2 is obtained. Return to the value design pattern. In this way, an inversely converted bit string is generated by inversely converting the bit string of the binary design pattern corresponding to the design data area 33 with the mask pattern. It should be noted that mask processing is applied to the gray portion such as the four corners of the mask pattern 42, that is, the function pattern region 46 corresponding to the position detection pattern 12, the alignment pattern 13, and the timing pattern 14 of the generated two-dimensional code. It is supposed not to.

  Then, in step S10 and subsequent steps in FIG. 2, the bit sequence of the original data generated in step S6 in FIG. 3 (which may include a termination pattern and a division pattern), and the inversely converted bit sequence of the generated binary design pattern Are divided into data code words, and in step S12, it is determined whether or not the obtained data code word string satisfies the number of data code words.

  Here, the inverse conversion bit string of the binarized design pattern includes all the modules in the design data area 33. Therefore, it is determined that the data code word string composed of the bit string of the original data and the inversely converted bit string satisfies the number of data code words in step S12 (Y in step S12). Accordingly, the padding code word is not added in step S14, and the processing based on the two-dimensional code format from step S16 to step S24 is performed as it is. Then, as in the module pattern on the left side of FIG. 11, the position detection pattern 12 and the like are arranged, and before the mask including the original data module pattern 48, the inverse conversion module pattern 44, and the error correction code pattern 50 corresponding to them. A pattern 52 is generated.

  In step S26, when a mask processing pattern is applied to the pre-mask pattern 52, the inverse conversion bit string of the binarized design pattern is converted and the bit string of the original binarized design pattern is restored. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the binarized design pattern 40 corresponding to the color value of the color design data Pm is displayed in the design data area 33 by performing conversion by the XOR operation between the pre-mask pattern 52 and the mask pattern 42. It is possible to generate a post-conversion bit string for generating the design two-dimensional code symbol 54 in which is configured.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, by generating the inverse conversion module pattern 44, a bit string after conversion can be generated thereafter according to a normal two-dimensional code generation procedure. Of the design two-dimensional code symbol 54 (converted bit string) in which the binarized design pattern 40 is configured, the original data module pattern 48 is converted into the original data module pattern 48 in the original data area 30. 56, when the two-dimensional code reader reads the two-dimensional code 54, the system user can read the original data which is information to be transmitted via the two-dimensional code symbol. it can.

  Further, since the error correction code pattern 58 obtained by converting the error correction code pattern 50 is arranged in the error correction data area 34, the reading error of the module pattern 56 of the original data and the binarized design pattern 40 is detected. It can be corrected. In this embodiment, since the binarized design pattern 40 is added after the end pattern of the module pattern of the original data, the binarized design pattern 40 in the design data area 33 can be read by the reading device. Data not shown.

  Note that, after the module pattern of the original data, an identifier for identifying not only the termination pattern but also the bit string of the original data and the bit string of the design data may be inserted. For example, a division pattern may be inserted at the end of the bit string of the original data. For example, the division pattern may be a bit string indicating a line feed or a bit string indicating a space. Thereby, the bit string of the design data area 33 and the bit string of the original data can be distinguished. In addition, a termination pattern or the like is not inserted between the bit string of the original data and the bit string of the design data area 33, and given information such as network address data is obtained by using the bit string of the original data and the bit string of the design data area 33. You may make it show.

  Further, in step S44 of FIG. 5, the original data bit string corresponding to the original data area 30 is also extracted and converted by the XOR operation between the original data bit string, the binary design pattern bit string, and the mask pattern. May be. That is, it suffices that reverse conversion is performed on at least a bit string of a binary design pattern corresponding to the design data area 33.

  Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which reverse conversion is performed in consideration of conversion processing using a mask pattern when generating a two-dimensional code has been described. However, a two-dimensional code is applied to a bit string of a binary design pattern. If another conversion process is performed when generating the bit string, the generated bit string of the binarized design pattern is inversely converted in advance so that the conversion process returns to the bit string of the binarized design pattern. . Here, the inverse conversion refers to a process of converting the bit string of the binarized design pattern into a bit string that returns to the bit string of the binarized design pattern by the conversion process when generating the two-dimensional code. For example, in this embodiment, the inverse transformation process and the transformation process when generating the two-dimensional code are both XOR operations and become the same transformation process. included.

  In the mask process in step S26 of FIG. 2, when a plurality of types of mask patterns are applied and a mask pattern in which modules are arranged in a most balanced manner is selected based on a predetermined evaluation function, the step of FIG. In S2, mask pattern information specifying a mask pattern to be applied in the mask process is acquired, and the inverse conversion process in step S46 in FIG. 5 and the conversion process in step S26 in FIG. 2 are performed with the mask pattern. Good.

3-4. Color Design Data Correction Processing In this embodiment, the two-dimensional code 54 in which the binary design pattern 40 corresponding to the color design data Pm is configured in the design area 33 is generated. Therefore, if the color of each module constituting the color design data Pm is composed of a dark color that can be read as black and a bright color that can be read as white, the module of the design area 33 of the two-dimensional code 54 Even if colors are arranged in colors for each module of the color design data Pm, they can be read as a two-dimensional code.

