JP2007241328A - Program, information storage medium, two-dimensional code generation system, image generation system and printed matter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate a two-dimensional code so that modules arranged in a two-dimensional code can be arranged while configuring an arbitrary design. <P>SOLUTION: This two-dimensional code generation system includes a binarized design data converting part for specifying a dummy data region 33 of a two-dimensional code according to the size data of a two-dimensional code 10, original data to be read from the two-dimensional code 10 and the size quantity and size data of the original data, and for obtaining a bit code obtained by inversely transforming given binarized design data to be written in the region based on the format information of the two-dimensional code; a correction processing part for determining whether or not the bit code after inverse transform is compatible with the format of the two-dimensional code 10, and for obtaining the bit code of the dummy data by correcting incompatible bit code; and a two-dimensional code generation part for generating a two-dimensional code 10 obtained by converting the bit code of the dummy data and the bit code of the original data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

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

  In such a two-dimensional code, a bit string of data to be read is converted based on the format information of the two-dimensional code, and a module pattern is arranged on the two-dimensional code based on the format information of the two-dimensional code. The structure of the module pattern is determined according to the character string of the data to be read. Therefore, it has been impossible to differentiate from other two-dimensional codes by giving a feature to the configuration of the module pattern of the generated two-dimensional code.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a program, an information storage medium, and a generated two-dimensional code that can generate a two-dimensional code so that modules arranged according to data to be read can be arranged in an arbitrary design. An object of the present invention is to provide an image generation system and a printed matter for generating an image of a code.

(1) The present invention is a system for generating a two-dimensional code,
A data acquisition unit that acquires size data of the two-dimensional code, original data to be read from the two-dimensional code, and given binary design data;
A dummy data area specifying unit for specifying a dummy data area of a two-dimensional code according to the data amount of the original data based on the size data and the original data;
A binarized design data conversion unit for obtaining a bit code obtained by inversely converting the binarized design data corresponding to the dummy data area based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
It is determined whether or not the bit code after the inverse conversion conforms to the format of the two-dimensional code, a correction processing unit that performs a correction process on the non-conforming bit code to obtain a bit code of dummy data,
The present invention relates to a two-dimensional code generation system including a two-dimensional code generation unit that generates a two-dimensional code by converting the bit code of the dummy data and the bit code of the original data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code. To do. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores (records) a program that causes a computer to function as each unit. The present invention also relates to a printed matter on which a two-dimensional code generated using the above-described two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium is printed.

  In the present invention, a bit code obtained by inversely converting binarized design data is obtained, a bit code correction process is performed as necessary, and a bit code of dummy data is obtained, whereby a two-dimensional design in which a binarized design is configured. Code can be generated. In the generated two-dimensional code, the information of the original data is also arranged together with the dummy data. Therefore, the information that the user of the system intends to transmit via the two-dimensional code by the two-dimensional code reader. Some original data can be read.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily generate a two-dimensional code including a binarized design pattern that can attract attention according to a normal two-dimensional code generation procedure. In addition, even if the generated two-dimensional code has a binarized design, it is generated according to a normal two-dimensional code generation procedure after correction processing. Can be read.

(2) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The two-dimensional code generator is
An error correction data generation unit for generating error correction data for correcting a read error of the generated two-dimensional code based on the bit code;
The dummy data area specifying unit
An error correction data area of a two-dimensional code is specified according to the size data, an original data area of a two-dimensional code is specified based on the original data, the size data of the two-dimensional code, the error correction data area, The dummy data area may be specified based on the original data area.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to identify the dummy data area to be binarized from the error correction data area and the original data area and extract the binarized design data of the dummy data area.

(3) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The error correction data generation unit generates error correction data according to given error correction level data,
A two-dimensional code changing unit that receives a change process of the two-dimensional code generated according to the error correction level data may be further included.

  According to the present invention, the generated two-dimensional code can be changed within the range of the recovery capability of the error correction algorithm. For example, by changing the two-dimensional code module arranged in the error correction data area, a part of the error correction data area can be used as the design area.

(4) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The two-dimensional code changing unit
Depending on the correctable range, a process of changing the bit code subjected to the correction process to a bit code before the correction process may be performed.

  According to the present invention, the design data changed by the correction process can be changed again to the design data constituting the original design. Since this re-change is performed within the correctable range of the error correction data, the reading accuracy can be secured by the error correction data. Therefore, even when a part of given binarized design data is contrary to the format of the two-dimensional code, the design constituted by the two-dimensional code can be maintained.

