JP2007043456A - Qr-code preparation program, computer readable-recording medium with the program stored, qr-code preparation apparatus, and qr-code preparation method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a QR-code preparation program, capable of improving the interest of a QR code and providing the QR code with visible distinction by giving the function of visually transmitting information to the QR code. <P>SOLUTION: The image data of a QR code with a visible image are prepared, by compositing the target image data and the image data of the QR code, on the basis of the provided program, the reading inspection of the image data of the QR code is performed as well as an input of evaluation of visibility by a user is received, and the image data satisfying both the conditions are outputted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a QR code creation program, a computer-readable recording medium storing the program, a QR code creation apparatus, and a QR code creation method.

  In recent years, provision of information using QR codes has become widespread, and for example, there are many cases where QR codes are displayed on a display screen such as a magazine, a product label, a poster, or a display screen of a personal computer. Became. For example, a QR code written on a product label includes a URL related to the product, an address and telephone number of an inquiry destination, and information such as a production place and a producer if it is an agricultural product. Such a QR code is taken in as image data by operating a mobile phone terminal with a camera function, for example, and information is restored from this captured image by starting a restoration program installed in the mobile phone terminal. It is transmitted to the user via the liquid crystal panel of the telephone terminal.

  In recent years, some mobile phone terminals have introduced a program for creating a QR code. For example, a QR code based on personal information such as a phone number, an address, a name, and an e-mail address of a terminal user is available. Code image data can be easily created. Then, send the created QR code to a friend, acquaintance, etc. by e-mail, or directly receive the QR code image data by operating a mobile phone terminal with a camera function such as a friend, acquaintance, etc. Information can be easily transmitted to the other party. In addition, the other party who receives the QR code can omit the input operation of information such as a telephone number, an address, a name, and an e-mail address.

In addition, as an example of a technology related to QR codes in recent years, there is one described in Patent Document 1. According to Patent Document 1, a technique using “red”, “green”, and “blue” as data display colors in addition to “white” and “black” is described.
JP 2004-234318 A

  By the way, the QR code is a matrix-like cell in which white dots or black dots are formed, and at first glance it appears only as an enumeration of black and white dots. Absent. Further, according to Patent Document 1, since colors are used, it is more interesting than a black-and-white image, but it is still less interesting because it looks only as an enumeration of dots.

  The created QR code is automatically stored as image data with a name associated with the QR code. Here, in order to simultaneously convey to the user that the stored image data is a QR code and what information the QR code is, display the name and the name of the QR code. Is desirable. However, for example, when displaying thumbnails of image data on a small screen such as a liquid crystal panel of a mobile phone, the name of only the thumbnail where the cursor is placed is displayed at the top of the screen, etc., up to the name of each thumbnail In some cases, the cursor operation is necessary to identify what information the QR code is. As described above, since the QR code image itself does not have an information transmission function for the user, when a large number of QR codes are stored, it may be difficult to manage them.

  The present invention solves such problems by adding a function of visually transmitting information to the QR code, improves the fun of the QR code, and gives the QR code visual discrimination. It is an object of the present invention to provide a QR code creation program that makes it possible, a computer-readable recording medium that stores this program, a QR code creation apparatus, and a QR code creation method.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention creates a QR code with a visible image by superimposing a QR code and a visible image. As a result, a visually recognizable image is added to the QR code, so that the QR code can be given visual discrimination by the image. For example, by providing an image having a function as identification information, it is possible to provide a material for determining what the created QR code is. In addition, for a third party, it is possible to obtain an interesting QR code such as recognizing what is written, and the third party can receive a QR code using a mobile phone terminal with a camera. It is possible to arouse the feeling of trying to read. Specifically, it has the structure described below.

(1) To computer,
An input procedure for accepting input of visible image data;
An image creation procedure for creating image data for synthesis to be synthesized with image data of a QR code based on the visible image data;
A synthesis procedure for creating image data of a QR code with a visible image by synthesizing the image data for synthesis created in the image creation procedure with the image data of the QR code;
A determination procedure for causing the image data of the QR code with a visible image created in the synthesis procedure to be read and inspected and determining whether or not information is normally restored;
An output procedure for outputting image data of the QR code with a visible image when it is determined that information is normally restored in the determination procedure;
QR code creation program for executing

  With such a configuration, a visible image is given to the QR code. Here, the visible image is an image that can be identified by human vision. As a result, the QR code can be given visual discrimination by the visible image. For example, by providing an image having a function as identification information, it is possible to provide a material for determining what the created QR code is. In addition, for a third party, it is possible to obtain a QR code rich in interest such as recognizing what is written.