  However, since the color design data Pm is generated from the full-color color image data P0, the module of the color design data Pm indicates any of the binarized data such that the brightness is an intermediate color value. There may be a color module that may be unreadable. Accordingly, if the color value of each module of the color design data Pm is applied as it is as the module color of the design two-dimensional code symbol 54 (converted bit string) generated as described above, an error in reading the two-dimensional code will occur. It may occur or a situation that cannot be read as a two-dimensional code may occur.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the color value for each module of the color design data Pm is corrected based on the converted bit string for configuring the binarized design pattern 40 corresponding to the color value of the color design data Pm. A two-dimensional code based on the corrected color value is generated. That is, in this embodiment, first, a converted bit string (binary shown in FIG. 11) for generating a two-dimensional code that can be read as a two-dimensional code and that has a binary design corresponding to color design data. A two-dimensional code symbol 54) in which the digitized design pattern 40 is configured is generated. Then, by correcting each color value so that the color value of each module of the color design data is read as the value of the converted bit string, it can be read as indicated by the value of the converted bit string, and the color design is configured. The generated two-dimensional code is generated.

  Here, in the present embodiment, functions corresponding to the original data area 30, the error correction data area 34, the position detection pattern 12, the alignment pattern 13, and the timing pattern 14 in the two-dimensional code symbol 54 shown in FIG. For the module corresponding to the design data area 33 excluding the pattern area 46, a color corresponding to the corrected color value may be arranged.

3-4-1. First Color Value Correction Processing For example, in the example of the color design data Pm in FIG. 6C, the left half BL of the background has a blue color value that is lighter than the middle of the average value of 160 color values. The right half BR of the background has a blue color value that is darker than the middle of the average value of 160 color values. In this way, the color value of the module is an intermediate value between the left half BL of the background and the right half BR of the background, which may cause a reading error or the like.

  Therefore, in the first example, at least the color value for each module of the color design data Pm corresponding to the design data area 33 is converted according to the conversion formula corresponding to each color value or the value of the converted bit string corresponding to each module. Based on the equation, correction is performed so that a color darker than the intermediate value is surely read as black and a lighter color than the intermediate value is surely read as white.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the color value correction processing of the first example. As shown in FIG. 12, first, in step S120, Y = 0 is substituted as the coordinate value of the color design data Pm, and in step S122, X = 0 is substituted. In step S124, the total value T of the RGB color components at the position (X, Y) of the color design data Pm is obtained. In step S126, the total value T is three times 128, which is the intermediate value of each color value. It is determined whether the color value of the module at the position (X, Y) is darker or brighter than the intermediate value. The determination may be made based on whether the value of the position (X, Y) of the corresponding binarized design data Pbw is 0 or 1.

  When the total value T is larger (when the value is 1), that is, when the color value of the module at the position (X, Y) is brighter than the intermediate value (Y in step S126), in step S128, The color value of each RGB color component at the position (X, Y) of the color design data Pm is assigned to A of A ′ = A / 2 + 128 for each color component, and the converted value A ′ is set to (X, Y). The color value for each color component after position correction is used. Therefore, even when there is a color value that hardly changes from the intermediate value, for example, the color value of each color component is 130, the color value is corrected to 130/2 + 128 = 193 and is reliably read as white (value indicated by the converted bit string). Value.

  On the other hand, when the total value T is smaller (when the value is 0), that is, when the color value of the module at the position (X, Y) is darker than the intermediate value (N in step S126), in step S130. The color values of the RGB color components at the position (X, Y) of the color design data Pm are substituted for A of A ′ = A / 2 for each color component, and the converted value A ′ is (X, Y). The color value for each color component after correction of the position of. Therefore, even when there is a color value that hardly changes from the intermediate value, for example, the color value of each color component is 126, it is corrected to 126/2 = 63 and is read as black (a value indicated by the bit string after conversion) without fail. Value.

  Then, 1 is added to the coordinate value X in step S132, and the processing from step S122 to step S134 is repeated until the X coordinate becomes 45 in step S134, and the color value for each color component after correction for all the positions where the Y coordinate is 0. Ask for. Then, 1 is added to the coordinate value Y in step S136, and the processing from step S122 to step S138 is repeated until the Y coordinate becomes 45 in step S138, and the color for each color component after correction for all positions of the color design data Pm. Find the value. In this way, in the present embodiment, the color value for each module of the color design data Pm is corrected so that it can be reliably read as the value of the converted bit string corresponding to each module.

  In the first example, as shown in FIG. 13, a two-dimensional code symbol 10 is generated for the design data area 33 based on the corrected color value, and a converted bit string (design) is used for the other areas of the two-dimensional code. A two-dimensional code symbol 10 is generated based on the two-dimensional code symbol 54). Accordingly, in the example of FIG. 13, the color values of the left half BL of the background and the right half BR of the background in which the module color values are intermediate values make the color of the color design data Pm possible in the design data area 33. The color value is surely read as the value of the bit string after conversion.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a two-dimensional code in which a color design pattern that can attract attention can be easily generated according to a normal two-dimensional code generation procedure. Moreover, even if the color design is configured, the two-dimensional code can be accurately read by the reading device because it is generated according to the normal two-dimensional code generation procedure.