(5) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The two-dimensional code generator is
An alignment pattern setting unit for setting an alignment pattern used for reading the two-dimensional code;
The alignment pattern setting unit
You may make it receive the omission process of the said alignment pattern.

  According to the present invention, by omitting the arrangement of the alignment pattern, the degree of freedom of the design pattern configured in the dummy data area can be dramatically increased and the configured design pattern can be made more beautiful.

(6) In the two-dimensional code generation system, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
A code size determining unit that determines the size of the two-dimensional code according to the size of the binarized design data may be further included.

  According to the present invention, the size of a two-dimensional code that can contain a binarized design pattern can be automatically determined according to the size of the binarized design data.

(7) In the system, program and information storage medium for generating data for generating a two-dimensional code,
A data acquisition unit that acquires size data of the two-dimensional code, original data to be read from the two-dimensional code, and given binary design data;
A dummy data area specifying unit for specifying a dummy data area of a two-dimensional code according to the data amount of the original data based on the size data and the original data;
A binarized design data conversion unit for obtaining a bit code obtained by inversely converting the binarized design data corresponding to the dummy data area based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
A determination may be made as to whether or not the bit code after the inverse conversion is compatible with the format of the two-dimensional code, and a correction processing unit that performs correction processing on the non-conforming bit code to obtain a bit code of dummy data may be included.

  According to the present invention, data capable of generating a two-dimensional code in which a binarized design pattern is configured can be generated. The data for generating the generated two-dimensional code includes the original data information as well as the dummy data. Therefore, if a two-dimensional code is generated based on the data generated according to the present invention, the system user constructs a design pattern in the two-dimensional code and is the original information that the system user intends to transmit via the two-dimensional code symbol. The data can be read by a two-dimensional code reader.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily generate a two-dimensional code including a binarized design pattern that can attract attention according to a normal two-dimensional code generation procedure. In addition, even if the generated two-dimensional code has a binarized design, it is generated according to a normal two-dimensional code generation procedure after correction processing. Can be read.

(8) In the system, program and information storage medium for generating a two-dimensional code image to be read as a two-dimensional code,
A computer as an image generation unit that generates the two-dimensional code image based on the data of the original data image to be read from the two-dimensional code and the data of the binarized design image set in the dummy data area of the two-dimensional code Function
The image generation unit
The two-dimensional code image may be generated by changing the data of the binarized design image.

  According to the present invention, the utilization degree of the two-dimensional code can be greatly increased by changing the binarized design pattern of the two-dimensional code image to attract more attention to the two-dimensional code.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S26, the mask processing pattern is applied to the encoding area 16 of the symbol 10. This mask process is a process for ensuring that the dark (black) module and the bright (white) module arranged in the encoding area 16 in step S24 are arranged in a well-balanced manner. In step S28, the coding pattern of the model number information acquired in step S2 is arranged in the model number area 18, and the coding pattern of the format information is arranged in the format area 20, thereby completing the symbol 10.

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

3. Design Data Processing Here, for example, when a two-dimensional code is generated using network address information or the like as original data, the data capacity of the two-dimensional code is sufficiently larger than the data amount of the network address information or the like. Therefore, in the two-dimensional code, an unused data area 32 that simply indicates that data is empty often occurs in the encoding area 16 of the symbol 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the original data that determines the arrangement of the module pattern, the module pattern generates dummy data that constitutes a given binary design on the two-dimensional code. A dimension code symbol 20 is generated.

  That is, by using the area that becomes the unused data area 32 as the dummy data area 33 in which the module pattern of dummy data is arranged, the arrangement of dark (black) modules and light (white) modules in the dummy data area 33 ( A pattern) generates a bit string of dummy data that constitutes a given design, and adds it to the bit string of the original data. For this reason, in the present embodiment, design data processing characteristic of the present embodiment is performed in the data acquisition processing in step S1 of FIG.

3-1.2 Binary Design Data Acquisition Processing FIG. 5 shows an example of the design data processing flow. First, up to step S6 in FIG. 3, size information, error correction level information, and original data are acquired (steps S2 and S4), and a bit string of the original data is generated based on the format information of the two-dimensional code (step S2). S6).

  Here, in the conventional two-dimensional code generation process, the end pattern bit string used for the end of the bit string indicating the data is inserted at the end of the bit string of the original data, but in the present embodiment, the dummy data area 33 is inserted. Thus, since a bit string of dummy data such that each module constitutes a given design is added after the original data, no end pattern is inserted at the end of the bit string of the original data. However, if the bit string of the original data and the bit string of the dummy data are made continuous, it becomes impossible to distinguish how far the bit string is the bit string of the original data (the bit string of the original data is lost).

