JPH07311813A - Information reproducing device, method therefor and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an information reproducing device/method which can suppress the misrecognition of codes even if its recording medium is soiled or flawed, and the recording medium. CONSTITUTION:The dot code recorded with blue ink on a recording medium is illuminated by a light source 12 and a spectral filter 16 and photographed by an image pickup element 22. The photographed dot code is processed by an image processing part 26 and decoded by a data processing part 30. If an error is detected, another dotcoded recorded with red ink and has the same contents of the dot code recorded with blue ink is illuminated by a light source 14 and a spectral filter 18 and photographed. This photographed dot code is also decoded by the part 30. Then, the part 30 replaces the data on the area having an error with the newly decoded data and sends this data to a a data output part 32.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to so-called multimedia including audio information such as voice and music, video information obtained from cameras and video equipment, and digital code data obtained from personal computers and word processors. Paper, various resin films, recording media such as metal recording information as optically readable codes, and information reproducing apparatus and information reproducing apparatus for reading codes on such recording media and reproducing original multimedia information Regarding the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various media such as magnetic tapes and optical disks have been known as media for recording voice, music and the like. However, even if a large number of copies of these media are made, the unit price will be high to some extent, and a large amount of space will be required for their storage. Furthermore, when it is necessary to hand over a medium on which voice is recorded to another person in a remote place, it takes time and effort to send it by mail or bring it directly. There was also. In addition to audio information, video information obtained from cameras, video equipment, etc., and digital code data obtained from personal computers, word processors, etc.,
The same applies to the so-called multimedia information as a whole including the above.

Therefore, the applicant of the present invention has been able to perform facsimile transmission of multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information, and digital code data, and also, to reproduce a large amount of image information at low cost. Invented a system for recording on a recording medium such as paper, various resin films, and metal in the form of dot code, and a system for optically reading the dot code and reproducing it as original audio information or video information. Flat 5-260464
Filed as an issue.

In this information reproducing system, there is a method in which an information reproducing apparatus for optically reading and reproducing a dot code is held by hand, and the recording medium is manually scanned along the recorded dot code to read the information. It is disclosed.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned information reproducing apparatus, when the recording medium on which the dot code is recorded becomes dirty or the recording medium itself is scratched, the dot code is recorded. However, there is a problem in that the recorded information cannot be recognized correctly, or stains or scratches are mistakenly recognized as a dot code, and the recorded information cannot be reproduced correctly.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an information reproducing apparatus and method in which a code is less likely to be erroneously recognized even if the recording medium is dirty or scratched, and a recording medium therefor. The purpose is to

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention comprises audio information,
Multimedia information including at least one of image information and digital code data is optically readable and the multimedia information has different spectral characteristics,
A reading unit that optically reads the coded information from a recording medium that includes a portion in which a plurality of coded information having the same contents are spatially overlapped or shifted and recorded, and the plurality of read units that read the coded information. When reading coded information having different spectral characteristics, a plurality of illumination means having different spectral characteristics for illuminating the coded information with light according to the spectral reflection characteristic or spectral transmission characteristic of the target coded information And restoring means for converting the encoded information read by the reading means into the original multimedia information, and output means for outputting the multimedia information restored by the restoring means.

Alternatively, the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention is
Multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information, and digital code data is optically readable, and the multimedia information has different spectral characteristics and has a plurality of encoded information of the same content as a space. A reading unit that optically reads the coded information from a recording medium that includes a portion that is recorded by superimposing or shifting, and at least one optical filter that corresponds to the spectral characteristic of the coded information of interest, It is characterized in that it is provided with a restoring means for converting the encoded information read by the reading means into the original multimedia information, and an output means for outputting the multimedia information restored by the restoring means.

Alternatively, the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention is capable of optically reading multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information and digital code data, and the multimedia information has different spectral characteristics. Read by the reading unit that optically reads the coded information from a recording medium that includes a portion in which a plurality of coded information having the same contents are spatially overlapped or shifted and recorded. The reading means is provided with a restoring means for converting the encoded information into the original multimedia information and an outputting means for outputting the multimedia information restored by the restoring means. At least one optical filter, a means for dividing the optical path into a plurality of parts, and a plurality of imaging means corresponding to the divided optical paths. Characterized in that it.

The recording medium according to the present invention has a portion in which multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information and digital code data is recorded as optically readable coded information. From the reading means, which optically reads the encoded information,
Recording medium for use in an information reproducing apparatus having a restoring unit for converting the encoded information read by the reading unit into the original multimedia information and an output unit for outputting the multimedia information restored by the restoring unit And
The above-mentioned recording medium is characterized in that a plurality of pieces of encoded information having different spectral characteristics are spatially superimposed or shifted and recorded.

