JP2004206322A - Two dimensional code processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply and inexpensively implement inputting and outputting of a two dimensional code even if computing resources are restricted, and to acquire a high security effect. <P>SOLUTION: In generation of a two dimensional code, original data 1 which is to be made a two dimensional code is inputted and transformed into two dimensional code image 5 based on prescribed coding system, and a specific block of the two dimensional code image 5 is image transformed based on a block code 2 which specifies a specific block 9 of the two dimensional code image 5, and a rule code 3 which specifies a tranformation rule for an image of a specific block, acquires two dimensional code image 6, mark 7 and 8 identifying a block code and a rule code are added and outputted. When reading, the image of the specific block of a two dimensional code image decoded based on the marks 7 and 8, a block code 2 and the rule code 3 acquired from the marks are inverse transformed, and the original data are acquired. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a two-dimensional code processing method for generating or reading a two-dimensional code in which cells of a specific shape are arranged according to a predetermined rule.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a code system such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code has been used to print information that can be easily read by a machine on a printed material or the like. The two-dimensional code expresses information by a distribution pattern of cells arranged two-dimensionally, and has almost no restriction on a reading direction and a large amount of information per unit area as compared with a bar code or the like. There are features, and coding methods such as Code49, QR CODE, Veri Code, and the like are known.
[0003]
There is a demand for a technology for improving security so that an unintended partner will not be able to read encoded data even in a two-dimensional code.
[0004]
In general, as a method for enhancing the security of digital data, it is known that data to be transmitted is encrypted, and various public key encryption methods and other encryption techniques are used. When such an encryption technique is used in a two-dimensional code, for example, it is conceivable to encrypt the original data to be two-dimensionally encoded by a known encryption technique and then encode the encrypted data into a two-dimensional code. Can be
[0005]
Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163873 discloses a technology for using a magnetic data and a two-dimensional code together in a gaming prepaid card and collating the two-dimensional barcode with the magnetic data.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-334639 (FIG. 1)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Among the above conventional techniques, encryption techniques such as a public key cryptosystem require complicated data processing required for encryption and decryption, require a relatively large CPU power, and are particularly suitable for portable devices. It can be difficult to implement on devices with limited resources.
[0008]
Further, a method of using magnetic data and a two-dimensional code together as in Patent Document 1 is merely a combination of the known methods, and simply combining these known methods provides high security. It is hard to say.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to provide a two-dimensional code input / output that can be easily and inexpensively performed even when computational resources are limited, and that a high security effect can be obtained.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, there is provided a two-dimensional code processing method for generating a two-dimensional code in which cells having a specific shape are arranged according to a predetermined rule. Then, the input original data is converted into a two-dimensional code image based on a predetermined coding method, a block code designating a specific block among a plurality of blocks constituting the two-dimensional code image, and an image of the specific block. A configuration is employed in which a specific block of the two-dimensional code image is image-converted according to the rule based on a rule code specifying a rule to be converted, and the obtained two-dimensional code image is output.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0012]
1 to 7 show an outline of one embodiment of a two-dimensional code processing method of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a configuration of a two-dimensional code processing device capable of implementing the two-dimensional code processing method of the present invention. First, the entire two-dimensional code processing method of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0013]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes original data to be two-dimensionally coded. In the present embodiment, a two-dimensional code is created from the input original code 1, and the image data is converted for security.
[0014]
Reference numeral 4 indicates a logical structure of the two-dimensional code of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the image data generated from the original data 1 is subjected to block conversion to generate a final two-dimensional code. Reference numeral 2 denotes a block code indicating the position of the block conversion, and reference numeral 3 denotes a law code indicating the rule of the block conversion. The rule code is converted into a two-dimensional code together with the original data 1 and further converted into an image. By performing image conversion corresponding to the code 2 and the law code 3, a final two-dimensional code 6 is generated.
