JP2002354236A - Method and device for image recording and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To always secure the reliability of data read from an encoded image when similarly expanding or reducing an image including a readable image and the encoded mage to record it on a recording medium. SOLUTION: When the readable image and the encoded image are similarly expanded or reduced and are recorded on the recording medium, the readable image and the encoded image (dot code) are separated from each other by a dot code image separation part 18, and the readable image is expanded or reduced by an expansion/reduction image generation part 16, and the encoded image is not expanded nor reduced and is subjected to correction like recording position change by a dot code image correction part 20, and the expanded or reduced readable image and the corrected encoded image are composited in a composition part 22 and are recorded on the recording medium by a printer 28.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a visually readable image such as a character, a symbol, a figure, a picture, a photographic image, or a computer graphic image, and an optical image obtained by encoding data. The present invention relates to an image recording method and an image recording apparatus for recording an image including a readable encoded image on a recording medium, and a program including instructions for causing a computer to execute an operation of such an image recording apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a human readable image such as a character, a symbol, a graphic, a picture, a photographic image, a computer graphic image, or the like, which is directly readable by human eyes, and data such as text and voice are encoded. An image recording method or image recording for recording the obtained encoded image optically readable by a reading device represented by a one-dimensional or two-dimensional bar code on a sheet-like recording medium such as paper or film. Various devices have been proposed.

For example, JP-A-60-244146, JP-A-6-231466, and JP-A-7-181
606 publication.

According to the technology disclosed in these publications, for example, a voice can be recorded on the paper, so that the readable image and the voice can be integrated on the paper, and the reading device can recognize the code. By reading the virtualized image, the sound can be easily heard on the spot.

[0005] Above all, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
In Japanese Patent No. 31466, data such as sound is converted into a dot code which is an encoded image which can be easily optically read by manual scanning, and this is recorded together with a readable image on a recording medium such as paper. It is disclosed.

The physical format of the dot code is
As shown in FIG.

That is, the dot code 100 is configured by arranging a plurality of blocks 102 adjacent to each other two-dimensionally.

In each block 102, data such as audio divided for each block is stored in a black dot or a white dot corresponding to the value “1” or “0” (white dots in FIG. Instead, a white portion, which is the ground color of the recording medium, is read as a white dot.), A two-dimensional array pattern area (data dot pattern area 104) recorded as an image is provided.

In each of the four corners of each block 102, a constant black number used for finding a reading reference position for reading each dot (data dot 106) in the data dot pattern area 104 is set. In order to identify each of the plurality of blocks 102, a block address pattern 110 including an error detection or error correction code is provided between the markers 108. . The matching dot pattern 112 is for setting the reading reference position with higher accuracy.

FIG. 9 shows a functional block configuration of a reading device 200 for optically reading the dot code 100 by manually scanning the dot code 100.

That is, an illuminating section 202A composed of an LED or the like for illuminating the dot code 100, an optical system 202B for forming an image of reflected light based on the dot code 100, and a CCD for receiving an image formed by the optical system 202B. Imaging unit 202 including an area sensor 202C, etc., a binarization processing unit 204 that binarizes an imaging signal output from the imaging unit 202 with a predetermined binarization threshold, and the binarization processing unit A binarized image memory 206 for storing binarized image data binarized at 204;
A restoring unit 208 for detecting the dots (data dots 106) from the binarized image data stored in No. 6 and assigning a value of “0” or “1” to each of the detected dots and outputting the data; A demodulation unit 210 that demodulates the data output by the restoration unit 208 and a reproduction unit 212 that reproduces and outputs data such as original audio by performing error correction processing, data expansion processing, and the like. I have.

According to this reading apparatus, even if the entire size of the dot code 100 is larger than the imaging field of view 202D of the imaging section 202 (see FIG. 8), the imaging section 20 can be read.
2 moves on the dot code 100 and sequentially captures the image while dividing the dot code 100 into regions, whereby the entire dot code 100 can be read.

In other words, even if the dot code 100 cannot be imaged in one shot (one imaging), the data dot pattern and the block address pattern for each of the blocks, which are the minimum reading units, are used. As long as the data can be read, it is possible to collect the data of each block 102 based on the block address and reconstruct the entire original data, so that simple reading by manual scanning becomes possible.