  Therefore, an identifier for identifying the bit string of the original data and the bit string of the dummy data is inserted. In the present embodiment, a division pattern is inserted at the end of the bit string of the original data. For example, when the bit string is a character string, the division pattern may be a bit string indicating a line feed or a bit string indicating a space. FIG. 11 shows an example of a display screen M in which a bit string of original data and a bit string of dummy data are converted into a character string by a two-dimensional code reader and output. In the example of FIG. 11, two bit strings indicating a line feed are inserted as a division pattern after the bit string of the original data indicating the URL, and a bit string of dummy data is added. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11, the character string AD of URL and the character string DD of dummy data can be displayed separately, so that the user can add the character string of the original data even if the bit string of dummy data is added. An AD can be identified and used.

  Then, in step S40 of FIG. 5, a given binarized design pattern associated with the matrix of the two-dimensional code is acquired as dummy data in the dummy data area 33, and the bit string (2 of the binarized design pattern) (Value design data) is generated.

  In the present embodiment, in order to obtain a binarized design pattern, first, the system user is asked whether each module is a dark (black) module or a bright (white) module on a matrix based on a two-dimensional code format. One of them is set, and a binarized design pattern (picture, character, symbol, pattern, etc.) is configured. Then, the acquired binary design pattern is associated with a two-dimensional code matrix (each module), and a binary design pattern bit string (dummy data bit string) corresponding to the two-dimensional code format is generated.

  FIG. 6A is an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit in order to make the system user configure a binary design pattern. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the original data area 30 is determined according to the size information and the data amount of the original data, and the error correction data area 34 is determined according to the size information. Therefore, the original data area 30 is specified based on the size information and the bit string of the original data, the error correction data area 34 is specified based on the size information, and based on the size information, the original data area 30, and the error correction data area 34. Thus, the unused data area 32 can be specified as the dummy data area 33 that becomes the design area. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6A, the two-dimensional code symbol 10 can be displayed so that the dummy data area 33 is blank.

  FIG. 6B is an example of a binarized design pattern configured by the user. In the example of FIG. 6B, the two-dimensional code symbol 10 shown in FIG. 6A is displayed on the display unit, and each module of the dummy data area 33 is displayed to the user as a dark (black) module and a bright (white) module. The binarized design pattern is configured by setting any one of the above. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 6B, when the user sets each module to one of the dark (black) module and the light (white) module, the configured binarized design pattern is used as it is in the dummy data area 33. It is possible to generate a bit string of a binarized design pattern in association with each module.

3-2.2 Binary Design Data Inverse Conversion Process and Judgment Process However, in this embodiment, as shown in step S26 of FIG. 2, when generating a two-dimensional code, the mask pattern and the code word module pattern are XORed. Perform conversion by calculation. Therefore, even if a bit string of a binarized design pattern forming a given design is generated in the dummy data area 33 of the two-dimensional code, the bit string of the binarized design pattern is 2 by an XOR operation with the mask pattern as it is. It is converted into a bit string that does not constitute a design on the dimension code.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the bit sequence of the generated binarized design pattern is inversely converted in advance so that if the XOR operation with the mask pattern is performed when generating the two-dimensional code, the bit sequence of the generated binarized design pattern is restored. Keep it. That is, in the present embodiment, before the mask pattern is applied in step S26 in FIG. 2, conversion by the XOR operation is performed in advance between the binarized design pattern and the mask pattern. Then, the inversely converted bit string of the obtained binarized design pattern is treated as data in the dummy data area 33 of the two-dimensional code, and the mask pattern is applied in step S26 of FIG. The module pattern can be configured as follows.

  Furthermore, in order to handle the inversely converted bit string of the binarized design pattern as data in the dummy data area 33 of the two-dimensional code, the inversely converted bit string needs to be a bit string that conforms to the format of the two-dimensional code. However, the bit string of the binary design pattern is generated so that the module pattern constitutes a given design. Therefore, unlike the bit string obtained by converting the normal character string like the original data, the two-dimensional code May not be compatible with other formats. Then, even if an inversely converted bit string is generated, it may not be possible to generate a two-dimensional code using it. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the inversely converted bit string conforms to the format of the two-dimensional code, and correction processing is performed on the bit string that does not conform.