[0015]
The block code 2 expresses which code block in the two-dimensional code is to be converted by the binary pattern. The rule code 3 indicates the rule of the block conversion. Assuming that the illustrated block code “A0” represents the central block on the left side of the two-dimensional code, and that the law code “B0” indicates the black-and-white inversion conversion of the image, the standard (arbitrarily known arbitrary one) The image data 5 of the two-dimensional code created based on the coding method (a coding method can be used) is converted as indicated by reference numeral 6.
[0016]
As shown in the figure, what kind of block code 2 and rule code 3 are used for code conversion is represented by marks (marks) such as reference numerals 7 and 8 on a two-dimensional code image.
[0017]
Reference numeral 7 denotes a block mark, and reference numeral 8 denotes a law mark. These marks are represented by, for example, one of cells constituting a two-dimensional code as shown. In the example of FIG. 1, the block mark 7 is formed by one of dark cells attached to one of the specific corners outside the two-dimensional code, and white (light color) at a specific position inside the two-dimensional code. The rule mark 8 is expressed by the cell of. The positions of these marks correspond to the block code “A0” expressing the central block on the left side of the two-dimensional code and the law code “B0” indicating the black-and-white inversion conversion of the image.
[0018]
Then, in the final image of the two-dimensional code 6, the central block on the left side of the two-dimensional code is inverted in black and white as indicated by reference numeral 9 based on the block code "A0".
[0019]
By performing the above-described image conversion on the two-dimensional code 5 encoded according to the standard, the final image of the two-dimensional code 6 is different from the standard two-dimensional code. Therefore, even if the final image of the two-dimensional code 6 is read by the reading device, it cannot be restored by the decoding method according to the standard, so that the decoding is performed based on the rules expressed by the block mark 7 and the law mark 8 ( Reading and decoding can only be performed by a reading device that can perform the above-described conversion (inverse conversion). Thus, the security of the two-dimensional code can be ensured.
[0020]
FIGS. 2 to 4 show examples of block codes, and FIGS. 5 to 7 show examples of law codes. The code patterns in FIGS. 2 to 4 are the same as the two-dimensional codes generated according to the standard from the original data in FIG. 1, except for the blocks at the specific positions corresponding to the block codes “A0” to “A2”. Is shown. The code patterns in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 show the state after the code at the specific position corresponding to the block code “A0” is converted by the law codes “B0” to “B1” with respect to the original data in FIG. However, other blocks at the specific position corresponding to the block code “A0” are indicated by oblique lines.
[0021]
FIG. 2 shows the block code “A0”. Reference numeral 10 denotes a block at a specific position (left center) named block code “A0” as one of the divided areas, and reference numeral 11 denotes a block mark indicating the block code “A0”, which is added to the upper right corner of the two-dimensional code. ing.
[0022]
FIG. 3 shows the block code “A1”. Reference numeral 12 denotes a block at a specific position (upper center) named block code "A1", and reference numeral 13 denotes a block mark indicating the block code "A1", which is provided at the upper left corner of the two-dimensional code.
[0023]
FIG. 4 shows the block code “A2”. Reference numeral 14 denotes a block at a specific position (lower right) named block code "A2", and reference numeral 15 denotes a block mark indicating the block code "A2", which is given to the lower left corner of the two-dimensional code. Note that the central portion of the block 14 is not a conversion target as shown by hatching. The reason why this central portion is not subject to conversion is to minimize the influence on information for correcting the positional relationship in reading of the original two-dimensional code of this portion as much as possible.
[0024]
FIG. 5 shows the conversion of the law code “B0”. The conversion of the law code "B0" is black and white inversion, and as shown by reference numeral 16, the image of the block at the position of the block code "A0" is black and white inverted (see the original two-dimensional code 5 in FIG. 1). Reference numeral 17 denotes a law mark indicating that black-and-white inversion by the law code “B0” has been performed.
[0025]
FIG. 6 shows the conversion of the law code "B1". The conversion of the law code “B1” is left-right reversal, and the image of the block at the position of the block code “A0” is reversed left-right as shown by reference numeral 18 (see the original two-dimensional code 5 in FIG. 1). Reference numeral 19 is a law mark indicating that the left / right inversion by the law code “B1” has been performed.