(2) In the computer
In the image creation procedure, binarization processing is performed on the visible image data, and then white dots of dots smaller than the minimum pixel of the QR code are randomly performed to make a mosaic. The QR code creation program according to (1).

  With such a configuration, a mosaiced image becomes visible in the QR code when it is combined with the QR code. At first glance, the image in the QR code is difficult to recognize. However, since the image can be recognized by gazing, it is possible to create a QR code that the third party is interested in.

  (3) The QR code creating program according to (1), wherein the visible image data is color image data.

  With such a configuration, when synthesized with a QR code, a color image can be visually recognized in the QR code, and it is possible to create a QR code in which a third party is interested.

(4)
The QR code generation according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein an exclusion procedure for eliminating unnecessary dot data is executed in the image data of a QR code with a visible image created in the synthesis procedure program.

  With such a configuration, by eliminating unnecessary dot data, there is a high possibility that a readable QR code with a visible image can be obtained. In this way, it is possible to provide a function for visually transmitting information to the QR code while maintaining the information transmission function using the QR code.

(5) To the computer
(1) to (1), wherein in the synthesis procedure, a plurality of QR code image data with a visible image are created by changing the overlay position of the image data for synthesis with respect to the image data of the QR code. 4) A QR code creating program according to any one of the above.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to increase the number of candidate QR codes with visible images when selecting an image with good visibility.

(6)
(1) to (5) characterized in that, in the synthesizing procedure, a plurality of image data of QR codes with visible images are created by changing the size of the image data for synthesis with respect to the image data of the QR code. ) QR code creating program according to any one of the above.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to increase the number of candidate QR codes with visible images when selecting an image with good visibility.

(7)
Between the synthesizing procedure and the exclusion procedure, displaying a plurality of QR code image data with visible images on a display means, and executing a procedure for accepting selection of the image data to be transferred to the exclusion procedure. The QR code creation program according to any one of (4) to (6).

  With such a configuration, it is possible to thin out, for example, those with poor image visibility from a plurality of QR codes with visible images.

(8)
The QR code creating program according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein in the output procedure, image data of a QR code with a visible image is output together with restoration rate data.

  With such a configuration, the user can confirm a plurality of QR codes with visible images together with the corresponding restoration rates, and finally, with a visible image with good visibility and the most accurate restoration of information. The QR code can be output from the computer.

  (9) A computer-readable recording medium storing the QR code creating program according to any one of (1) to (8).

  According to such a configuration, the recording medium can be introduced into a computer in order to realize the effect of any one of the inventions (1) to (8).

(10) input means for receiving input of visible image data;
Image creation means for creating image data for synthesis to be synthesized with the image data of the QR code based on the visible image data;
A synthesizing unit that synthesizes the image data for synthesis with the image data of the QR code to generate image data of the QR code with a visible image;
A determination unit that performs reading inspection of the image data of the QR code with the visible image and determines whether or not information is normally restored;
An output unit that outputs image data of the QR code with a visible image when it is determined that the information is normally restored by the determination unit;
A QR code creating apparatus comprising:

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide an apparatus that achieves the same effect as the invention of (1).

(11) an input process for receiving input of visible image data;
An image creating step of creating image data for synthesis to be synthesized with the image data of the QR code based on the visible image data;
Combining the image data for combining with the image data of the QR code to generate image data of the QR code with a visible image;
A determination step of performing a reading inspection of the image data of the QR code with the visible image and determining whether information is normally restored;
An output step of outputting image data of the QR code with a visible image when it is determined that information is normally restored in the determination step;
A QR code creating method comprising:

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a method for realizing the same effect as that of the invention of (1).