Here, the restoring unit 208 reads out the binarized image data stored in the binarized image memory 206 and detects each of the dots (data dots 106).
First, a marker 108 is found from the binarized image data, and then, based on the barycentric position of the found marker 108 and the matching dot pattern 112,
A dot reading reference position is determined, and the data dot pattern area 10 is determined from the determined dot reading reference position.
The dot reading point for reading each dot in 4 is detected, it is determined whether each detected dot reading point is white or black, and a value of “0” or “1” is assigned to the data. Is configured to be output.

[0015] The demodulation unit 210 is provided with the dot code 100.
Since the data such as audio input as a recording target is subjected to modulation processing in advance at the time of recording, the processing for returning the data to the original data before modulation is performed.

That is, the modulation processing is performed by the restoration unit 20.
8, first, a process performed in advance to make it easier to find the marker 108, in which each dot (data dot 1) in the data dot pattern area 104 is
06) and the marker 108 so that the number of continuous black dots in the data dot pattern area 104 is smaller than the number of continuous black dots forming the marker 108 as a result. This is a process that is performed on data such as voice data.

For example, when the maximum diameter of the marker 108 is equivalent to the size of five consecutively arranged black dots recorded in the data dot pattern area 104, the modulation after the modulation processing is performed. The modulation processing is performed on the input data such as audio so that the number of continuous black dots in the data is less than five.

By the way, such an encoded image such as a dot code is usually generated by encoding data such as sound on a computer, and when recording the data, together with a readable image, a printer or the like is used. To be recorded on a recording medium such as paper.

[0019]

However, when such an encoded image such as the dot code described above is recorded on a recording medium together with the readable image, the readable image is similarly enlarged or reduced and recorded. It is often the case that it is desired to do so. At this time, it has been found that if the coded image is similarly enlarged or reduced, the following problem occurs.

This will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 11B. That is, in reading the dots (data dots 106), it is assumed that the centers of the dots (data dots 106) are at equal intervals, for example. , The read position of each dot is shifted, so that a reading error of each dot occurs.

Normally, when no enlargement or reduction is performed,
One data dot of the encoded image is recorded corresponding to one recording (printing) dot recordable at the recording resolution of the printer. For example, when recording an encoded image arranged with data dots as shown in FIG. 10A, recording on a recording medium with the arrangement of recording (printing) dots 114 as shown in FIG. Is done. In this case, each data dot 10
The center positions of No. 6 are equally spaced, and no reading error occurs due to the shift of the dot reading point detection position as described above.

When the coded image shown in FIG. 10A is recorded at an integral multiple of the enlargement ratio, for example, the recording (printing) dots 114 are arranged as shown in FIG. (2 times magnification). In this case, each data dot 106 includes a plurality of recording (print) dots 11.
4, but all have the same recording (printing) dot configuration, so the center positions of the data dots 106 are equally spaced, and the dot reading points are the same as in FIG. No reading error occurs without the detection position being shifted.

However, when the enlargement ratio is set to a non-integer multiple, for example, as shown in FIG.
In the case of doubling, the number of recording (printing) dots constituting each data dot differs (data dot 106
A, 106B, 106C). Since the number of recording (printing) dots constituting each data dot is different, the center positions of the data dots are not equally spaced, and in dot reading, the detection position of the dot reading point is shifted and a reading error occurs. Will occur.

Conversely, when the coded image shown in FIG. 10A is reduced, for example, as shown in FIG. Is thinned out and recorded on the recording medium (reduction ratio 0.8 times).
For example, the arrangement of the data dots in the column 116 must be as shown in the column 118 when reduced, but the blank area 120 recognized as a white dot and the recording (print) dot 122 recognized as a black dot Are thinned out due to the recordable resolution of the printer. When reading the coded image reduced in this way, it is obvious that a reading error occurs naturally.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when an image including a readable image and an encoded image is recorded on a recording medium by being similarly enlarged or reduced, the encoding is performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image recording method and an image recording apparatus capable of always ensuring the reliability of reading data of an image, and a program including an instruction for causing a computer to execute an operation of such an image recording apparatus.