[0026]
FIG. 7 shows the conversion of the law code “B2”. The conversion of the rule code “B2” is upside down, and as shown by reference numeral 20, the image of the block at the position of the block code “A0” is upside down (see the original two-dimensional code 5 in FIG. 1). Reference numeral 21 is a law mark indicating that the upside down by the law code “B2” has been performed.
[0027]
Reading of the two-dimensional code encoded as described above may be performed by performing a process that reverses the conversion of FIG. 1. First, the final two-dimensional code 6 is read using a CCD or CMOS sensor, and a block is read from the read image. The mark 7 and the law mark 8 are detected. If there are no such marks, decoding processing of a two-dimensional code according to a normal standard is performed. When the block mark 7 and the law mark 8 can be detected, the block position and the conversion method corresponding to each mark are selected, and the original two-dimensional code 5 is restored by performing the inverse conversion. Data 4 can be restored by decoding the code. Further, the original data 1 is extracted after verifying that the relation between the mark and the mark is correct by the block code 2 and the rule code 3 included in the data 4.
[0028]
FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of a two-dimensional code processing device capable of performing the above-described two-dimensional code processing method. A preferred embodiment of the two-dimensional code processing device is, for example, a device such as a portable device capable of reading and / or printing (or outputting to another device) a two-dimensional code.
[0029]
In FIG. 8, reference numeral 101 denotes a CPU including a microprocessor or the like, which controls the operation of the entire apparatus. The CPU 101 is connected to an output device 103, a user interface unit 104 including a keyboard and a display, and an input device 107 via an I / O interface (not shown).
[0030]
The output device 103 is used to output a converted two-dimensional code image, decoded data, or the like, and includes a printer, a network interface for communicating with other devices, and the like.
[0031]
The input device 107 includes an input device for inputting original data to be two-dimensionally coded, a scanner for reading an image of a two-dimensional code to be decoded, and the like.
[0032]
The ROM 105 and the RAM 106 are connected to the CPU 101. In the ROM 105, a two-dimensional code process of the present invention described later is stored as a program of the CPU 101. In particular, reference numeral 105a denotes a conversion routine for performing conversion / inversion based on the block code and the law code in the two-dimensional code processing of the present invention.
[0033]
The encoding into the two-dimensional code is performed as shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows a two-dimensional encoding process of the original data executed by the CPU 101.
[0034]
In step S91 of FIG. 9, original data to be two-dimensionally coded is input from the input device 107. In step S92, the original data, the block code, and the rule code are encoded according to the standard.
[0035]
The block code and the law code are input together with the original data from the input device 107 in a predetermined format (for example, may be character codes such as “A0” and “B1” described above), or Specify by user operation. In steps S93 and S94, based on the specified block code and rule code, any part (FIGS. 2 to 4) of the two-dimensional code generated in step S92 is converted to any conversion rule (FIGS. 5 to 7). ) Determines whether to convert.
[0036]
In step S95, the above-described image conversion processing is performed by the conversion routine 105a, and the final two-dimensional code obtained in step S96 is output by the output device 103 (printed or obtained two-dimensional code image is output to another device or the like). Output.
[0037]
FIG. 10 shows a two-dimensional code decoding process of the original data executed by the CPU 101.
[0038]
In step S101, an image of a two-dimensional code to be decoded is input by the input device 107.
[0039]
In step S102, it is determined whether or not a block mark is included in the image data input in step S101. If the block mark is not included in step S102, the process proceeds from step S102 to step S105, and the image data input in step S101 is decoded according to the standard. If a block mark is included in step S102, the process proceeds to step S103.
[0040]
In step S103, it is determined whether or not a rule mark is included. If the rule mark is not included, it means that only a block mark is included. Therefore, error processing is performed in step S107.
[0041]
If both steps S102 and S103 are affirmed, that is, if a block mark and a law mark are detected, the above-described inverse transformation is performed in step S104. That is, the conversion routine 105a selects a block position and a conversion method corresponding to each mark based on the block mark and the law mark, and performs inverse conversion.