  According to the present invention, since a visible image is given to the QR code, it is possible to give the QR code visual discrimination. For example, by giving an image having a function as identification information, It is possible to provide information for determining what the created QR code is. In addition, for third parties, it is possible to obtain QR codes that are interesting, such as recognizing what is written, and the QR codes can be read by third parties using a mobile phone terminal with a camera. It will be possible to arouse feelings to make you want to try.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[Configuration of mobile phone terminal]

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit configuration of a mobile phone terminal 1 with a camera function into which a program according to the first embodiment of the present invention is introduced. This is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. For example, hardware provided with the same means, for example, a dedicated information processing apparatus, a computer system, and the like are included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a CPU 100 controls the entire mobile phone terminal 1. The ROM 110 stores various programs for causing the CPU 100 to execute various functions in the mobile phone terminal 1. The RAM 120 is used as a work memory for the CPU 100 to perform various processes or a memory for storing various data. The transmission / reception control circuit 130 controls transmission / reception of signals through the antenna 140 based on signals from the CPU 100. The display control circuit 150 drives and controls the liquid crystal panel 160 based on a signal from the CPU 100. The operation panel 170 includes various operation keys such as numeric keys and up / down / left / right cursor keys, and sends various signals to the CPU 100 by an external operation. The speaker 180 outputs an audio signal, and the microphone 190 inputs an audio signal. The camera 200 has an image sensor such as a CCD, and captures image information as digital data.

The ROM 110 is installed with a QR code creation program and a QR code reading program, and the CPU 100 activates these programs when creating the QR code or reading the QR code. For example, when reading a QR code, the CPU 100 captures a QR code printed on a poster or a product label by the camera 200, receives an operation on the operation panel 170, and receives a QR code reading command. The QR code is automatically analyzed, and character information, link destination URL, and the like are displayed on the liquid crystal panel 160. When creating a QR code, the CPU 100 accepts an input of information to be coded by accepting an operation on the operation panel 170, and in response to accepting a QR code creation command, the CPU 100 follows the QR code creation program. A QR code is automatically created.
[Create QR code]

  Next, a QR code creation method according to the present embodiment will be described by taking QR code of owner information of the mobile phone terminal 1 as an example. Here, the owner information is information related to various parties related to the QR code.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation procedure up to QR coding of owner information, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow until a QR code is created in the present embodiment. In the mobile phone terminal 1 according to an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, first, as shown in FIG. 2A, in response to a signal sent from an operation panel 170 that accepts a user operation, the CPU 100 The owner information screen is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 160. Next, in response to accepting the operation of the operation panel 170 by the user and accepting the selection of the “menu” key, the CPU 100 displays a selection menu on the liquid crystal panel 160 as shown in FIG. Let In response to accepting the selection of the “bar code creation” key by accepting the operation of the operation panel 170 by the user, the CPU 100 displays the registration information as shown in FIG. To display. If there is information that is desired to be corrected, for example, if there is information that is not desired to be included in the QR code or information that is desired to be added, the CPU 100 moves the cursor to the item by accepting the operation of the operation panel 170 by the user. In response to accepting selection of the “select” key, the item can be edited. Then, after finishing editing, in response to accepting the selection of the “Create” key, the CPU 100 activates a QR code creation program stored in the ROM 110 to display FIG. 3C or FIG. As shown in (2), a QR code of owner information is created.

  By the way, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2C, the registration information includes an item (hereinafter referred to as a QR item) for registering an image or character data to be visually displayed in the QR code. be able to. If there is no information in this QR item, the CPU 100 performs a coding process on the registration information based on the JISX0510 specification, and creates a QR code as shown in FIG. Here, a plurality (for example, eight types) of QR codes are created.

  When the information is registered in the QR item, the CPU 100 creates a plurality of QR codes based on the registered information other than the QR item, and automatically selects one of them to make the owner information visible. A QR code without an image is created (see FIG. 3C). On the other hand, for example, when the input of image data “Z” is received as the QR item, the CPU 100 firstly displays black characters designed into an image composed of a combination of dots as shown in FIG. Process to create. Next, a process of creating white dots in black characters at a predetermined whiteness ratio is performed, thereby creating a mosaic black character as shown in FIG. Then, the CPU 100 creates candidates for QR codes with visible images of owner information by performing a process of superimposing the mosaic black characters on eight types of QR codes created in advance. Then, the CPU 100 displays these candidates on the liquid crystal panel 160 as shown in FIG.