3-4-2. Second Color Value Correction Processing In the example of the color design data Pm in FIG. 6B, the left half HL of the heart shape is a dark red color value with an average color value of 30, and the heart shape The right half of HR has a bright red color value with an average color value of 230. Therefore, since the color value of the module is not an intermediate value between the heart-shaped left half HL and the heart-shaped right half HR, even the color value as it is can be read without any reading error. However, in the color value correction processing of the first example, the color value of such a module is also corrected by the same conversion formula, so that the heart-shaped left half HL is corrected to dark red almost black as shown in FIG. The right half HR of the heart shape is corrected to a bright red that is almost white.

  Therefore, in the second example, when the color value is a value in the first range near the middle of the range that the color value can take, that is, whether the color value indicates binary data cannot be read. If it is a value that is likely, the color value is surely darker than the intermediate value based on the conversion formula corresponding to the color value or the conversion formula corresponding to the value of the converted bit string corresponding to each module. In order to be read as black, a color brighter than the intermediate value is corrected so as to be surely read as white. Then, for a module whose color value is a value in the first range (intermediate value), a two-dimensional code is generated based on the corrected color value, and a second color value other than the value in the first range is generated. For modules that are range values (non-intermediate values), a two-dimensional code is generated based on the color value of each module of the color design data Pm without correction.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the color value correction processing of the second example. In FIG. 14, Fgetcol (X, Y, c) is a function for extracting the color value at the position (X, Y) of the color design data Pm, and c is a value from 0 to 2, each of which is an RGB color component. Corresponding to Fsetgen (X, Y, c, a) is a function for setting the corrected color value at the position (X, Y), and c is a value from 0 to 2, each corresponding to each RGB color component. Then, the value a is set to the designated color component c. Fgetgen (X, Y, c) is a function for extracting a color value after correcting the position of (X, Y), and c takes from 0 to 2, each corresponding to each RGB color component.

  As shown in FIG. 14, first, in step S150, Y = 0 is substituted as the coordinate value of the color design data Pm, and in step S152, X = 0 is substituted. In step S154, the total value T of the RGB color components at the position (X, Y) in the color design data Pm is obtained. In step S156, the total value T is a value that can be reliably read as white. It is determined whether it is larger than the double value, or whether the total value T is smaller than a value that is three times 64, which is a value that can be reliably read as black. That is, it is determined whether or not the color value of the module at the position (X, Y) is a color value (second range) that can be reliably read as either a black and white value.

  If the color value is within a range that can be reliably read (Y in step S156), the color values of the RGB color components at the position (X, Y) of the color design data Pm are corrected in steps S158 to S164. Without being set, it is set as a color value for generating a two-dimensional code as it is. On the other hand, if the color value is not within the range that can be reliably read (N in step S156), in step S166, whether or not the total value T is larger than three times 128, which is the intermediate value of each color value, that is, ( It is determined whether the color value of the module at the position of X, Y) is darker or brighter than the intermediate value. The determination may be made based on whether the value of the position (X, Y) of the corresponding binarized design data Pbw is 0 or 1.

  When the total value T is smaller (when the value of (X, Y) of Pbw or the corresponding value of the converted bit string is 1), that is, the color value of the module at the position (X, Y) is more than the intermediate value. If it is dark (Y in step S166), 0 is substituted into C (R = 0, G = 1, B = 2) indicating the type of each color component in step S168, and in step S170, the color design data Pm The color value of each RGB color component at the position (X, Y) is converted for each color component as a = a * (64 * 3) / T, and the converted value a is the position at (X, Y). The color value for each color component after correction of. Therefore, even when the color value of each color component is a color value that is almost the same as the intermediate value, for example, 130, it is corrected to 130 * (64 * 3) / 390 = 64 and is surely black (after conversion). The value read as the bit string).

  On the other hand, when the total value T is larger (when the (X, Y) value of Pbw or the corresponding value of the converted bit string is 0), that is, the color value of the module at the (X, Y) position is an intermediate value. If it is brighter (N in Step S166), whether or not the maximum value 255 that the color value can take when the color value of each color component is converted based on a predetermined conversion formula in Step S176 to Step S200? The color value for each color component is corrected by a method of changing the conversion formula depending on whether or not. In the present embodiment, first, 0 is substituted into the overflow integrated value OV for the maximum value 255 and the surplus accumulated value SP in step S176, and 0 is substituted into C in step S178. In step S180, the color values of the RGB color components at the position (X, Y) of the color design data Pm are converted for each color component as a = a * (192 * 3) / T.

  In step S182, if the converted value overflows the maximum value of 255 (Y in step S182), an overflow integrated value is added as in OV = OV + a-255 in step S184, and the correction value is set to 255. Set. On the other hand, if the converted value does not overflow the maximum value of 255 (N in step S182), the integrated value for the margin is added as in SP = SP + 255-a in step S186, and the correction value is set in step S180. Set to the obtained a. This is performed for each color component (step S188, step S190).

  If it is determined in step S192 that there is no overflow (Y in step S192), that is, the process of step S184 is not performed and the process of step S186 is performed for each color component, the correction value is set as a as it is. To do. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S192 that an overflow has occurred (N in step S192), that is, if the process in step S184 is performed, the corrected color value (step S194 to step S200) of each color component ( The correction value for each color component set in steps S180 to S190 is further converted. That is, in step S196, the difference between the maximum value 255 and the correction value is set as a, such as a = 225−Fgetgen (X, Y, c), and b = OV * a / SP + Fgetgen (X, Y, c) In this way, the correction value b reflecting the overflow integrated value OV and the margin integrated value SP is calculated, and this is set as the final correction value.