[0042]
Further, in step S105, the inversely transformed image data is decoded by a normal decoding, and is converted into a block code and a law code or a mark included in the data 4 and a specific block or inverse transform actually applied with the inverse transform. After verifying whether or not the rule used is valid (of course, if an inconsistency is found, an error process such as a warning is performed), the original data is extracted, and output by the output device 103 in step S106 ( It prints character data or the like and outputs the obtained data to another device.
[0043]
As described above, an image-converted two-dimensional code image can be generated based on the original data, and the original data can be restored by decoding the image-converted two-dimensional code image. The two-dimensional code input / output processing according to the present embodiment can be easily and inexpensively performed even when computation resources are limited, and a high security effect can be obtained. That is, according to the present embodiment, the following operation and effect can be expected.
[0044]
-A general printing and reading function of a printing and reading device of a two-dimensional code can be used. It does not require high-resolution printing or reading functions, does not require complicated processing such as public key cryptography, and can be implemented easily and inexpensively on devices such as portable devices with limited computational resources. .
[0045]
-Since a password or a special key is not used and the converted information is included in the image, the image can always be restored.
[0046]
The image conversion rule and information (rule code, block code and corresponding mark) designating a specific block on which the image conversion rule operates are included in both the image and the data, so that reliable confirmation is possible.
[0047]
The above embodiment is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited by the embodiment.
[0048]
For example, in the above description, two-dimensional coding is performed together with original data to which a block code specifying a specific block among a plurality of blocks constituting a two-dimensional code image and a rule code specifying a rule for converting an image of the specific block are input. To do. Further, a mark for specifying the block code and the rule code used for the image conversion is added to the two-dimensional code image. As described above, the block code and the law code are included in the two-dimensional code or the mark for specifying them is provided, thereby providing an advantage that the verification after decoding can be performed. However, this specification is not necessarily required as a security measure. . For example, if you want to use the present invention as an encryption means that can be used only between the creator and recipient of the two-dimensional code, include the block code and the law code in the two-dimensional code image, or specify the block code and the law code It is not always necessary to add a mark to be performed or verify before output using these marks, and the effect of improving security regarding data transfer between the creator and the receiver of the two-dimensional code can be sufficiently achieved.
[0049]
Further, the configuration of the two-dimensional code processing device for implementing the two-dimensional code processing method of the present invention shown in FIG. 8 can be arbitrarily changed according to demand. The two-dimensional code processing method of the present invention can be all implemented as a computer program. In this case, the two-dimensional code processing method can be installed in an arbitrary device or supplied via a network and executed by the device.
[0050]
The technical scope of the present invention includes recording media printed based on the two-dimensional code processing method of the present invention, for example, recording media such as paper sheets, credit cards, prepaid cards, product wrapping paper, and product containers. By printing a two-dimensional code on these recording media based on the two-dimensional code processing method of the present invention, it is needless to say that the same security improvement effect as described above can be expected for the two-dimensional code data processing at the time of transfer of the recording medium. Absent.
[0051]
That is, the technical scope of the present invention includes the following embodiments.
[0052]
<Embodiment>
<Embodiment 1> In a two-dimensional code processing method for generating a two-dimensional code in which cells of a specific shape are arranged according to a predetermined rule,
Input the original data to be two-dimensionally coded,
The input original data is converted into a two-dimensional code image based on a predetermined coding method,
The specific rule of the two-dimensional code image is specified based on a block code that specifies a specific block among a plurality of blocks that configure the two-dimensional code image, and a law code that specifies a rule for converting the image of the specific block. A two-dimensional code processing method, wherein the two-dimensional code image is converted by using the method and the obtained two-dimensional code image is output.
[0053]
<Embodiment 2> A block code specifying a specific block among a plurality of blocks constituting the two-dimensional code image, and a rule code specifying a rule for converting an image of the specific block are converted into a two-dimensional code together with the original data. The two-dimensional code processing method according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code processing is performed by converting the image into an image and then performing image conversion based on the block code and the rule code.