  The user sees this display, confirms the visibility of the image “Z”, and puts a check mark on the image candidate that seems to be good by operating the operation panel 170. Then, in response to accepting the operation of the operation panel 170 by the user and accepting the selection of the “start” key, the CPU 100 starts the QR code reading program stored in the ROM 110 and selects it. Perform reading inspection of image candidates. Next, the CPU 100 displays the QR code determined to be readable on the liquid crystal panel 160 as shown in FIG. At this time, in response to accepting the operation of the operation panel 170 by the user, placing the cursor on the QR code image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 160, and accepting the selection of the “information” key, the CPU 100 executes FIG. As shown in (f), the restoration rate in the reading inspection is displayed. The CPU 100 confirms that the user has selected the “select” key by positioning the cursor on the QR code with a visible image to be used finally with reference to such restoration rate information via the operation panel 170. The QR code with a visible image that has been received and selected is stored in the RAM 120.

If there is no readable QR code, the CPU 100 displays on the liquid crystal panel 160 that reading is not possible, as shown in FIG. In this case, the CPU 100 accepts an operation for returning to the screen shown in FIG. 2D and displays another candidate and accepts the selection again, or responds to accepting the selection of the “menu” key. Then, an instruction to change the overlay position of the mosaic black characters for the screen QR code shown in FIG. 2 (h), an instruction to change the size, and an instruction to edit the image are received. Further, image candidates are added and displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 2D, and the acceptance of the check mark and the reading inspection are performed again.
[Create QR code with visible image]

  Next, a method for creating a QR code with a visible image will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing processing until a QR code with a visible image is created in the present embodiment. Note that step S1 and step S2 shown in FIG. 4 are arbitrary steps, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Steps S1 and S2 can be replaced, for example, by reading existing basic QR code data. Alternatively, the basic QR code printed on paper or the basic QR code displayed on the screen may be replaced with a scanner or camera.

  First, QR coding target data is acquired (step S1), and a basic QR code as a synthesis source is created (step S2). The QR code creation method is standardized as described above. Here, in the final stage of creation of the QR code, a mask (randomization) is applied so that important data is not biased to a part of the image. At this time, since there are eight types of masks, eight types of QR codes are generated. When creating a QR code that does not have a visible image, eight types of QR codes are read and inspected, a QR code with a mask that provides the cleanest output is selected, and the creation of the QR code is terminated. When creating a QR code with a visible image, all eight types of QR codes are adopted as basic QR codes. Next, if the minimum pixel unit of each basic QR code generated in step S2 is 1 × 1 dot unit, the dot is enlarged by performing enlargement by a constant multiple such as 2 × 2 or 3 × 3 (step S6). ), Which is larger than the size of white dots in the mosaic processing of the image data to be overlapped, which will be described later.

  Further, in parallel with the basic QR code creation process, a process for creating image data to be superimposed is performed. First, the CPU 100 receives character data input via the operation panel 170, and thereby acquires character data as a material of the image data to be superimposed on the basic QR code. Alternatively, image data as a material of the image data to be superimposed is acquired by photographing characters and figures with the camera 200 or directly by external data communication via the antenna 140 and the transmission / reception control circuit 130. (Step S3). Next, the CPU 100 converts the image data into image data in the case of character data, and then performs design processing as it is in the case of image data. In the present embodiment, black and white binarization processing is performed as design processing. For example, the CPU 100 converts the acquired image data into binary (monochrome) dot data composed of a combination of 1 × 1 dots smaller than the dots of the basic QR code (step S4). At this time, the CPU 100 adjusts the size of the binarized image data so as to conform to the QR code created in step S6. Next, the CPU 100 mosaics the binarized image data by randomly whitening the image data (step S5). At this time, the size of the outline is a minimum pixel unit (1 × 1 dot unit), and is set to be at least equal to or lower than the resolution for reading the black dot of the QR code.

  In addition, the process in step S4 and step S5 is an example of design, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited by these steps, and other design processes may be performed. Further, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, since binary (monochrome) dot data can be directly superimposed, the processing is skipped without performing the processing in steps S4 and S5, and the next step is performed. You may transfer to S7. In addition, since the process in step S6 assumes a case where mosaic processing is performed on the image data to be combined, when the process in step S4 and step S5 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S7, the process in step S6 is also a step. You may perform in S7.

  Next, the CPU 100 creates a composite pattern by superimposing the mosaic image data created in step S3 on the basic QR code created in step S6 (step S7). At this time, if there are 8 types of basic QR codes, at least 8 types of composite patterns are created. Here, a composite pattern in which the position of the mosaicked image data is changed or a composite pattern in which the whiteness rate is changed may be created to prepare more composite patterns. In the following description using FIG. 4, a composite pattern formed by superimposing mosaiced image data on a basic QR code is simply referred to as QR code, and mosaic-processed image data is simply referred to as image data. To do.