In the information reproducing method according to the present invention, multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information and digital code data can be optically read, and the multimedia information has different spectral characteristics. A reading unit that optically reads the coded information from a recording medium that includes a plurality of pieces of coded information that have the same content and are spatially superimposed or shifted and recorded, and a reading unit that reads the coded information. An information reproducing apparatus comprising: a restoring unit that restores the original multimedia information from the coded information having the plurality of different spectral characteristics, and an output unit that outputs the multimedia information restored by the restoring unit. An information reproducing method, wherein encoded information having the first spectral characteristic from the reading means is restored by the restoring means. If an error occurs during the coded information with a second spectral characteristic from the reading means, characterized in that restored by the restoration means.

Alternatively, the information reproducing method according to the present invention is
Multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information, and digital code data is optically readable, and the multimedia information is spatially encoded as a plurality of encoded information having different spectral characteristics and the same content. From a recording medium that optically reads the coded information from a recording medium that includes a portion that is recorded by superimposing or shifting, and from the coded information having the plurality of different spectral characteristics read by the reading means. What is claimed is: 1. An information reproducing method in an information reproducing apparatus, comprising: a restoring unit that restores the original multimedia information; and an output unit that outputs the multimedia information restored by the restoring unit. It is obtained by using the coded information having the spectral characteristic of 1 and the coded information having the second spectral characteristic from the reading means. 3 of the coded information, characterized in that restored by the restoration means.

[0013]

That is, the information reproducing apparatus, the information reproducing method of the present invention,
According to the recording medium, the code, which is the coded information on the recording medium, is recorded in multiple layers by superimposing or shifting the position with a plurality of paints having different absorption, reflection or emission characteristics of the spectral spectrum, If necessary, one of the codes is illuminated and read with illumination light that matches the characteristics of the paint. Therefore, even if a part of the recording medium is dirty or scratched, the same code is recorded with overlapping or shifted positions.For codes lost due to dirt, refer to the same code at other positions. By doing so, it is possible to read without error.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information reproducing apparatus of this embodiment, as described in detail in, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 5-260464 filed by the applicant of the present invention. It is assumed that it reads and reproduces a dot code.

The information reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a pen type housing 10 in which a reading unit and a reproducing unit for information are integrated. The reading unit includes the first and second light sources 12,
14, first and second spectral filters 16 and 18, lens 20, image sensor 22, preamplifier 24, image processing unit 2
6 and the controller 28. Also, the playback unit
It includes a data processing unit 30, a data output unit 32, and a data output terminal 34. Further, a battery 36 is built in the housing 10.

The first and second light sources 12 and 14 illuminate a dot code recorded on a recording medium (not shown) which contacts the tip of the housing 10. The first spectral filter 16 is attached to the lower side of the first light source 12, and
The second spectral filter 18 is attached to the lower side of the second light source 14. An image of a dot code recorded on a recording medium (not shown) is formed on the image sensor 20 by the lens 20.

The preamplifier 24 amplifies the video signal from the image pickup device 22, and the image processing section 26 uses the preamplifier 2
After converting the video signal output from 4 into a digital signal, image processing is performed. Then, the data processing unit 30 processes the output of the image processing unit 26, and the data output unit 32
The data processed by the data processing unit 30 is output from the data output terminal 34 to the outside.

The first and second light sources 12 and 14, the image sensor 22, the image processing unit 26, the data processing unit 30, and the data output unit 32 are controlled by a controller 28, respectively. Further, the battery 36 supplies electric power to each unit.

Next, the operation of this embodiment having the above configuration will be described. The image of the dot code formed by the lens 20 is converted into an electric signal by the image pickup element 22, and the preamplifier 2
After being amplified to a predetermined level in 4, the image processing unit 26 reads the dot code data from the image data. The read dot code is decoded by the data processing unit 30 and is output from the output terminal 34 as multimedia information such as a document, voice, image, etc. by the data output unit 32.

The series of operations described above is repeated while the information reproducing apparatus is held by hand and is manually moved along the dot code recorded on the recording medium along the dot code, thereby forming a band shape. It is possible to sequentially decode and reproduce multimedia information such as documents, voices, images, etc. included in the recorded dot code.

Here, the light sources 12 and 14 and the spectral filter 1
6 and 18, only the light of a specific wavelength is irradiated onto the recording medium. Light sources 12, 14 and spectral filters 16, 18
In practice, for example, as shown in FIG. 1B, a plurality of light sources are arranged on a ring-shaped substrate 38, and the spectral filters 16 and 18 are arranged every other one of the light sources to be integrated. Use one. The spectral characteristics of the transmittance of the spectral filters 16 and 18 are as shown in FIG. That is, the first
The spectral filter 16 is a filter that cuts the long wavelength side as shown by the characteristic curve 40, and mainly transmits only blue color light. On the other hand, the second spectral filter 18 is
As shown by the characteristic curve 42, it is a filter that cuts the short wavelength side, and mainly transmits only red light. Lighting of the light sources 12 and 14 is controlled by the controller 28 alternately.