  More specifically, in step S42 of FIG. 5, the dummy data area 33 is specified based on the size information, error correction level information, and the bit string of the original data. In step S44, the binarized design corresponding to the dummy data area 33 is specified. Extract the bit string of the pattern. In step S46, how many sets of bit sequences of the extracted binarized design pattern, that is, bit sequences of dummy data, are obtained as input data. That is, the two-dimensional code generation system according to the present embodiment divides the bit string of dummy data into division units when converting the acquired input data into bit strings, and sets the number to N. Then, inverse conversion processing using a mask pattern is performed for each N divided bit strings, and it is determined whether the bit string after the inverse conversion processing conforms to the format of the two-dimensional code.

  Therefore, first, a counter for the number of division units is set to i = 0 in step S48, and it is determined whether i = N in step S50. If the counter is not N (N in step S50), i is determined in step S52. XOR processing of the bit string of the dummy data of the set and the corresponding mask pattern is performed to generate the i-th inverted conversion bit string. In step S54, it is determined whether or not the i-th inverse conversion bit string satisfies the format of the two-dimensional code. In this embodiment, a bit string that conforms to the format of the two-dimensional code or a bit string that does not conform to the format of the two-dimensional code is stored in the storage unit in advance, and the comparison determination is performed.

  If it is determined that they match (Y in step S54), the inversely converted bit string is stored in the buffer in step S58. On the other hand, when it is determined as non-conforming (N in step S54), in step S56, a correction process for correcting a part of the inversely converted bit string so as to conform to the format of the two-dimensional code is performed, and then the correction process is performed. Store the inverse transformation bit string in the buffer. Note that it is also possible to return to step S54 after changing some bits of the inversely converted bit string in step S56, and loop the processing of step S54 and step S56 until it is determined to be compatible (Y in step S54).

  Then, in step S60, i = i + 1 and the counter is incremented. Then, the process returns to step S50, and until i = N, that is, until the inverse conversion process and the determination process are performed for the bit strings of all the sets of dummy data, The process up to S60 is repeated.

  FIG. 7 is an example of an inverse conversion module pattern 44 obtained by performing conversion by XOR operation between the binarized design pattern 40 extracted from the example of FIG. 6B and the mask pattern 42. As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, when the modules corresponding to the binarized design pattern 40 and the mask pattern 42 are the same type of module, the module is set as a dark (black) module (0 + 0 = 1, 1 + 1 = 1), if the module is of a different type, the module is set as a bright (white) module (0 + 1 = 0, 1 + 0 = 0).

  Accordingly, the inverse conversion module pattern 44 obtained by performing the conversion by the XOR operation does not constitute a design. However, the binary design pattern is obtained by performing the XOR operation with the mask pattern again when generating the two-dimensional code. Return to. In this way, an inversely converted bit string is generated by inversely converting the bit string of the binarized design pattern (dummy data bit string) corresponding to the dummy data area 33 with the mask pattern. It should be noted that the mask processing is not applied to gray portions such as the four corners of the mask pattern 42, that is, the regions 46 corresponding to the position detection pattern 12, the alignment pattern 13, and the timing pattern 14 of the generated two-dimensional code. It has become.

  In this way, when the inverse conversion process and the determination process are performed on the bit strings of the dummy data of all sets, that is, when i = N in step S50 of FIG. 5 (Y of step S50), in FIG. The bit sequence of the original data including the division pattern generated in step S6 and the inversely converted bit sequence of the generated binary design pattern are divided into data code words. In step S12, the obtained data code word sequence is It is determined whether or not the number of data code words is satisfied.

  Here, the inverse conversion bit string of the binarized design pattern includes all the modules in the dummy data area 33. Therefore, it is determined that the data code word string composed of the bit string of the original data and the inversely converted bit string satisfies the number of data code words in step S12 (Y in step S12). Accordingly, the padding code word is not added in step S14, and the processing based on the two-dimensional code format from step S16 to step S24 is performed as it is. Then, like the module pattern 54 on the left side of FIG. 8, the position detection pattern 12 and the like are arranged, and a mask including the module pattern 48 of the original data, the inverse conversion module pattern 44, and the error correction code pattern 50 corresponding to them. A previous pattern 52 is generated.