  Next, the CPU 100 displays each QR code on the liquid crystal panel 160 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2D) (step S8). The user looks at the plurality of QR codes displayed on the liquid crystal panel 160 (see FIG. 1) and determines that the visibility of the image data is good. The operation panel 8 (see FIG. 1, FIG. 2 (d)) The CPU 100 accepts this selection information via the operation panel 170 (see FIG. 1). If there is no QR code with good visibility of the image data, or if it is desired to check by further changing the overlay position of the image data with respect to the basic QR code, the CPU 100 performs step S7 via the operation panel 170. The return command is accepted and the process returns to step S7. The CPU 100 receives an instruction to change the overlay position of the image data via the operation panel 170, performs synthesis again, displays the recombined QR code on the liquid crystal panel 160 (see FIG. 1), and again uses the user. May be accepted.

  The CPU 100 that has received the selection information performs final image processing such as deleting a QR code that has not been selected from a plurality of QR codes, so-called thinning-out processing, and removing dangerous molecules from the remaining QR code ( Step S9). An example of the process for eliminating the dangerous molecules is to eliminate dots that are overlapped so that the symbol mark and the line information are in contact with each other.

Then, the CPU 100 examines the restoration rate of the narrowed QR code and selects the one with a high restoration rate. As a method for checking the restoration rate, whether or not the data can be read by a QR code reader, that is, whether or not the QR code is analyzed by starting the QR code reading program 112 and is the same as the data acquired in step S1. Is repeated a plurality of times (step S10). These determination results are collected as a data table.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data table of determination results. In this example, the same image data is overlaid at the same position for eight types of QR codes # 1 to # 8. The restoration rate threshold value used as a determination criterion can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, for example, the CPU 100 finally extracts a QR code that is judged to be readable when the restoration rate is 90% or more. When a plurality of QR codes determined to be readable at 90% or more are extracted, the CPU 100 finally selects the one with the highest correct answer rate or the liquid crystal panel 160 (see FIGS. 1 and 2 (e)). ) And let the user select (step S11). In this way, the CPU 100 stores the finally selected QR code in the RAM 120 (see FIG. 1) as a QR code with a visible image. If there is no QR code that is determined to be readable at 90% or more, the CPU 100 refers to the data table shown in FIG. 5 and extracts the combination having the highest restoration rate. Change the position and size of the data and compose again. This increases the possibility of acquiring a readable QR code with a visible image.

  Note that the processing of steps S1 to S11 described above is executed by the CPU 100 in accordance with a QR code creation program stored in the ROM 110.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a QR code with a visible image. The QR code shown in FIG. 6A is obtained by superimposing the “Positive” mosaic character as it is, and FIG. 6B shows the outer edge of the “Positive” mosaic character shown in FIG. It is a stack of white objects. Then, by using the QR code reading function of the camera-equipped mobile phone terminal, by reading the QR code with a visible image in FIG. 6 (a) and FIG. 6 (b), the characters “Shobayashi International Patent Office” Information is output. It should be noted that whether the black character “positive” is superimposed as shown in FIG. 7A or the white character “positive” is superimposed as shown in FIG. The text information “International Patent Office” is output.

  By the way, according to the example shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, since the dot in the portion where the character “positive” is overlapped in the QR code is destroyed, the important data is temporarily concentrated on the portion where the character is overlapped. In such a case, reading may be impossible. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since a plurality of QR codes are created from the same information source and the visible images are superimposed on each, the probability that a readable QR code is created is increased. In addition, since it has an editing function that changes the position and size of the visible image, it is possible to increase the number of candidates for the QR code with a visible image and finally obtain a readable QR code with a visible image. Probability increases.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to add image information that can be visually recognized by the user or a third party to the QR code, so that the QR code is unique to the creator of the QR code. For example, can be used as a substitute for a seal. In addition, for a third party, a QR code rich in interest such as recognizing what is written can be obtained.

  In addition, since characters and images to be added to the QR code can be freely set by an input operation on the screen as shown in FIG. 2 (c), data management, instead of a seal, and design can be given. A QR code with a visible image according to the purpose can be created.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the position of the image data with respect to the basic QR code is set by the CPU 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image data is displayed superimposed on the QR code and the liquid crystal panel 160 is viewed. A QR code candidate may be determined by appropriately changing the position of the image data by accepting an operation of the operation panel 170 by the user.