On the other hand, on the recording medium, the dot code is double-recorded with two color inks (ink a and ink b) having different spectral reflectance characteristics, the positions of which are displaced. The spectral reflectance characteristics of the ink used here are as shown in FIG. That is, the ink a is a blue ink whose spectral reflectance is large on the short wavelength side and small on the long wavelength side, as indicated by the characteristic curve 44. On the other hand, the ink b
Is red ink that reflects on the long wavelength side as shown by the characteristic curve 46. The characteristic indicated by the characteristic curve 48 in FIG. 3 is the spectral reflection characteristic of white plain paper mainly used as a dot code recording medium, and the characteristic curve 50 is
This is the characteristic of the black ink conventionally used to print a dot code.

The blue dot code using ink a is
With respect to the red illumination light that has passed through the second spectral filter 18, the recorded dots and the white background paper can be distinguished with high contrast, as in the conventional black ink.
For the blue illumination light transmitted through the spectral filter 16 of
The dot code is not recognized because the reflectance is almost the same as white paper. Similarly, in the red dot code using the ink b, with respect to the blue illumination light transmitted through the first spectral filter 16, the recorded dots and the white background paper are similar to the conventional black ink. Although it can be identified with a high contrast, the dot code is not recognized with respect to the red illumination light that has passed through the second spectral filter 18, because the reflectance is almost the same as that of white paper.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of an example of a conventional dot code, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of an example of a dot code when the code having the same content is used in this embodiment. Is. In FIG. 4B, the dot code 52 is printed with the ink a, that is, the blue ink. The dot code 54 is printed with the ink b, that is, the red ink, and is displaced from the dot code 52. Both the dot code 52 and the dot code 54 have the same pattern as the code shown in FIG. 4A, and differ only in the ink color and the recorded position.

Now, with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 5, the operation of reading by the information reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment when the stain 56 adheres to the dot code of FIG. 4B will be described.

First, the image of the blue dot code 52 is taken in (step S1). That is, the first light source 12 is turned on, and the recording medium is irradiated with red light through the second spectral filter 18. At this time, the red dot code 54 printed with the ink b is not recognized as described above, and the blue dot code 52 printed with the ink a and the stain 56 are not recognized.
The image data with overlapping is obtained.

Subsequently, the image of the red dot code 54 is taken in (step S2). That is, the second light source 14
Is turned on, and blue light that has passed through the first spectral filter 16 is emitted. At this time, the blue dot code 52 printed with the ink a is not recognized, and image data in which the red dot code 54 printed with the ink b and the stain 56 are overlapped is obtained.

Next, image processing of the image data of the blue dot code 52 is performed (step S3). That is, the image data obtained from the blue dot code 52 becomes the image data as shown in FIG. 6A, is processed by the image processing unit 26 of the information reproducing apparatus, and is sent to the data processing unit 30 as the dot code data. To be

Then, the blue dot code 52 is decoded (step S4). That is, the data processing unit 30
Then, the dot code data sent from the image processing unit 26 is decoded. At this time, an error occurs due to the influence of the dirt 56 (if no error occurs here, the process proceeds to step S9 described later, the decoded data is sent to the data output unit 32, and is output via the output terminal 34. To).

If an error occurs in the decoded data of the blue dot code 52 (step S5), then the image processing of the image data of the red dot code 54 is performed (step S6). That is, the image data of the red dot code 54 is converted into dot code data by the image processing unit 26. Image data as shown in FIG. 6B is input to the data processing unit 30.

Then, the red dot code 54 is decoded (step S7). That is, the data processing unit 30
Then, the dot code data sent from the image processing unit 26 is decoded.

Here, a dirty area 58 (see FIG. 6A) where an error has occurred in the blue dot code 52 is
The red dot code 54 corresponds to the area 60 as shown in FIG. 6B, but this area 60 has no stain,
Therefore, no error will occur even if this part is decoded. Therefore, the data processing unit 30 replaces the data in the area 58 with the data in the area 60, and the data output unit 32
To (step S8).

The data output section 32 converts the sent data into data such as voice and image, and outputs the data to the outside through the output terminal 34 (step S9). As described above, in the present embodiment, the same dot code is printed on the recording medium with the two color inks at different positions, and in the information reproducing apparatus, the spectral reflection characteristics of the two color inks are used. The illumination is sequentially switched, the two colors of codes are read alternately, and when the code of one color cannot be read due to stains, etc., it is replaced with the code data of the other color that is distant from the stain position. By doing so, even when a part of the dot code on the recording medium is lost due to dirt or scratches, the multimedia information included in the dot code can be reproduced.