  Then, as in step S202 to step S208, the above processing is performed for all coordinate value modules of the color design data Pm to obtain corrected color values. In this way, in the second color value correction process, correction is not performed for a module that can be read without error even with the color value as it is, and correction is performed only for a module with a color value that may cause a reading error. In particular, a module having an intermediate value and a relatively bright color value is also appropriate for a module in which the color value of each color component varies by considering the overflow accumulated value OV and the accumulated value SP of the margin. Make corrections.

  Accordingly, in the second example, as shown in FIG. 15, the color value of the module is not an intermediate value between the heart-shaped left half HL and the heart-shaped right half HR. A two-dimensional code symbol 10 is generated based on the value. On the other hand, the color values of the left half BL of the background and the right half BR of the background in which the module color values are intermediate values reflect the color of the color design data Pm as much as possible, and are reliably converted bit strings. The two-dimensional code symbol 10 is generated based on the corrected color value read as the value of.

3-4-3. Third Example In addition, when the color value of each module of the color design data Pm corresponding to at least the design data area 33 is a value in the first range near the middle of the range that the color value can take, that is, the color value is In the case of an intermediate value, the color value may be corrected based on a conversion formula corresponding to a value assigned to each module in a predetermined pattern.

  For example, the third example shown in FIG. 16 performs substantially the same processing as the second example shown in FIG. 14, but when it is determined in step S156 in FIG. 14 that the color value is an intermediate color value ( N) in step S156, and in step S166, instead of changing the conversion formula depending on whether or not the total value T of the RGB values is larger than the intermediate value, for example, a value is assigned using a dither pattern, and the conversion formula is changed according to the value. Make them different. Specifically, in the third example, when it is determined in step S156 in FIG. 16 that the color value is an intermediate color value (N in step S156), in step S220, (Y & 1) * 2 + (X & 1) ? As described above, different values 0 to 3 are calculated according to the coordinate values X and Y, and in step S222, a threshold value L corresponding to the calculated value is assigned to the module at the position. In step S224, even if the total value T of the color values is the same, the color value correction process is performed so that the conversion formula used differs according to the assigned threshold value.

  Thus, according to the third example, instead of performing batch correction processing on modules whose color values are in the first range, values are assigned in a predetermined pattern using, for example, an error diffusion method. Then, correction processing according to the value is performed. Therefore, according to the third example, for a module whose color value is in the first range, different color values appear in a predetermined pattern to represent the original intermediate color value as much as possible. The original color value can be reflected in the corrected color value.

3-4-4. Fourth Example Also, the value of the converted bit string corresponding to at least the design data area is the first value (white, 0), and the minimum value of the color values of each color component of the corresponding color design data module is the first value. If the threshold value is smaller than 1, the color value of each color component is corrected based on a conversion formula that increases the color value of each color component of the module, and at least the value of the converted bit string corresponding to the design data area 33 is If the maximum value of each color component of the corresponding color design data module is greater than the second threshold value with the second value (black, 1), the color value of each color component of that module The color value of each color component may be corrected on the basis of a conversion equation that reduces the color.

  For example, in the flowchart of the fourth example shown in FIG. 17, before determining whether or not the color value is an intermediate color in step S156 of the third example shown in FIG. 16, the processing from step S240 to step S270 is performed. If the color value for each color component of the module has a small or large value against the value to be read, the entire color value of the module is corrected. Specifically, in step S244 in FIG. 17, the total value T of the RGB color components at the position (X, Y) of the color design data Pm is obtained, and in step S246, the total value T is an intermediate value of each color value. It is determined whether the color value of the module at the position (X, Y) is darker or brighter than the intermediate value.

  In step S246, when the total value T is smaller (when the bit string value is 1), that is, when the color value of the module at the position (X, Y) is darker than the intermediate value (Y in step S246). In step S248, the largest value Emax of the RGB color components is obtained, and in step S250, the maximum values Lowmax and Emax that can be taken by each color component of the module recognized as black are compared. . That is, according to the total value T, it is determined that the color value is small (dark), but there is a color value for each color component that exceeds the threshold value (Lowmax) and has a large color value (approaches white). To determine.

  If there is a large color value here (Y in step S250), in step S252 to step S258, the conversion in step S254 is performed for each color component of the module at that position. In the example of FIG. 17, the color values of the RGB color components at the position (X, Y) of the color design data Pm are read (a = Fgetcol (X, Y, c)), and a = a− (Emax−LowMax) *. As in a / Emax, a value corresponding to Emax and LowMax is subtracted from the read value. That is, when there is a color value larger than LowMax (second threshold value) for each color component, the color value of each color component of the module is similarly decreased. On the other hand, if there is no large color value (N in step S250), the same processing as in the third example is performed as it is.

  In step S246, when the total value T is larger (when the bit string value is 0), that is, when the color value of the module at the position (X, Y) is brighter than the intermediate value (in step S246). N) In step S260, the smallest color value Emin among the RGB color components is obtained, and in step S262, the minimum value Highmin that can be taken by each color component of the module recognized as white is compared with Emin. To do. That is, according to the total value T, it is determined that the color value is large (bright), but there is a color value for each color component that exceeds the threshold (Lowmin) and has a small color value (approaches black). To determine.