  When the readable QR code with a visible image is stored in the RAM 120, the QR code before synthesis and the image data may be stored as separate files in addition to the image data of the QR code with a visible image itself. By storing the images separately in this way, for example, when it is desired to change the image data to be superimposed, editing only the image data and recombining may result in a readable QR code with a visible image being obtained. Get higher.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the second embodiment, a QR code creation function is incorporated into a program generally called a printer driver.
[Computer configuration]

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer 3 on which the printer driver operates. The control unit 31, display unit 32, input unit 33, communication control unit 34, and storage unit 35 are connected via a bus 36.

  The control unit 31 is an arithmetic processing unit that performs information processing and calculation, and may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 31 controls the entire computer 3 and appropriately reads and executes various programs stored in the storage unit 35 so that the above-described hardware cooperates to realize various functions according to the present invention. ing.

  Here, the display unit 32 displays a screen for accepting data input to the user or displays a screen of a calculation processing result of the computer 3. The display unit 32 is a cathode ray tube display device (CRT), a liquid crystal display device ( LCD).

  Here, the input unit 33 accepts input by the user, and may include a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like. The input unit 33 can be connected to the computer 3 directly or via an intervening I / O controller.

  Here, the communication control unit 34 is a network adapter for enabling the computer 3 to be connected to another arithmetic processing system, a storage device, or a peripheral device such as a printer via a dedicated network or a public network. The communication control unit 34 may include a modem, a cable modem, and an Ethernet (registered trademark) adapter.

Here, the storage unit 35 may include a local memory used for program execution in combination with the control unit 31, a large-capacity bulk memory, and a cache memory used for efficiently searching the bulk memory. . The computer-readable medium that implements the storage unit 35 may include an electrical, magnetic, optical, or electromagnetic implementation. More specifically, semiconductor storage devices, magnetic tapes, flexible disks, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), optical disks including CD-ROM, CD-R / W and DVD are included. It is.
[Configuration of printing system]

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining the function of a printer driver installed in the computer 3 and for explaining the configuration of a printing system constituted by the computer 3 and the printer 4. The printer 4 is connected by a cable via the communication control unit 34 of the computer 3, and these hardwares cooperate to constitute a printing system.

  The storage unit 35 of the computer 3 stores application data 300 (hereinafter simply referred to as an application) for creating documents and images, an operating system 310 that manages the entire printing system, and print data created by the application 300. A program such as a printer driver 320 that is converted into data interpretable by the printer 4 and output to the printer 51 is stored. These programs can be obtained via an external storage medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R / W, DVD, or FD storing the program. Some programs can be obtained via the Internet.

  The printer driver 320 includes a UI processing module 330 that allows the user to perform detailed settings such as double-sided, aggregation, enlargement / reduction, stamp / combination, and the like, a print request from an application in the computer 50, and the UI processing module 330. In the print processing module 340 for processing the request, the QR code creation module 350 for creating a QR code to be given to the printed matter, and the print processing module 340, the QR code creation module 350 and other modules. A synthesis module 360 that synthesizes the generated print information is included.

  When the control unit 31 causes the printer 4 to print out a document created by executing the application 300, the control unit 31 performs predetermined processing on the document data via the printer driver 320 to the printer 4. Output. Further, the control unit 31 outputs various user setting data by executing the UI processing module 330. Next, the control unit 31 converts the document data into data that can be interpreted by the printer 4 by executing the print processing module 340. Here, when the control unit 31 outputs data of various user settings by executing the UI processing module 330, for example, when provision of a QR code, which is one of stamp / composition functions, is set, The control unit 31 creates a QR code by executing the QR code creation module 350. Next, the control unit 31 assigns the created QR code to a specified position in the printed image by executing the synthesis module 360. Then, the control unit 31 outputs the document data provided with the QR code to the printer 51 via the input / output port 370 constituting the communication control unit 34, and prints out the data by the printer 4.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a print function setting screen in the printer driver. In FIG. 9, functions such as duplex, consolidation, enlargement / reduction, and stamp / composition are prepared in addition to normal printing. The control unit 31 accepts a function selection by accepting an operation of an input unit such as a mouse or a keyboard by the user via the input unit 33. Then, at the start of document printing, the control unit 31 outputs setting data corresponding to the function that has been selected in the setting menu by executing the UI processing module 330.