[0026]

In order to achieve the above object, an image recording method according to the present invention is capable of visually reading characters, symbols, figures, patterns, photographic images, computer graphic images, and the like. An image recording method for recording an image including a readable image and an optically readable encoded image obtained by encoding data on a recording medium, wherein the image is recorded on the recording medium. Is recorded in the same manner as above when the encoded image is recorded without being enlarged or reduced.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus comprising: a visually readable image such as a character, a symbol, a figure, a picture, a photographic image, or a computer graphic image; An image recording apparatus for recording, on a recording medium, an image including an optically readable encoded image obtained by encoding the image, and the image is similarly enlarged on the recording medium. Alternatively, when recording at a reduced size, the encoded image includes a recording unit that records the encoded image without performing the enlargement or reduction.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, a program according to the present invention comprises a program for encoding a readable image such as a character, a symbol, a figure, a picture, a photographic image, a computer graphic image or the like, which can be visually read, and a data. A program including an instruction for causing a computer to execute an operation for recording on a recording medium an image including an optically readable encoded image obtained by the conversion process, and When the image is recorded in an enlarged or reduced manner in a similar manner, the encoded image includes an instruction for causing a computer to execute a process of recording without being enlarged or reduced.

That is, according to the image recording method, the image recording device, and the program of the present invention, when a readable image and an encoded image are recorded on a recording medium by being similarly enlarged or reduced, the readable image is Performs the enlargement or reduction, but records the encoded image without performing the enlargement or reduction. Accordingly, even when an image including a readable image and an encoded image is recorded by being enlarged or reduced, it is possible to provide a wide range of image recording as an application without preventing the recorded encoded image from being read or lowering the reading accuracy. be able to.

[0030]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. This image recording apparatus includes an image image input unit 10, a recording condition setting unit 12, a dot code detection unit 14, an enlarged / reduced image image generation unit 16, a dot code image separation unit 18, a dot code image correction unit 20, and a synthesis unit 22. , A warning unit 24, a printer output control unit 26, and a printer 28. Here, the image image input unit 10 to the printer output control unit 26 can be realized by software executed on a personal computer, for example.

The image input unit 10 includes a readable image (such as a character, a symbol, a graphic, a picture, a photographic image, or a computer graphic image) and an optically readable encoding obtained by encoding data. This is a part for inputting image data including an image (dot code). The portions for creating the readable image and the coded image are the same as those in the related art, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The image input unit 10 converts the input image data into the recording condition setting unit 1.
The processing is performed based on the setting contents of the presence / absence of the designation of enlargement or reduction of the image to be recorded set in Step 2. That is, if the enlargement or reduction is not specified, the input image is transferred to the printer output control unit 26. If the enlargement or reduction is specified, the input image is input. The image is transferred to the dot code detection unit 14.

The recording condition setting section 12 performs various recording-related settings when recording an image (for example, whether or not there is enlargement or reduction recording, enlargement / reduction ratio, type of recording medium, size, color correction, etc.). Setting), and setting value management,
This is for performing storage and the like.

In accordance with a request, the presence or absence of designation of enlargement or reduction and the set value of the enlargement or reduction ratio when enlargement or reduction is set are determined by the image image input unit 10 and the enlargement / reduction image generation. Notifying unit 16, dot code image correcting unit 20, and printer output control unit 26.

When the enlargement or reduction is designated, the dot code detection unit 14 searches the image data transferred from the image input unit 10 to detect the dot code 100. When the dot code 100 is detected, the fact is notified to the warning unit 24 and the image data is transferred to the dot code image separation unit 18. On the other hand, when the dot code 100 is not detected, the image data is transferred to the enlarged / reduced image image generator 16.

Here, a method for detecting the dot code 100 will be described. As described with reference to FIG. 8, the image data of the dot code 100 has dots of the same pattern configuration in all the blocks 102 except for the data dots 106 and the block address patterns 110 in the data dot pattern area 104. Therefore, by searching this dot configuration from the image data, the position coordinates and the size where the dot code 100 is arranged can be obtained.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the upper end portion 30 and the left end portion 32 of the dot code 100 are composed of patterns unique to all dot codes and repetitions thereof. The upper and lower end portions 30 and 32 of FIG. 2 are represented by a bit pattern "1" and a dot pattern "0" are represented by bits "0" and "0", respectively. The dot code 100 can be detected by searching from the image data.

The enlarged / reduced image image generator 16
Generates image data obtained by enlarging or reducing an image based on the enlargement ratio or reduction ratio set by the recording condition setting unit 12. Then, the generated enlarged or reduced image data is transferred to the synthesizing unit 22.