  If there is a small color value here (Y in step S262), the color value of each RGB color component at the position (X, Y) of the color design data Pm is read (a = Fgetcol (X, Y, c)). , A = a + (HighMin−Emin) * (255−a) / (255−Emin) and a value corresponding to Emax and LowMax is added to the read value. That is, when there is a color value smaller than HighMin (first threshold value) for each color component, the color value of each color component of the module is similarly increased. On the other hand, if there is no small color value (N in step S262), the same processing as in the third example is performed as it is.

  Thus, according to the fourth example, by performing the conversion process according to the color value for each color component, reading errors can be prevented more reliably, and the original color value can be changed to the corrected color value as much as possible. Can be reflected.

3-4-5. In addition to the module corresponding to the design data area 33 in the two-dimensional code symbol 54 shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, the original data area 30, the error correction data area 34, the position For the module corresponding to the function pattern area 46 corresponding to the detection pattern 12, the alignment pattern 13, and the timing pattern 14, a two-dimensional code may be generated so that the color corresponding to the corrected color value is arranged. it can.

  As described above, since the module corresponding to the design data area 33 has the converted bit string corresponding to the color design data Pm, the conversion formula corresponding to the color value of each module, or the converted data corresponding to each module. By correcting the color value based on a conversion formula corresponding to the value of the bit string, an appropriate corrected color value could be obtained. However, for the modules corresponding to the original data area 30, the error correction data area 34, and the function pattern area 46, the converted bit string is irrelevant to the color design data Pm. If the color value is obtained, it may be corrected to a color value that cannot be read as a value indicated by the converted bit string or functional pattern.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, for the modules corresponding to the respective areas other than the design data area 33, the converted bit string and the value (0 or 1) indicated by the functional pattern are referred to, and the conversion formula for the area is used. Thus, a corrected color value obtained by correcting each color value so as to be read as a value indicated by the converted bit string or functional pattern is obtained. Specifically, when the value indicated by the converted bit string or functional pattern is 0, that is, the module is white, and the color value of the module of the corresponding color design data Pm is darker than the intermediate value, A conversion formula is used such that the average value of the color values of each color component after correction becomes a numerical value between 192 and 255. Further, when the value indicated by the bit string after conversion or the functional pattern is 1, that is, the module is black, and the color value of the module of the corresponding color design data Pm is brighter than the intermediate value, A conversion formula is used such that the average value of the color values of each color component is a numerical value between 0 and 64.

  For example, for the submodule in the design area 33, a conversion formula of A ′ = A / 2 + 128 or A ′ = A / 2 is used according to the value of the bit string after conversion, and the submodules in other areas are A conversion formula of A ′ = A / 4 + 192 or A ′ = A / 4 may be used. That is, in the design area 33, since the color value for each submodule corresponds to the value such as the bit string after conversion, a conversion formula with a relatively small correction rate is used, and in other areas, the color value and conversion for each submodule are used. Since the values of the subsequent bit strings and the like do not necessarily correspond, a conversion formula having a relatively large correction rate may be used.

  Further, the value indicated by the bit string after conversion or the functional pattern is 0, that is, the module is white, and the average value of the color values of each color component of the module of the corresponding color design data Pm is between 192 and 255. The average value of the color values of the respective color components of the module of the corresponding color design data Pm when the value is a bright color value or the value indicated by the converted bit string or functional pattern is 1, that is, the module is black Is a dark color value between 0 and 64, the color value of the module of the color design data Pm may be used as it is as the color value of the two-dimensional code without correction.

  FIG. 18 shows an example of the two-dimensional code generated in this way. In the example of FIG. 18, the alignment pattern 13 arranged at the center of the heart shape has a color value reflecting the color value of the left half HL of the heart shape and the right half HR color value of the heart shape. In particular, the portion corresponding to the black module of the alignment pattern 13 corresponding to the heart-shaped left half HL has a dark color value of 0 to 64 in the heart-shaped left half HL. The color is the same as the color value. That is, even for the black module of the alignment pattern 13, the color value of the module of the color design data Pm is used as it is as the color value of the two-dimensional code. On the other hand, the portion corresponding to the white module of the alignment pattern 13 corresponding to the heart-shaped left half HL has a dark color value of 0 to 64 in the heart-shaped left half HL. The color value is corrected to a numerical value between 192 and 255 while reflecting the HL color value. Thus, according to the present embodiment, a two-dimensional code reflecting the color value of the color design data Pm in a wider area can be generated.

4). Configuration FIG. 19 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the two-dimensional code generation system of this embodiment. Note that the two-dimensional code generation system of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 19 are omitted.

  The input unit 160 is for inputting basic data of a two-dimensional code to be generated, original data to be read from the generated two-dimensional code, design data constituted by the generated two-dimensional code, and the like. Its functions include, for example, buttons and levers, as well as a touch panel display unit that has both input and display functions (images are displayed on the panel, and information is input by touching or pressing the screen with a finger or pen. Device). Further, design data may be input by an optical reading device such as a scanner or a camera.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100 and the like, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.

  The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, and magnetic tape. Alternatively, it can be realized by hardware such as a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of this embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores (records and stores) a program for causing the computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to implement each unit).

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and the function can be realized by a CRT, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, and a touch panel type display unit having both functions of an input unit and a display unit.