[0054]
<Embodiment 3> A two-dimensional code image after image conversion based on the block code and the rule code is provided with a mark for specifying the block code and the rule code used for the image conversion and output. The two-dimensional code processing method according to the first embodiment.
[0055]
<Embodiment 4> The two-dimensional code processing method according to Embodiment 1, wherein black-and-white inversion conversion of the specific block is designated by the rule code.
[0056]
<Fifth Embodiment> The two-dimensional code processing method according to the first embodiment, wherein a left-right inversion conversion of the specific block is specified by the rule code.
[0057]
<Sixth Embodiment> The two-dimensional code processing method according to the first embodiment, wherein upside down conversion of the specific block is designated by the rule code.
[0058]
<Embodiment 7> A two-dimensional code image after image conversion based on the block code and the rule code is input, and a two-dimensional code image of the specific block is image-converted by inverse conversion of image conversion based on the rule code, The two-dimensional code processing method according to the first embodiment, wherein the obtained two-dimensional code image is decoded based on a predetermined coding method, and the obtained original data is output.
[0059]
<Eighth Embodiment> A two-dimensional code image after image conversion based on the block code and the rule code is input, and the block code and the rule code specifying the rule code given to the two-dimensional code image, 8. The two-dimensional code processing method according to claim 7, wherein a specific block to be subjected to inverse transformation and a rule of the inverse transformation are determined.
[0060]
<Embodiment 8> When the block code and the rule code are included in a two-dimensional code image input together with an original code, a specific block that has been subjected to the inverse transformation using the decoded block code and the rule code. The two-dimensional code processing method according to embodiment 7, wherein the selection of the rule of the inverse transformation is verified.
[0061]
<Embodiment 9> A two-dimensional code processing apparatus that performs the two-dimensional code processing method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8.
[0062]
<Embodiment 10> A two-dimensional code processing program for implementing the two-dimensional code processing method according to any one of the first to eighth embodiments.
[0063]
<Embodiment 11> A recording medium on which a two-dimensional code image generated by the two-dimensional code processing method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6 is printed.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, in a two-dimensional code processing method for generating a two-dimensional code in which cells of a specific shape are arranged according to a predetermined rule, original data to be two-dimensionally encoded is determined. A block code for inputting, converting the input original data into a two-dimensional code image based on a predetermined coding scheme, specifying a specific block among a plurality of blocks constituting the two-dimensional code image, and an image of the specific block The configuration is such that a specific block of the two-dimensional code image is image-converted based on the rule based on a law code that specifies a rule for converting the image, and the obtained two-dimensional code image is output, so that computation resources are limited. It is possible to provide an excellent two-dimensional code processing method that can be implemented easily and inexpensively even when the above method is used, and that can obtain a high security effect. Kill.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a two-dimensional code processing method according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a block code according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a block code according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a block code according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a law code according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a law code according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a law code according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a two-dimensional code processing device capable of implementing a two-dimensional code processing method according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a two-dimensional code generation process in the apparatus of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a decoding process of a two-dimensional code in the apparatus of FIG. 8;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Original Code 2 Block Code 3 Law Code 7, 11, 13, 15 Block Mark 8, 17, 19, 21 Law Mark 101 CPU
103 output device 104 user interface means 105 ROM
106 RAM
107 Input device

Claims (1)

In a two-dimensional code processing method for generating a two-dimensional code formed by arranging cells of a specific shape according to a predetermined rule,
Input the original data to be two-dimensionally coded,
The input original data is converted into a two-dimensional code image based on a predetermined coding method,
The specific rule of the two-dimensional code image is defined based on a block code specifying a specific block among a plurality of blocks constituting the two-dimensional code image and a law code specifying a rule for converting the image of the specific block. A two-dimensional code processing method, wherein the two-dimensional code image is converted by using the method and the obtained two-dimensional code image is output.

Images