The dot code image separation section 18
The dot code image data is separated from the image data on which the dot code is detected by the dot code detection unit 14. Then, the separated dot code image data is transferred to the dot code image correction unit 20.
And the image data from which the dot code image data has been separated is transferred to the enlarged / reduced image image generator 16.

The dot code image correction section 20
The dot code image data separated from the image data by the dot code image separation unit 18 is classified based on the selection of enlargement / reduction set by the recording condition setting unit 12 and the set value of the enlargement ratio or reduction ratio. To
Perform correction processing. Then, the corrected dot code image data is transferred to the synthesizing unit 22.

Here, a method of correcting a dot code image performed by the dot code image correcting section 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6B.

FIG. 3 shows a case where the image image 36 including the readable image 34 and the dot code 100 as the encoded image is enlarged by n times (n> 1). When the image 36 is enlarged, the image 36 becomes an enlarged image 36 ′. In this case, the horizontal size h and the vertical size v of the image 36 are also enlarged by n times (a portion of only the readable image), and enlarged. In the image 36 ', it is enlarged to the size of h * n and v * n, respectively. As described above, since the dot code 100 causes a reading error at the time of reading, the dot code 100 is not enlarged and only the recording start position of the dot code 100 is changed. For example, if the coordinates of the dot code recording start position in the image 36 are (x, y), the coordinates of the dot code recording start position in the enlarged image 36 'are (x * n, y * n).
Becomes

When the recording area of the dot code 100 is present in the readable image 34 at the stage of generating the image 36, a blank area 38 for recording the dot code 100 is created on the readable image 34. This blank area 38
Is created slightly larger than the area where the dot code 100 is recorded, and is created so that the dot code 100 is located at the center of the blank area 38. Naturally, when the image is enlarged, this blank area 38 is also a blank area whose horizontal / vertical size is enlarged by n times like the blank area 38 'in the readable image 34' of the enlarged image image 36 '. Is created. However, the recording position of the dot code 100 on the enlarged image 36 'is not arranged near the center of the blank area 38' because the dot code 100 is not enlarged. That is,
Originally, if the dot code 100 is also enlarged at the same enlargement ratio (the area 40 when the dot code is enlarged), the dot area 100 is located at the center of the empty area 38 ′ This is because the dot code 100 is not enlarged, and therefore a shortage a in the horizontal direction and a shortage b in the vertical direction occur.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the dot code image correction section 20 performs a correction process for setting the dot code 100 at the center position of the blank area 38 ', as shown in FIG.
Each half of dot code shortage a and b due to enlargement of dot code
(That is, a / 2 and b / 2) are added to the coordinates of the recording start position of the dot code 100.
00 is located at the center of the blank area 38 '.

The dot code image correction unit 2
As shown in FIG. 5, the correction process when the image is enlarged by 0 is that the position of the dot code 100 is not moved, and the insufficient area is formed in the same format as the block 102 of the dot code that fits in the area. It is also possible to add a dummy block 42 (redundant image).

FIG. 6A shows a case where the readable image 34 and the image 36 including the dot code 100 as the encoded image are reduced by m times (m <1). When the image 36 is reduced, the image 36 becomes a reduced image 36 ″. In this case, the horizontal size h and the vertical size v of the image 36 are also reduced by m times (portion of the readable image only), respectively. , H * m and v * m.The reduction of the dot code 100 is not effected by the influence of reading as described above, and only the recording position is changed, for example, the dot code recording position in the image 36. Is (x, y), the reduced image image 3
6 "is (x * m, y * m). However, since the blank area 38" in the readable image 34 "of the reduced image 36" is also reduced, the dot code 1
00 is out of the blank area 38 ".

For this reason, the dot code image correction section 20 performs a correction process for reducing an image image by analyzing the image data of the dot code 100 and temporarily converting the image data into the original information, and As shown in B), the converted information is edited so that the dot code can fit in the blank area 38 ", and the dot code 100 is generated again. The information editing differs depending on the type of information. However, for example, in the case of audio information, it is necessary to reduce the amount of data by processing such as deleting silence parts, speech speed conversion, and in the case of image information, reducing the image or deleting images of unnecessary parts by trimming etc. Do.

The synthesizing section 22 includes an image image in which the dot code image generated by the enlarged / reduced image image generating section 16 is separated, and a dot code corrected by the dot code image correcting section 20. Image data is generated by combining the image with the image.
Then, the image data generated by this synthesis is
The data is transferred to the printer output control unit 26.