  The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host or another terminal), and functions thereof are hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, and the like. Can be realized.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is transferred from an information storage medium included in a host (server) to an information storage medium 180 (storage unit) via a network (wide area network, the Internet) and a communication unit 196. 170). Use of such a host (server) information storage medium is also included within the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs various processes such as a data display process, a data processing process, a data conversion process, and a two-dimensional code generation process based on input data and programs from the input unit 160. In this case, the processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main storage unit 172 in the storage unit 170 as a work area. The function of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) or ASIC (gate array, etc.) and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes a data acquisition unit 110, a code size determination unit 112, an unused data area specification unit 114, a binarized design data conversion unit 118, a two-dimensional code generation unit 120, and a two-dimensional code change unit 126. Note that the processing unit 100 does not need to include all these units (functional blocks), and some of them may be omitted.

  The data acquisition unit 110 acquires symbol model number information (size information) and format information (error correction level information) based on information input to the input unit 160. Further, original data (network address information or the like) that is information that the system user intends to transmit via the two-dimensional code symbol is converted into a bit code (bit string) based on the format of the two-dimensional code.

  The data acquisition unit 110 also includes color design data configured from color values for each module of the two-dimensional code corresponding to the size information, and color values for each module of the color design data are set to 2 according to the color value of each module. The binarized binarized design data is acquired. Here, the data acquisition unit 110 acquires a given color image data and generates color design data, and a binary based on the given color image data or based on the given color image data. A binarized design data generating unit that generates the digitized design data may be included. The data acquisition unit 110 converts given binary design data associated with the two-dimensional code into a bit code (bit string) based on the format of the two-dimensional code.

  In addition, the code size determination unit 112 may be employed to determine the size of the two-dimensional code according to the size (area, number of bits) of the acquired color image data, color design data, and binarized design data. . For example, the size information of the two-dimensional code may be determined so that the module corresponding to the acquired binarized design pattern fits in the design data area 33, and the data acquisition unit 110 may acquire the size information. In this case, based on the bit code of the original data and the bit code of the binarized design data, the size information of the two-dimensional code that can secure the design data area 33 in which the binarized design pattern can be allocated is specified. Also good.

  The design data area specifying unit 114 specifies the design data area 33 of the two-dimensional code corresponding to the data amount of the original data based on the size information of the two-dimensional code and the bit code obtained by converting the original data. More specifically, the design data area specifying unit 114 specifies the error correction data area 34 according to the size information, specifies the original data area 30 based on the original data, and determines the size information, the error correction data area 34, and the original data area 30. The design data area 33 is specified based on the data area 30.

  The binarized design data conversion unit 118 obtains a bit code obtained by inversely converting the binarized design data corresponding to the design data area 33 based on the format information of the two-dimensional code. Specifically, each process shown in FIGS. 5 and 5 is performed to obtain a bit code obtained by inversely converting the bit code of the binarized design pattern.

  The correction processing unit 119 determines whether or not the bit code after the reverse conversion conforms to the format of the two-dimensional code and the format of the network address, and performs correction processing for the non-conforming bit code to obtain the bit code in the design data area. Ask. For example, the determination process and the correction process for the bit code after the inverse conversion may be performed for each division unit based on the format of the two-dimensional code, or may be performed as a whole. Further, it may be performed for each bit (module).

  Further, the order of the processing of the binarized design data conversion unit 118 and the processing of the correction processing unit 119 may be switched. For example, the correction processing unit 119 determines whether or not the bit code of the binarized design data corresponding to the arbitrary address data area 31 is compatible with the two-dimensional code format and the network address format. A bit code of arbitrary address data is obtained by performing correction processing, and the binarized design data conversion unit 118 converts the bit code of the arbitrary address data after correction processing based on the format information of the two-dimensional code. You may make it ask.

  A two-dimensional code data generation unit 120 converts a bit code obtained by inversely converting binarized design data and a bit code indicating original data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code to generate a two-dimensional code. A bit string after conversion is generated. Specifically, each process shown in FIGS. 2 and 2 is performed to generate a two-dimensional code.

  In particular, the two-dimensional code data generation unit 120 includes an error correction data generation unit 122 and an alignment pattern setting unit 124. The error correction data generation unit 122 generates error correction data for correcting a read error of a generated two-dimensional code based on a bit code obtained by inversely converting binary design data and a bit code indicating original data. Generate. The alignment pattern setting unit 124 arranges the alignment pattern 13 used for reading the two-dimensional code.

  Further, the alignment pattern setting unit 124 may accept a process for omitting the alignment pattern 13. For example, the alignment pattern 13 may not be arranged based on information set before generating the two-dimensional code. Further, the alignment pattern 13 included in the predetermined cover area corresponding to the binarized design pattern may not be arranged by a predetermined algorithm. Alternatively, after the alignment pattern 13 is arranged and the two-dimensional code symbol 10 is completed, the alignment pattern 13 may be deleted based on the input information.

  The two-dimensional code changing unit 126 receives a change process for the generated two-dimensional code according to the error correction level data. In the present embodiment, four stages of error correction levels are prepared, and the respective restoration capabilities are determined. Therefore, the change of the arranged module (bit) is accepted from the size information of the two-dimensional code and the error correction level information within the range of the number of modules (number of bits, number of patterns) that can be restored even if changed.