In this embodiment, the illumination is composed of the light source and the spectral filter. However, two light sources having different spectral characteristics of light emission, such as an LED, are used without using the spectral filter.
Etc. may be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the illumination and ink of two colors of red and blue are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of illuminations having different spectral characteristics and a plurality of inks corresponding thereto are used, so The effect of is obtained.

Furthermore, the second light source 14 and the second light source of this embodiment are
Even if an ultraviolet lamp is used in place of the spectral filter 18 and a fluorescent ink is used in place of the ink b, the same effect can be obtained. In this case, since the fluorescent ink does not develop color unless it is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the fluorescent ink does not appear to be printed in two colors, and does not look like the conventional ink.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information reproducing apparatus used in this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, that is, the same as that shown in FIG. 1A, and the dot code used in this embodiment is also the first one. This is similar to the dot code as shown in FIG. 4B described in the embodiment.

The operation of reading information by the information reproducing apparatus of this embodiment when the stain 56 adheres to the dot code of FIG. 4B will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7A. To do.

First, the image of the blue dot code 52 is captured (step S11). That is, the first light source 12
Lights up and red light is emitted onto the recording medium through the second spectral filter 18. As described above, the red dot code 54 printed with the ink b is not recognized, and image data in which the blue dot code 52 printed with the ink a and the stain 56 are overlapped is obtained.

Subsequently, the image of the red dot code 54 is taken in (step S12). That is, the second light source 1
4 is turned on, and blue light that has passed through the first spectral filter 16 is emitted. At this time, the blue dot code 52 printed with the ink a is not recognized, and image data in which the red dot code 54 printed with the ink b and the stain 56 are overlapped is obtained.

Further, while the image of the red dot code 54 is being captured, the image data obtained from the blue dot code 52 becomes the image data as shown in FIG. Is processed (step S1)
3).

Subsequently, the image data obtained from the red dot code 54 becomes the image data as shown in FIG. 6B and is processed by the image processing unit 26 (step S1).
4). Then, a synthetic code is generated (step S1).
5). That is, in the image processing unit 26, the image obtained from the already input blue dot code 52 ((A) in FIG. 6)
And the image obtained from the red dot code 54 that has just been processed ((B) of FIG. 6) are aligned, and then the logical sum (the place where ink is placed is true) is taken to obtain a composite image. And The obtained composite image becomes an image as shown in FIG. This is processed, converted into a dot code, and sent to the data processing unit 30.

The data processing section 30 decodes this to convert it into code data and sends it to the data output section 32 (step S16). The data output unit 32 converts the sent data into data such as voice and image, and outputs the data to the outside via the output terminal 34 (step S17).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the same dot code is printed on the recording medium with the two color inks at different positions, and in the information reproducing apparatus, the spectral reflection characteristics of the two color inks are printed. The dot code images of the two colors are alternately read by alternately switching the illumination according to the above, and both dot code images are combined and then converted into code data. Even if the part is damaged due to dirt or scratches, the multimedia information included in the dot code can be reproduced.

In this embodiment, the illumination is composed of the light source and the spectral filter. However, two light sources having different spectral characteristics of light emission, such as an LED, are used without using the spectral filter.
Etc. may be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the two colors of red and blue illumination and ink were used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the same applies by using a plurality of illuminations having different spectral characteristics and a plurality of inks corresponding thereto. The effect of is obtained.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7B is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the information reproducing apparatus of this embodiment, and the same parts as those in FIG. 1A are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The information reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment has a structure in which the data processing unit 30 and the data output unit 32 are built in the pen type casing 10 and the information reading unit and the reproducing unit are integrated.

This information reproducing apparatus includes a light source 12 that illuminates a dot code recorded on a recording medium (not shown) that contacts the tip of the housing 10, a lens 20, and a lens 20.
Dichroic mirror 62 that reflects a part of the light that passes through and transmits the rest, image pickup device 22a that forms an image of the dot code that has passed through dichroic mirror 62, and the image of the dot code that is reflected by dichroic mirror 62. Image pickup device 22b on which images are formed, and image pickup devices 22a and 2a
Preamplifiers 24a and 247b for amplifying the respective outputs of 2b to a predetermined level, an image processing unit 26, a data processing unit 30, a data output unit 32, and an output terminal 34.
And a battery 36 that supplies power to each unit, and a controller 28 that controls each unit.

Next, the operation of this embodiment having such a configuration will be described. The image of the dot code that has passed through the lens 20 and transmitted through the dichroic mirror 62 is converted into an electric signal by the image pickup device 22a, and the image of the dot code reflected by the dichroic mirror 62 is converted by the image pickup device 22b. After being amplified to a predetermined level at 24 and 24b, the image processing unit 26 combines the two image data, and the dot code data is read from the combined dot code image data. The read dot code is decoded by the data processing unit 30 and is output from the output terminal 34 as multimedia information such as a document, voice, image, etc. at the data output unit 32.