  In FIG. 9, the stamp / combination function includes a QR code creation function, and the control unit 31 receives an operation of a mouse, a keyboard, and the like by the user via the input unit 33 (for example, By accepting a click on the “QR code creation wizard” icon), the QR code creation program is activated (see FIG. 10). Next, the control unit 31 automatically creates a QR code by receiving various inputs. For example, upon receiving a click on the “QR code creation wizard” icon, the control unit 31 adds information to be QR-coded, for example, an item for inputting a personal name, company name, product description, related URL, etc., to the QR code. Items for inputting or editing character data and image data to be displayed are displayed on the display unit 32. And the control part 31 will produce a QR code according to the process sequence shown in FIG. 4, if the input of a required item is received and QR code production is started.

  Here, also in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, a plurality of QR codes with visible images are created, and the selection of candidates to be finally checked is received from among them by visual observation of the user. At that time, if display is possible on a large display device, the number of QR codes that can be checked on one screen increases. Therefore, the number of patterns in which the positions of the mosaic image data are changed may be increased. A pattern in which image data with different rates are overlaid may be added.

  Then, by storing the created QR code in the storage unit 35 as one of the stamps, the QR code can be stamped as necessary, and the QR code with a visible image is easily given to the printed matter. It becomes possible.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to easily create a printed matter including a QR code to which image information that can be visually recognized by a user or a third party is added. This makes it easy to provide additional information regarding the printed material via the QR code. In addition, even if the QR code looks troublesome for a third party who does not use the QR code, it is possible to obtain a QR code that is highly interesting, such as enjoying hitting what image is drawn.

  In the second embodiment, the printer driver 320 is provided with a function for creating a QR code with a visible image. In addition, for example, a QR code creation program with a visible image is used as independent application software. The function may be introduced into the computer 3, and the application 300 may include a function for creating a QR code with a visible image.

  For example, the application 300 may be software for creating a poster, and a function for creating a QR code with a visible image may be included in addition to a function for creating images and characters and a paper layout function. Here, adding a QR code to a poster makes it possible to increase the amount of information that can be transmitted, but on the other hand, the QR code itself is poor in design, which may reduce the aesthetics of the entire poster. There is. Therefore, it is necessary to consider whether to place the QR code in a conspicuous position on the poster or to place the QR code in an inconspicuous position considering the aesthetics of the entire poster so that a third party can read the QR code. There is a difficulty in the arrangement of QR codes. However, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the QR code itself has a design by arranging the QR code with a visible image on the poster paper surface. Since it will be of interest to the three parties, it is possible to improve the usage of the QR code.

In addition, a function for creating a QR code with a visible image can be included in an application 300 for document creation, label creation, business card creation, and the like.
In the above-described second embodiment, the printing system including the computer 3 and the printer 4 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a control unit (not shown) that functions as the computer 3, a printing unit (not shown) that functions as a printer, and a photographing unit (not shown) that functions as a camera or a scanner are housed in a single housing. The automatic image capturing / editing apparatus (not shown) may include the function for creating a QR code with a visible image according to this embodiment. In this case, for example, the captured image data is subjected to mosaic processing or density adjustment processing, and information separately input, for example, the name and shooting date are converted into a QR code, and the QR code and mosaic processing or density adjustment processing are performed. It is possible to configure a dedicated device that prints and outputs a QR code with a visible image formed by combining the image data with the captured image data.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not restricted to embodiment mentioned above. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the black and white processing is performed on the image data to be superimposed. Colors that have the same gray scale on the QR code reading function realized by the QR code reading program 112 and can be recognized as different colors when viewed by humans can be suitably used in the present invention. This is easily understood by those skilled in the art.

  In the above-described embodiment, a process of creating basic QR data is performed in parallel with the mosaic process of the image data to be superimposed. This basic QR data is, for example, transmitted from an opponent by e-mail. Image data that has already been created, such as QR data, may be used. In this case, the created image data is read, and the result of reading is converted into a QR code again to generate a plurality (eight types) of basic QR codes. Therefore, a readable QR code with a visible image can be acquired.