However, if the dot code image is not detected by the dot code detection unit 14, the dot code image data itself does not exist, and the enlarged or reduced image image generation unit 16 generates the enlarged or reduced image. The reduced image data is transferred to the printer output control unit 26 without performing any processing.

When the dot code detection section 14 detects a dot code image on the image data, the warning section 24 warns that the dot code image is not enlarged or reduced. Request processing such as whether to continue or stop recording the image is performed. Of course, the user may be warned here of changing the position or performing trimming.

The printer output control unit 26 converts the image data transferred from the synthesizing unit 22 or the image input unit 10 into a printer output command and a data format, and outputs them to the printer 28.

The printer 28 records an image on a recording medium such as paper (not shown) in accordance with the command and data format transferred from the printer output control unit 26.

Next, the operation of recording processing of an image including a readable image and an encoded image (dot code) in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

That is, first, the image input unit 10
In step S1, after inputting image data, information of enlargement or reduction setting is obtained from the recording condition setting unit 12, and it is determined whether or not enlargement or reduction setting is present (step S1).
0). If there is no enlargement or reduction setting, the input image data is converted by the printer output control unit 26 into a command and data format that can be output to the printer 28 to be recorded and output (step S1). S12), the process ends.

On the other hand, if there is enlargement or reduction, the dot code detector 14 detects a dot code from the input image data (step S14). Then, it is determined whether or not a dot code is detected on the image (step S16).
Here, if the dot code is not detected, the image data does not include the dot code.
The enlargement / reduction image image generation unit 16 enlarges or reduces the image data at the enlargement ratio or reduction ratio that can be obtained from the recording condition setting unit 12 (step S1).
8). Then, the process proceeds to step S12, in which the enlarged or reduced image data is converted into a command and data format that can be output to the printer 28 to be recorded by the printer output control unit 26 and output.

If it is determined in step S16 that a dot code has been detected, the dot code detector 14 determines the coordinates of the recording start position of the dot code image on the image and the dot code image. The size is temporarily stored in an internal memory (not shown). Then, the warning unit 24 warns to confirm that there is a dot code image on the image to be recorded and the enlargement or reduction is not performed (step S20), and after this warning, not shown. It is determined whether or not a continuation instruction has been given from the user by the input unit (step S22). Here, if there is no continuation instruction, the process ends.

On the other hand, when there is a continuation instruction, the dot code image separation unit 18 calculates the dot code image recording start position coordinates and size temporarily stored in the memory (not shown) according to the coordinates. The dot code image data is separated from the image data (step S24). Then, the dot code image correction unit 20 acquires the information of the enlargement ratio or the reduction ratio from the recording condition setting unit 12, and performs the correction process on the separated dot code image data (step S26). ). Further, the enlarged / reduced image image generating unit 16 obtains information on an enlargement ratio or a reduction ratio from the recording condition setting unit 12 and enlarges the dot code image data with respect to the separated image image data. Alternatively, a reduced image is generated (step S28).
Steps S26 and S28 may be performed in reverse order or may be performed in parallel.

Thereafter, the corrected dot code image data and the enlarged or reduced image image are combined by the combining unit 22 to generate new image image data (step S30). Then, the process proceeds to step S12, where the generated image data is converted into a command and data format that can be output to the printer 28 to be recorded by the printer output control unit 26 and output.

As described above, when a readable image and a coded image are recorded on a recording medium in a similar manner by enlarging or reducing, the readable image is enlarged or reduced, but the coded image is not enlarged or reduced. Since the image is recorded without being enlarged or reduced, even when an image including a readable image and an encoded image is enlarged or reduced and recorded, the readability of the recorded encoded image or the accuracy of the read is reduced. It is possible to provide a wide variety of image recordings for use without lowering.

As described above, the present invention has been described based on one embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications can be made within the scope of the present invention. Of course, it is possible.

That is, in the present invention, an encoded image having a physical format other than the dot code can be used as the encoded image.

Also, a software program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments may be supplied to a computer, and the computer may execute the programs to realize the functions.

Here, the gist of the present invention is summarized as follows.

(1) A visually readable image such as a character, a symbol, a figure, a picture, a photographic image, or a computer graphic image, and an optically readable code obtained by encoding data. An image recording method for recording an image including a coded image on a recording medium, wherein when the image is recorded on the recording medium by similarly enlarging or reducing the image, the coded image is An image recording method for recording without enlargement or reduction.