The above series of operations are repeatedly performed while the information reproducing apparatus is held by hand and manually moved along the dot code recorded on the recording medium. It is possible to sequentially decode and reproduce multimedia information such as a document, a voice, and an image included in a dot code recorded in a band shape.

Here, the spectral characteristics of the transmittance and reflectance of the dichroic mirror 62 are shown in FIG. The light transmitted through the dichroic mirror 62 has a short wavelength component as shown by the characteristic curve 64, and mainly transmits only blue light. On the other hand, the light reflected by the dichroic mirror 62 is a long wavelength component as shown by the characteristic curve 66,
Mainly transmits only red light.

On the other hand, the dot code is double-printed on the recording medium by shifting the positions of two color inks (ink a and ink b) having different spectral reflectance characteristics. The spectral reflectance characteristics of the ink used here are as shown in FIG. That is, the ink a is a blue ink whose spectral reflectance is large on the short wavelength side and small on the long wavelength side, as shown by the characteristic curve 44. On the other hand, the ink b is red ink that reflects on the long wavelength side as shown by the characteristic curve 46. The characteristic shown by the characteristic curve 48 in FIG.
Spectral reflection characteristics of white plain paper that is mainly used as a dot code recording medium, and a characteristic curve 50 is a characteristic of black ink conventionally used for printing dot codes.

Regarding the image pickup device 22a, both the reflected light from the blue dot code using the ink a and the reflected light from the white paper on the background pass through the dichroic mirror 62, so that the background and the dot code can be distinguished from each other. Not stick. On the other hand, since the reflected light from the red dot code using the ink b is reflected by the dichroic mirror 62 and does not pass through, it can be identified with a high contrast with respect to the white background paper.

With respect to the image pickup device 22b, both the reflected light from the red dot code using the ink b and the reflected light from the white paper in the background pass through the dichroic mirror 62, so that the background and the dot code. Cannot be distinguished. On the other hand, since the reflected light from the blue dot code using the ink a is reflected by the dichroic mirror 62 and does not pass through, it can be identified with a high contrast with respect to the white background paper.

An example of a conventional dot code is shown in FIG.
In FIG. 4B, an example of a dot code when the same code is used in this embodiment is shown in an enlarged form. In FIG. 4B, the dot code 52 is printed with the ink a, that is, the blue ink. Also,
The dot code 54 is printed with the ink b, that is, the red ink, and is displaced from the position of the blue dot code 52. Both the dot code 52 and the dot code 54 are the same as the code shown in FIG. 4A, and only the ink color and the recorded position are different.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the operation of the information reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment when the stain 56 adheres to the dot code of FIG. 4B will be described. First, the image of the blue dot code 52 is captured (step S21).
a). That is, the light source 12 is turned on to illuminate the recording medium. At this time, the image data in which the blue dot code 52 printed with the ink a and the stain 56 overlap each other is
Obtained in b. However, in this case, since the image is inverted in the image sensor 22b, mirror image processing is performed, such as reversing the horizontal reading direction.

At the same time, the image of the red dot code 54 is taken in (step S21b). That is, similar to step S21a, image data in which the red dot code 54 printed with the ink b and the stain 56 overlap each other is obtained by the image pickup device 22a.

Next, image processing of the image data of the blue dot code 52 is performed (step S22a). That is, the image data obtained from the blue dot code 52 becomes the image data as shown in FIG.
Is processed in.

The image data obtained from the red dot code 54 becomes the image data as shown in FIG. 6B and is processed by the image processing unit 26 (step S22).
b). Then, a synthetic code is generated (step S2).
3). That is, in the image processing unit 26, the blue dot code 5
After aligning the image obtained from No. 2 ((A) of FIG. 6) and the image obtained from the red dot code 54 ((B) of FIG. 6), the logical product (ink is on) However, it is taken as a composite image. The obtained composite image becomes an image as shown in FIG. 4A, and the influence of scratches and stains can be eliminated. This is processed, converted into a dot code, and sent to the data processing unit 30.

The data processing section 30 decodes this to convert it into code data and sends it to the data output section 32 (step S24). The data output unit 32 converts the sent data into data such as voice and image, and outputs the data to the outside via the output terminal 34 (step S25).

As described above, in this embodiment, the same dot code is printed on the recording medium with the two color inks at different positions, and in the information reproducing apparatus, the spectral reflection of the two color inks is performed. Using a dichroic mirror according to the characteristics, the two color dot code images are separated by the reflected light and the transmitted light, read by two image sensors at the same time, both dot code images are combined, and stains and scratches are created. Even if a part of the dot code on the recording medium is lost due to stains or scratches, the multimedia information included in the dot code can be converted into a dot code image without Can be played.

In this embodiment, the two color inks of red and blue and one dichroic mirror are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of inks having different spectral characteristics and their reflected light are reflected or transmitted. The same effect can be obtained by using the number of dichroic mirrors required for the above.

Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Here, the summary of the present invention is summarized as follows.

(1) A plurality of multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information and digital code data is optically readable, and the multimedia information has different spectral characteristics and the same content. Reading means for optically reading the coded information from a recording medium having a portion where the coded information is spatially superimposed or shifted and recorded, and a code having the plurality of different spectral characteristics by the reading means. At the time of reading the encoded information, a plurality of illumination means having different spectral characteristics for illuminating the encoded information with light according to the spectral reflection characteristic or the spectral transmission characteristic of the target encoded information, and the reading means Decompression means for converting the read coded information into the original multimedia information, and outputting the multimedia information restored by this decompression means An information reproducing apparatus comprising: an output unit.

That is, the code, which is the coded information on the recording medium, is superposed with a plurality of paints having different spectral characteristics or is superposedly recorded at different positions, and is recorded by the illuminating means as needed. One of the codes is illuminated with illumination light matched to the characteristics of the paint, and read by the reading means. Therefore, even if a part of the recording medium is dirty or scratched, the same code is recorded with overlapping or shifted positions.For codes lost due to dirt, refer to the same code at other positions. By doing so, it is possible to read without error.

(2) The information reproducing apparatus according to (1), wherein the illuminating means comprises a light source and an optical filter. That is, by turning on the light source as necessary, the code, which is the coded information, can be illuminated with the illumination light that matches the characteristics of the paint by the optical filter provided correspondingly.

(3) The information reproducing apparatus described in (1) is characterized in that the plurality of illuminating means use a plurality of light emitting elements having different emission spectral characteristics. That is, by turning on a light source such as an LED having a different spectral characteristic of light emission as necessary,
It is possible to illuminate the code, which is the coded information, with illumination light that matches the characteristics of the paint.

(4) The information reproducing apparatus according to (1), wherein the plurality of illuminating means include at least one illuminating device that emits ultraviolet rays. That is, one of the paints for recording the coded information can be read as fluorescent ink.

(5) A plurality of multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information, and digital code data is optically readable, and the multimedia information has different spectral characteristics and has the same content. Reading means for optically reading the coded information from a recording medium provided with a portion where the coded information is spatially superimposed or shifted and recorded, and at least 1 according to the spectral characteristic of the target coded information. Two optical filters,
An information reproducing apparatus comprising: a restoring unit that converts the encoded information read by the reading unit into original multimedia information, and an output unit that outputs the multimedia information restored by the restoring unit.

That is, the code, which is the coded information on the recording medium, is superposed by a plurality of paints having different spectral characteristics or is recorded in multiple positions with the positions thereof shifted, and when reading this, if necessary, , One of the codes is read through an optical filter that matches the characteristics of the paint. Therefore, even if a part of the recording medium is dirty or scratched, the same code is recorded with overlapping or shifted positions.For codes lost due to dirt, refer to the same code at other positions. By doing so, it can be read without error.

(6) A plurality of multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information, and digital code data is optically readable, and the multimedia information has different spectral characteristics and the same content. Reading means for optically reading the coded information from a recording medium having a portion where the coded information is spatially overlapped or shifted and recorded, and the coded information read by the reading means is used as an original multi-code. The reading means comprises at least one optical filter according to the spectral characteristic of the target encoded information, which comprises a restoring means for converting into media information and an output means for outputting the multimedia information restored by the restoring means. And means for dividing the optical path into a plurality of parts,
An information reproducing apparatus comprising: a plurality of image pickup means corresponding to the divided optical paths.

That is, the code, which is the coded information on the recording medium, is superposed by a plurality of paints having different spectral characteristics or is superposedly recorded at different positions, and is read out as needed when reading the same. Any one of the codes is passed through an optical filter adapted to the characteristics of the paint, and the optical path is divided into a plurality of sections, which are read by the image pickup means. Therefore, even if a part of the recording medium is dirty or scratched, the same code is recorded with overlapping or shifted positions.For codes lost due to dirt, refer to the same code at other positions. By doing so, it is possible to read without error. In addition, the illumination system does not require any special consideration, which contributes to cost reduction. Further, since the blue image processing is performed in parallel, the processing speed is improved.

(7) The information reproducing apparatus described in (6) is characterized in that a dichroic mirror is used as the means for dividing the optical filter and the optical path. That is, since the optical filter and the optical path splitting means can be configured by one member, the number of parts can be reduced.

(8) From the recording medium having a portion in which multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information and digital code data is recorded as optically readable coded information, A reading unit that optically reads the information, a restoring unit that converts the encoded information read by the reading unit into the original multimedia information, and an output unit that outputs the multimedia information restored by the restoring unit. A recording medium for use in an information reproducing apparatus, characterized in that the same encoded information having a plurality of different spectral characteristics is spatially superimposed or shifted and recorded on the recording medium. Recording medium.