  The color design data correction unit 128 corrects each color value so that at least the color value for each module of the color design data corresponding to the design data area 33 is read as the value of the converted bit string corresponding to each module. Find the color value.

  The two-dimensional code generation unit 130 generates a two-dimensional code based on the corrected color value and the converted bit string. That is, the two-dimensional code generation unit 130 generates a two-dimensional code in which a color design pattern based on the corrected color value is configured.

6. Use of two-dimensional code The two-dimensional code on which the color design pattern generated in the present embodiment is arranged can be printed on various printed materials and used. In addition, an image can be displayed on a display unit such as a monitor via various media such as television broadcasting, video broadcasting, and a game machine. In this case, image data of a two-dimensional code in which the color design pattern generated in this embodiment is arranged may be generated and displayed on the display unit.

  In particular, when the two-dimensional code generated in the present embodiment is displayed as an image, a plurality of types of color design patterns arranged in the design data area 33 are prepared. As these multiple types of color design patterns, for example, color design patterns with different shapes, such as circles, triangles, and squares, may be prepared. A plurality of color design patterns in which a given motion is divided into frames and designed respectively may be prepared. Further, the color of each module may be changed within a range that is read as a value indicated by the converted bit string.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, terms cited as broad or synonymous terms in the description in the specification or drawings can be replaced by broad or synonymous terms in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

  Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a matrix type two-dimensional code such as a QR code but also to various two-dimensional codes such as a stack type two-dimensional code. In that case, each process is performed according to the format of each two-dimensional code.

  Further, the present invention provides not only a program for generating a two-dimensional code in which a design pattern is arranged, but also a program for generating data for generating a two-dimensional code in which a design pattern is arranged, and a design pattern. The present invention can also be applied to a program for generating a generated two-dimensional code image, an information storage medium storing the program, and a system.

It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the two-dimensional code of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the two-dimensional code produced | generated by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this Embodiment. 6A, 6 </ b> B, and 6 </ b> C are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit in this embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the two-dimensional code production | generation process of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the two-dimensional code production | generation process of this Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the two-dimensional code production | generation process of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the two-dimensional code production | generation process of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the two-dimensional code production | generation process of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the two-dimensional code production | generation process of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block of this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 Two-dimensional code symbol, 13 Alignment pattern, 16 Encoding area, 30 Original data area, 33 Design data area, 34 Error correction code area, 40 Binary design pattern, 42 Mask pattern, 44 Inverse conversion module pattern, 52 Pattern before mask, 54 design two-dimensional code symbol, 100 processing unit, 110 data acquisition unit, 112 code size determination unit, 114 design data area identification unit, 118 binarized design data conversion unit, 120 two-dimensional code data generation unit, 126 Two-dimensional code change unit, 128 Color design data correction unit, 130 Two-dimensional code generation unit, 160 Input unit, 170 Storage unit, 180 Information storage medium, 190 Display unit

Claims (17)