That is, even when an image including a readable image and an encoded image is recorded by being enlarged or reduced, the recorded encoded image cannot be read or the reading accuracy is not deteriorated. Can be provided.

(2) The image according to (1), wherein a predetermined correction process is performed on the encoded image when the image is recorded on the recording medium after being enlarged or reduced similarly. Recording method.

That is, even when an image including a readable image and an encoded image is recorded after being enlarged or reduced, the encoded image to be recorded is subjected to a predetermined correction process. The image cannot be read or the reading accuracy does not decrease.

(3) When the image is similarly enlarged and recorded on the recording medium, as the correction processing, the recording position of the encoded image on the recording medium is changed. The image recording method according to 2).

That is, even when an image including a readable image and an encoded image is enlarged and recorded, the recording position of the encoded image to be recorded does not cause a sense of incongruity in layout, and visual improvement is achieved. Can be planned.

(4) The method according to (2), wherein, when the image is similarly enlarged and recorded on the recording medium, a redundant image is added to the encoded image as the correction processing. The image recording method described in the above.

That is, even when an image including a readable image and an encoded image is enlarged and recorded, the recording position of the encoded image to be recorded and the interval between the surrounding images are appropriate. Therefore, there is no sense of incongruity in the layout, and visual improvement can be achieved.

(5) The image recording method according to (2), wherein, when the image is similarly reduced and recorded on the recording medium, the data is edited as the correction processing. .

That is, even when an image including a readable image and an encoded image is recorded in a reduced size, the encoded image to be recorded has an appropriate size, so that there is no sense of incongruity in the layout and visual Can be greatly improved.

(6) When the image is recorded on the recording medium while being enlarged or reduced in a similar manner, it is reported that the encoded image is not enlarged or reduced. The image recording method according to (1).

In other words, the fact that the coded image is not enlarged or reduced is notified before recording, so that the coded image after image recording is not enlarged or reduced without being suspicious of the result. Records can be made.

(7) When the image is recorded on the recording medium by enlarging or reducing the image in a similar manner, the encoded image is detected from the image to enlarge or reduce the encoded image. The image recording method according to (1), wherein there is no image recording method.

That is, since the detection of the coded image on the image is automatically performed, the operation for recording the image is simplified, and the operability can be improved.

(8) The image recording method according to (7), wherein the detection of the encoded image is performed by detecting a pattern unique to the encoded image from image data of the image.

That is, the detection of an encoded image on an image can be performed more accurately and easily.

(9) The coded image is composed of a plurality of binary data representing "1" or "0" of binary data depending on whether or not dots of a predetermined size are arranged at predetermined positions. The image recording method according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the image is an image including a dot pattern.

That is, a coded image which is extremely suitable for applying the method of the present invention is obtained.

(10) A visually readable image such as a character, a symbol, a figure, a picture, a photographic image, or a computer graphic image, and an optically readable code obtained by encoding data. An image recording apparatus for recording an image including a coded image on a recording medium, and when the image is recorded on the recording medium by similarly enlarging or reducing the image, the coded image is An image recording apparatus including a recording unit that records without enlarging or reducing.

That is, even when an image including a readable image and an encoded image is recorded by enlarging or reducing it, the recorded encoded image cannot be read or the reading accuracy is not deteriorated, and a wide range of image recording is possible. Can be provided.

The recording means includes the dot code detector 14 and the dot code image separator 1 in FIG.
8, a dot code image correcting unit 20, and a combining unit 22
, A printer output control unit 26, and a printer 28.

(11) A visually readable image such as a character, a symbol, a graphic, a picture, a photographic image, or a computer graphic image, and an optically readable code obtained by encoding data. An image including the coded image, a program including an instruction for causing a computer to execute an operation for recording on a recording medium, and when the image is recorded on the recording medium by enlarging or reducing the image similarly, A program including an instruction for causing a computer to execute a process of recording the encoded image without performing the enlargement or reduction.

That is, even when an image including a readable image and an encoded image is recorded by enlarging or reducing it, the recorded encoded image cannot be read or the reading accuracy does not decrease, and a wide range of image recording can be performed. Can be provided.