That is, the code, which is the coded information on the recording medium, is recorded in multiple layers by superimposing or shifting the position with a plurality of paints having different spectral characteristics. Therefore, when the coded information on this recording medium is read and reproduced, if any one of the codes is illuminated and read with illumination light matched to the characteristics of the paint, it can be read as part of the recording medium. Even if it is dirty or scratched, multiple identical codes are recorded with overlapping or shifted positions, so codes that are missing due to dirt can be read without error by referencing the same code at other positions. be able to.

(9) The coded information having a plurality of different spectral characteristics is recorded with a coloring material having any one of a plurality of different spectral reflection characteristics, spectral transmission characteristics, and fluorescence characteristics. The recording medium according to (8).

That is, the coded information can be easily recorded using a coloring material which is inexpensive and easily available. (10) The recording medium according to (8), wherein the coded information having the plurality of different spectral characteristics is recorded with a plurality of inks having different colors.

That is, it is possible to record coded information having a plurality of different spectral characteristics on a recording medium in a conventional printing machine without using a special recording device. (11) The recording medium according to (8), wherein the plurality of pieces of encoded information having different spectral characteristics are recorded with blue ink and red ink.

That is, the code printed with blue ink is observed with its spectral characteristics biased toward the short wavelength side in the visible region, and the code printed with red ink is observed biased toward the long wavelength side. It can be read separately using a filter.

(12) The recording medium according to (8), wherein the coded information having the plurality of different spectral characteristics is recorded with ink and fluorescent ink. That is, since the encoded information recorded with the fluorescent ink is invisible,
When the recording medium is viewed, it is possible to make the code, which is the coded information, not appear to be printed in two colors on the recording medium.

(13) The recording medium according to (8), wherein the coded information having a plurality of different spectral characteristics is recorded with a plurality of fluorescent inks having different emission spectral characteristics.

That is, since the encoded information can be recorded invisible, it becomes possible to record characters and images together on the medium. (14) A plurality of encodings in which multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information, and digital code data is optically readable, and the multimedia information has different spectral characteristics and the same content Reading means for optically reading the coded information from a recording medium having a portion where information is spatially superimposed or shifted and recorded, and a code having the plurality of different spectral characteristics read by the reading means. An information reproducing method in an information reproducing apparatus, comprising: a restoring means for restoring the original multimedia information from the encoded information and an outputting means for outputting the multimedia information restored by the restoring means, the reading means. If an error occurs when the encoded information having the first spectral characteristic from the above is restored by the restoration means, An information reproducing method characterized in that encoded information having the second spectral characteristic from the taking means is restored by the restoring means.

That is, in the past, the code may not be readable, for example, when a part of the recording medium on which the code as the coded information is recorded is soiled. However, when the code cannot be read, Can be read without error by referring to codes with different spectral characteristics that are recorded at different positions.

(15) A plurality of multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information and digital code data can be optically read, and the multimedia information has different spectral characteristics and the same content. Reading means for optically reading the coded information from a recording medium having a portion where the coded information is spatially superimposed or shifted and recorded, and the plurality of different spectral characteristics read by the reading means. Restoration means for restoring the original multimedia information from the encoded information having
An information reproducing method in an information reproducing apparatus, comprising: an output means for outputting the multimedia information restored by the restoring means, wherein the encoded information having the first spectral characteristic from the reading means; An information reproducing method characterized in that the restoring means restores third encoded information obtained by using the encoded information having the second spectral characteristic from the reading means.

That is, since codes having the same content but different spectral characteristics are recorded at different positions, even if dirt is attached on the plurality of codes, the same dirt is attached to the same place on the plurality of codes. Therefore, by combining the images of the plurality of codes, it is possible to create an image of the code that is clean. Further, according to this configuration, the above (14)
Since the processing is performed in parallel, the reading processing speed is improved as compared with the configuration of FIG.

[0088]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide an information reproducing apparatus and method, and a recording medium therefor, in which a code is less likely to be erroneously recognized even if the recording medium has stains or scratches.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1A is a block configuration diagram of an information reproducing apparatus according to first and second embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a first and second embodiment.
It is a figure which shows the structural example of the illuminating device in the information reproducing apparatus of an Example.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing characteristics of a spectral filter of the information reproducing apparatus of the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing spectral reflection characteristics of ink used in the dot codes of the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of a conventional dot code, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of a dot code used in the first to third embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment.

6A and 6B are diagrams showing examples of dot code images obtained in the first to third embodiments.

FIG. 7A is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a block diagram of the information reproducing apparatus of the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing characteristics of a dichroic mirror used in the information reproducing apparatus of the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Pen type housing, 12, 14 ... Light source, 16, 18 ... Spectral filter, 20 ... Lens, 22, 22a, 22b ... Imaging device, 24, 24a, 24b ... Preamplifier, 26 ... Image processing unit, 28 ... controller, 30 ... data processing unit,
32 ... Data output section, 34 ... Data output terminal, 36 ... Battery, 38 ... Ring substrate, 52 ... Blue dot code, 54 ... Red dot code, 56 ... Dirt, 62 ... Dichroic mirror.