A program for generating a two-dimensional code,
Size data of a two-dimensional code, original data to be read from the two-dimensional code, multi-tone design data composed of tone values for each module of the two-dimensional code corresponding to the size data, and the multi-tone A data acquisition unit that acquires binarized design data in which the gradation value of each module of the design data is binarized according to the gradation value of each module;
A design data area specifying unit for specifying a design data area of a two-dimensional code according to the data amount of the original data based on the size data and the original data;
A binarized design data conversion unit for obtaining an inversely converted bit string obtained by inversely converting the binarized design data corresponding to the design data area based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
A two-dimensional code data generation unit for obtaining a converted bit string obtained by converting the obtained inversely converted bit string and the bit string of the original data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
A corrected level obtained by correcting the gradation value so that at least a gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the design data area is read as a value of the converted bit string corresponding to each module. A multi-tone design data correction unit for obtaining a tone value;
A program that causes a computer to function as a two-dimensional code generation unit that generates a two-dimensional code based on the corrected gradation value. In claim 1,
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
The gradation value after correction in which the gradation value is corrected so that the gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the design data area is read as the value of the converted bit string corresponding to each module Seeking
The two-dimensional code generator is
A two-dimensional code is generated for the design data area based on the corrected gradation value, and a two-dimensional code is generated for the other areas of the two-dimensional code based on the converted bit string. program. In claim 1,
An error correction data generation unit for generating error correction data for correcting a read error of the generated two-dimensional code based on the inversely converted bit string;
The two-dimensional code data generation unit
Obtaining a converted bit string obtained by converting the obtained inverse conversion bit string, the bit string of the original data, and the bit string of the error correction data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
The gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the design data area, the original data area corresponding to the data amount of the original data, and the error correction data area corresponding to the size data is A corrected gradation value obtained by correcting the gradation value so as to be read as a value of the converted bit string corresponding to the above is obtained. In any one of Claims 1-3,
A function pattern setting unit for setting a function pattern used for reading the two-dimensional code;
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
The corrected gradation value is corrected so that the gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the area where the functional pattern is arranged is read as the value of the functional pattern corresponding to each module. A program characterized by obtaining a gradation value. In any one of Claims 1-4,
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
At least a gradation value for each module of multi-gradation design data corresponding to the design data area is corrected based on a conversion formula corresponding to the gradation value. In claim 5,
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
When the gradation value is a value in the first range near the middle of the range that the gradation value can take, the gradation value is corrected based on a conversion formula corresponding to the gradation value;
The two-dimensional code generator is
For the module in which the gradation value is in the first range, a two-dimensional code is generated based on the corrected gradation value, and the gradation value is a second value other than the value in the first range. A program for generating a two-dimensional code based on a gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data for a module having a value in the range of. In any one of Claims 1-4,
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
At least a gradation value for each module of multi-gradation design data corresponding to the design data area is corrected based on a conversion formula corresponding to a value of the converted bit string corresponding to each module. In claim 7,
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
When the gradation value is a value in the first range near the middle of the range that the gradation value can take, the gradation value is based on a conversion formula corresponding to the value of the converted bit string corresponding to each module. Correct,
The two-dimensional code generator is
For the module in which the gradation value is in the first range, a two-dimensional code is generated based on the corrected gradation value, and the gradation value is a second value other than the value in the first range. A program for generating a two-dimensional code based on a gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data for a module having a value in the range of. In any one of Claims 1-8,
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
When at least the gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the design data area is a value in the first range near the middle of the range of gradation values, a predetermined pattern is assigned to each module. A program for correcting the gradation value based on a conversion formula corresponding to the value assigned in step (b). In any one of Claims 1-9,
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
A program for correcting at least the gradation value of each color component for each module of multi-gradation design data corresponding to the design data area based on a conversion formula corresponding to the gradation value of each color component. In any one of Claims 1-10,
The multi-tone design data correction unit is
The value of the converted bit string corresponding to at least the design data area is the first value, and the minimum value of the gradation value of each color component of the corresponding multi-gradation design data module is greater than the first threshold value. Is smaller, the gradation value of each color component is corrected based on a conversion formula that increases the gradation value of each color component of the module,
The value of the converted bit string corresponding to at least the design data area is the second value, and the maximum value of the gradation value of each color component of the corresponding multi-gradation design data module is greater than the second threshold value. A program for correcting the gradation value of each color component based on a conversion formula for decreasing the gradation value of each color component of the module. A program for generating data for generating a two-dimensional code,
Size data of a two-dimensional code, original data to be read from the two-dimensional code, multi-tone design data composed of tone values for each module of the two-dimensional code corresponding to the size data, and the multi-tone A data acquisition unit that acquires binarized design data in which the gradation value of each module of the design data is binarized according to the gradation value of each module;
A design data area specifying unit for specifying a design data area of a two-dimensional code according to the data amount of the original data based on the size data and the original data;
A binarized design data conversion unit for obtaining an inversely converted bit string obtained by inversely converting the binarized design data corresponding to the design data area based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
A two-dimensional code data generation unit for obtaining a converted bit string obtained by converting the obtained inversely converted bit string and the bit string of the original data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
A corrected level obtained by correcting the gradation value so that at least a gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the design data area is read as a value of the converted bit string corresponding to each module. A program for causing a computer to function as a multi-tone design data correction unit for obtaining a tone value. A program for generating a two-dimensional code,
The size data of the two-dimensional code, the original data to be read from the two-dimensional code, the gradation value for each module of the two-dimensional code corresponding to the size data, and the gradation value in the range to be read as the first value The multi-tone design data composed of the tone values in the range read as the second value, and the tone values for each module of the multi-tone design data are binarized according to the tone values of each module. A data acquisition unit for acquiring binarized design data;
A design data area specifying unit for specifying a design data area of a two-dimensional code according to the data amount of the original data based on the size data and the original data;
A binarized design data conversion unit for obtaining an inversely converted bit string obtained by inversely converting the binarized design data corresponding to the design data area based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
A two-dimensional code data generation unit for obtaining a converted bit string obtained by converting the obtained inversely converted bit string and the bit string of the original data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
A program that causes a computer to function as a two-dimensional code generation unit that generates a two-dimensional code based on gradation values for each module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to at least the design data area.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is stored.   A two-dimensional code generated based on the program according to claim 1. A two-dimensional code generation system,
Size data of a two-dimensional code, original data to be read from the two-dimensional code, multi-tone design data composed of tone values for each module of the two-dimensional code corresponding to the size data, and the multi-tone A data acquisition unit that acquires binarized design data in which the gradation value of each module of the design data is binarized according to the gradation value of each module;
A design data area specifying unit for specifying a design data area of a two-dimensional code according to the data amount of the original data based on the size data and the original data;
A binarized design data conversion unit for obtaining an inversely converted bit string obtained by inversely converting the binarized design data corresponding to the design data area based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
A two-dimensional code data generation unit for obtaining a converted bit string obtained by converting the obtained inversely converted bit string and the bit string of the original data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
A corrected level obtained by correcting the gradation value so that at least a gradation value for each module of the multi-gradation design data corresponding to the design data area is read as a value of the converted bit string corresponding to each module. A multi-tone design data correction unit for obtaining a tone value;
A two-dimensional code generation unit that generates a two-dimensional code based on the corrected gradation value. A module representing given binary data is a two-dimensional code arranged two-dimensionally,
A module representing original data to be read from the two-dimensional code;
At least in a region other than the original data region where the module representing the original data is arranged, a module that constitutes a multi-gradation design with a gradation value for each module is arranged,
The gradation value for each module is
A two-dimensional code characterized in that the module represents any one of the binarized data and has a readable value.