[0088]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
When an image including a readable image and an encoded image is recorded on a recording medium by being similarly enlarged or reduced, the encoded image is prevented from being enlarged or reduced, so that the encoded image is Image recording method and image recording apparatus capable of always ensuring data reading reliability for
Further, it is possible to provide a program including an instruction for causing a computer to execute such an operation of the image recording apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a dot code detection method.
(A) is a figure which shows the image of a dot code, (B) is a figure which shows a bit pattern, respectively.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a case where an image including a dot code, which is a readable image and an encoded image, is magnified n times (n> 1).

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a dot code whose position has been moved as a dot code image correction process.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a dot code to which a dummy block is added as a dot code image correction process.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a case where an image including a readable image and a dot code that is an encoded image is reduced by a factor of m (m <1), and FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a dot code in the case of reduction; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a dot code after an image correction process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a recording process of an image including a readable image and an encoded image (dot code) according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a physical format of a dot code.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a reading device for manually scanning a dot code and optically reading the dot code.

FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an original coded image,
(B) is a diagram showing the arrangement of recording dots without enlargement / reduction, and (C) is a diagram showing the arrangement of recording dots at the time of reduction.

11A is a diagram illustrating a recording dot arrangement when the recording dot is enlarged to an integral multiple (double), and FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a non-integer multiple (1.2).
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a recording dot arrangement when the image is enlarged to (double).

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 image image input unit 12 recording condition setting unit 14 dot code detection unit 16 enlarged / reduced image image generation unit 18 dot code image separation unit 20 dot code image correction unit 22 synthesis unit 24 warning unit 26 printer output control unit 28 printer 30 upper end Part 30 ', 32' Bit pattern 32 Left end part 34, 34 ', 34 "Readable image 36, 36', 36" Image image 38, 38 ', 38 "Blank area 40 Area when dot code is enlarged 42 Dummy block 100,100 "dot code

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B057 AA11 CA12 CA16 CA18 CB06 CB08 CB12 CB16 CB18 CD02 CD05 CE08 CG07 DA06 5C076 AA01 AA02 AA17 AA21 AA22 AA37 BA02 BA06 BA09 CA10 CB01 CB02

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A visually readable image such as a character, a symbol, a graphic, a picture, a photographic image, or a computer graphic image, and an optically readable encoding obtained by encoding data. An image recording method for recording an image including an image on a recording medium, wherein the image is recorded on the recording medium by enlarging or reducing the image in a similar manner. Or, an image recording method characterized by recording without reduction. 2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined correction process is performed on the encoded image when the image is recorded while being enlarged or reduced similarly on the recording medium. Method. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when the image is recorded on the recording medium while the image is enlarged in a similar manner, a recording position of the encoded image on the recording medium is changed as the correction processing. 3. The image recording method according to item 2. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the image is recorded on the recording medium in a similar manner, a redundant image is added to the encoded image as the correction process. Image recording method. 5. The image recording method according to claim 2, wherein, when the image is similarly reduced and recorded on the recording medium, the data is edited as the correction process. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when the image is recorded on the recording medium while being enlarged or reduced in a similar manner, the encoded image is notified of not performing the enlargement or reduction. The image recording method described in 1. 7. When enlarging or reducing the image on the recording medium in a similar manner, the encoding image is detected from the image so that the encoding image is not enlarged or reduced. The image recording method according to claim 1, wherein: 8. The image recording method according to claim 7, wherein the detection of the encoded image is performed by detecting a pattern unique to the encoded image from image data of the image. 9. The encoded image includes a plurality of dots configured to represent binary data “1” or “0” depending on whether dots of a predetermined size are arranged or not arranged at predetermined positions. The image recording method according to claim 1, wherein the image includes an image. 10. Characters, symbols, figures, patterns, photographic images,
Or, a visually readable image such as a computer graphic image, and an image including an optically readable encoded image obtained by encoding data,
An image recording apparatus for recording on a recording medium, wherein the image is recorded without being enlarged or reduced when the image is recorded on the recording medium while being enlarged or reduced similarly. An image recording apparatus, comprising: a recording unit that performs recording. 11. Characters, symbols, figures, pictures, photographic images,
Or, a visually readable image such as a computer graphic image, and an image including an optically readable encoded image obtained by encoding data,
A program including an instruction for causing a computer to execute an operation for recording on a recording medium, wherein when the image is recorded on the recording medium by similarly enlarging or reducing, the encoded image is enlarged. Alternatively, a program including an instruction for causing a computer to execute a process of recording without reduction.