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information and digital code data is optically readable, and the multimedia information has different spectral characteristics and the same content. Reading means for optically reading the coded information from a recording medium having a portion where the coded information is spatially superimposed or shifted and recorded, and the coding means having the plurality of different spectral characteristics by the reading means. When reading the information, a plurality of illuminating means having different spectral characteristics for illuminating the coded information with light according to the spectral reflection characteristic or the spectral transmission characteristic of the target coded information, and the reading means read the information. Restoring means for converting the encoded information to the original multimedia information, and an output for outputting the multimedia information restored by the restoring means An information reproducing apparatus comprising: a means. 2. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lighting unit includes a light source and an optical filter. 3. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of illuminating means use a plurality of light emitting elements having different emission spectral characteristics. 4. The plurality of illumination means includes at least one illumination device that emits ultraviolet rays.
The information reproducing apparatus described in. 5. A plurality of multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information and digital code data is optically readable, and the multimedia information has different spectral characteristics and has the same content. A reading unit that optically reads the coded information from a recording medium having a portion where the coded information is spatially superimposed or shifted and recorded, and at least one corresponding to the spectral characteristic of the target coded information. An optical filter, a restoring unit that converts the encoded information read by the reading unit into the original multimedia information, and an output unit that outputs the multimedia information restored by the restoring unit. Information playback device. 6. A plurality of multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information and digital code data is optically readable, and the multimedia information has different spectral characteristics and the same content. A reading unit that optically reads the coded information from a recording medium that includes a portion that is spatially overlapped or shifted as the coded information, and the original multimedia that is the coded information read by the reading unit A reading unit that converts the information into information; and an output unit that outputs the multimedia information restored by the restoring unit, wherein the reading unit includes at least one optical filter corresponding to a spectral characteristic of the target encoded information. And a means for dividing the optical path into a plurality of portions, and a plurality of image pickup means corresponding to the divided optical paths. Reproducing apparatus. 7. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the optical filter and the means for dividing the optical path use a dichroic mirror. 8. The encoded information is recorded from a recording medium having a portion in which multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information and digital code data is recorded as optically readable encoded information. Information comprising a reading unit for optically reading, a restoring unit for converting the encoded information read by the reading unit into the original multimedia information, and an output unit for outputting the multimedia information restored by the restoring unit A recording medium for use in a reproducing apparatus, characterized in that the same encoded information having a plurality of different spectral characteristics is spatially superimposed or shifted and recorded on the recording medium. recoding media. 9. The encoded information having a plurality of different spectral characteristics is recorded by a coloring material having any one of a plurality of different spectral reflection characteristics, spectral transmission characteristics, and fluorescence characteristics. Item 8. The recording medium according to item 8. 10. The recording medium according to claim 8, wherein the coded information having a plurality of different spectral characteristics is recorded with a plurality of inks of different colors. 11. The recording medium according to claim 8, wherein the coded information having a plurality of different spectral characteristics is recorded with blue ink and red ink. 12. The recording medium according to claim 8, wherein the coded information having a plurality of different spectral characteristics is recorded with ink and fluorescent ink. 13. The recording medium according to claim 8, wherein the coded information having a plurality of different spectral characteristics is recorded with a plurality of fluorescent inks having different emission spectral characteristics. 14. A plurality of multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information, and digital code data is optically readable, and the multimedia information has different spectral characteristics and the same content. A reading unit that optically reads the coded information from a recording medium that includes a portion where the coded information is spatially superposed or shifted and recorded, and the plurality of different spectral characteristics read by the reading unit. An information reproducing method in an information reproducing apparatus, comprising: a restoring unit that restores the original multimedia information from the encoded information that it has, and an output unit that outputs the multimedia information restored by the restoring unit. When an error occurs when the encoded information having the first spectral characteristic from the reading means is restored by the restoring means, Information reproducing method characterized by restoring the second of said restoration means coded information having the spectral characteristics from the reading means. 15. A plurality of multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information and digital code data is optically readable, and the multimedia information has different spectral characteristics and the same content. A reading unit that optically reads the coded information from a recording medium that includes a portion where the coded information is spatially superposed or shifted and recorded, and the plurality of different spectral characteristics read by the reading unit. An information reproducing method in an information reproducing apparatus, comprising: a restoring unit that restores the original multimedia information from the encoded information that it has, and an output unit that outputs the multimedia information restored by the restoring unit. The coded information having the first spectral characteristic from the reading unit and the coded information having the second spectral characteristic from the reading unit are provided. Information reproducing method characterized by the third encoded information obtained by use restoring by the restoring means.