  In the embodiment described above, the QR code with a visible image determined to be readable is extracted. However, the QR code with a visible image having the lowest restoration rate may be extracted depending on the application. . In this case, for example, a QR code with a visible image that can be used for applications such as lottery and has a high restoration rate may be used, and a QR code with a visible image that has a low restoration rate may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made by taking the mobile phone terminal and the printing system including the computer and the printer as examples. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, by introducing the program of the present invention into a facsimile machine, the read data can be transmitted with a QR code with a visible image added, or the program of the present invention is added to a part of an e-mail program. Thus, a function of transmitting image data of a QR code with a visible image as an attachment may be provided. Thus, the present invention can be applied to a device that handles QR codes.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the circuit structure of the mobile telephone terminal with a camera function which introduced the program in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation procedure until QR Code of owner information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow until the QR code in this embodiment is produced. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process until a QR code with a visible image in this embodiment is created. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data table of a determination result. It is a figure which shows an example of QR code with a visible image. It is a figure which shows the other example of QR code with a visible image. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer on which a printer driver operates. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining functions of a printer driver installed in a computer and for explaining a configuration of a printing system including the computer and a printer. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a printer driver. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the poster which has a QR code with a visible image.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mobile phone terminal 3 Computer 4 Printer 31 Control part 32 Display part 33 Input part 34 Communication control part 35 Memory | storage part 36 Bus 100 CPU
110 ROM
120 RAM
130 Transmission / Reception Control Circuit 140 Antenna 150 Display Control Circuit 160 Liquid Crystal Panel 170 Operation Panel 180 Speaker 190 Microphone 200 Camera 300 Application 310 Operating System 320 Printer Driver 330 UI Processing Module 340 Print Processing Module 350 QR Code Creation Module 360 Synthesis Module 370 Input / Output port

Claims (11)

On the computer,
An input procedure for accepting input of visible image data;
An image creation procedure for creating image data for synthesis to be synthesized with image data of a QR code based on the visible image data;
A synthesis procedure for creating image data of a QR code with a visible image by synthesizing the image data for synthesis created in the image creation procedure with the image data of the QR code;
A determination procedure for causing the image data of the QR code with a visible image created in the synthesis procedure to be read and inspected and determining whether or not information is normally restored;
An output procedure for outputting image data of the QR code with a visible image when it is determined that information is normally restored in the determination procedure;
QR code creation program for executing On the computer,
In the image creation procedure, binarization processing is performed on the visible image data, and then white dots of dots smaller than the minimum pixel of the QR code are randomly performed to make a mosaic. The QR code creation program according to claim 1.   The QR code creation program according to claim 1, wherein the visible image data is color image data. On the computer,
The QR code creation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an exclusion procedure for eliminating unnecessary dot data is executed on image data of a QR code with a visible image created in the synthesis procedure. program. On the computer,
The image data of QR codes with a plurality of visible images are created by changing the overlay position of the image data for composition with respect to the image data of the QR code in the composition procedure. Item 5. A QR code creating program according to any one of Items 4 to 5. On the computer,
The image data of QR codes with a plurality of visible images are created by changing the size of the image data for synthesis with respect to the image data of the QR code in the combining procedure. The QR code creation program according to any one of 5. On the computer,
Between the synthesizing procedure and the exclusion procedure, displaying a plurality of QR code image data with visible images on a display means, and executing a procedure for accepting selection of the image data to be transferred to the exclusion procedure. 7. The QR code creating program according to claim 4, wherein the QR code creating program is characterized in that: On the computer,
The QR code creation program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the output procedure, image data of a QR code with a visible image is output together with restoration rate data.   A computer-readable recording medium storing the QR code creating program according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Input means for receiving input of visible image data;
Image creation means for creating image data for synthesis to be synthesized with the image data of the QR code based on the visible image data;
A synthesizing unit that synthesizes the image data for synthesis with the image data of the QR code to generate image data of the QR code with a visible image;
A determination unit that performs reading inspection of the image data of the QR code with the visible image and determines whether or not information is normally restored;
An output unit that outputs image data of the QR code with a visible image when it is determined that the information is normally restored by the determination unit;
A QR code creating apparatus comprising: An input process for receiving input of visible image data;
An image creating step of creating image data for synthesis to be synthesized with the image data of the QR code based on the visible image data;
Combining the image data for combining with the image data of the QR code to generate image data of the QR code with a visible image;
A determination step of performing a reading inspection of the image data of the QR code with the visible image and determining whether information is normally restored;
An output step of outputting image data of the QR code with a visible image when it is determined that information is normally restored in the determination step;
A QR code creating method comprising:

Images