  In step S26, when a mask processing pattern is applied to the pre-mask pattern 52, the inverse conversion bit string of the binarized design pattern is converted and the bit string of the original binarized design pattern is restored. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the design two-dimensional code symbol 54 in which the binarized design pattern 40 is formed in the dummy data area 33 by performing the conversion by the XOR operation between the pre-mask pattern 52 and the mask pattern 42. Can be generated.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, by generating the inverse conversion module pattern 44, the two-dimensional code symbol 54 in which the binarized design pattern 40 is configured according to the normal two-dimensional code generation procedure thereafter. Can be generated. Of the two-dimensional code symbols 54 in which the binarized design pattern 40 is configured, the original data module pattern 48 is arranged in the original data area 30. Therefore, the two-dimensional code reader is used by the two-dimensional code reader. By reading 54, it is possible to read the original data, which is information that the user of the present system intends to transmit via the two-dimensional code symbol.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the module pattern 48 of the original data is read by the reading device, the character string AD of the original data input by the user as the original data is output. Since (dummy data module pattern) is a bit string generated so that the module pattern forms a given design, it becomes a character string that does not make sense like the character string DD of dummy data. But,
Thus, according to the present embodiment, a two-dimensional code in which a binarized design pattern that can attract attention can be easily generated according to a normal two-dimensional code generation procedure. In addition, even if the generated two-dimensional code has a binarized design, it is generated according to a normal two-dimensional code generation procedure after correction processing. Can be read.

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

  In the present embodiment, an example in which reverse conversion is performed in consideration of conversion processing using a mask pattern when generating a two-dimensional code has been described. However, 2 bits are obtained for a bit string of an acquired binary design pattern. If another conversion process is performed when generating the dimension code, the generated bit string of the binarized design pattern is inversely converted in advance so that the conversion process returns to the bit string of the binarized design pattern. Keep it. Here, the inverse conversion refers to a process of converting the bit string of the binarized design pattern into a bit string that returns to the bit string of the binarized design pattern by the conversion process when generating the two-dimensional code. For example, in this embodiment, the inverse transformation process and the transformation process when generating the two-dimensional code are both XOR operations and become the same transformation process. included.

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

4). Encoding pattern change processing In the two-dimensional code of the present embodiment, the error correction code pattern arranged in the error correction code area 34 is used to read the encoding pattern in the encoding area 16 with a two-dimensional code reader. Reading errors can be corrected. For example, when the error correction level is L, the restoration capability is 7%, and even if 7 modules out of approximately 100 modules are read as an incorrect pattern due to dirt or the like, the original correct module pattern is restored. Can be restored.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a change process of the generated two-dimensional code is accepted according to the error correction level information of the two-dimensional code generated as described above. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9A, a two-dimensional code symbol 10 in which a given binarized design pattern generated in the present embodiment is arranged is displayed on the display unit. And the change setting of any module is received from the user of a system. Note that the symbol 10 in FIGS. 9A to 9C is obtained by rotating the symbol 10 displayed in FIG. 6 by 90 degrees counterclockwise.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 9A, the appearance of a person standing on an island floating in the sea is designed, but the outline of the island is not clear due to the module pattern of the error correction code area 34. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the module change setting is accepted, and as shown in FIG. 9B, a part of the dark (black) module in the partial area 60 of the error correction code area 34 is deleted, The outline of the island can be clarified. Thus, in the present embodiment, a part of the error correction data area 34 can also be used as a design area.

  Then, the bit of the bit string corresponding to the changed module is also changed. At this time, the number of modules that accept the change setting is limited according to the set error correction level information and size information.

  For example, when the error correction level information is “M” (recovery capability is 15%) and the size information is 7 type (the number of data bits is 1248), for example, change settings for up to 100 modules are accepted. . Further, when the error correction level information is “H” (restoration capability is 30%) and the size information is 15 type (the number of data bits is 1784), for example, change setting of up to 300 modules is accepted. .

  Further, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the reverse conversion bit string of the dummy data conforms to the format of the two-dimensional code, and correction processing is performed for the bit string that does not conform (step S56 in FIG. 5). The binary design pattern input by the system user may be changed to generate a two-dimensional code. For example, in the example of FIG. 9A, the design pattern is changed by correcting the module 62 near the right hand of the person standing on the island. Therefore, in this embodiment, in such a case, the module change setting is accepted according to the error correction level information of the two-dimensional code. Then, the module 62 in FIG. 9A is replaced with the dark (black) module and the light (white) module as in the module 64 in FIG. In this way, the corrected design pattern can be corrected to a binary design pattern input by the user. Even if such change setting is performed, since the error correction code is generated for the bit string before the change setting, the reading accuracy can be secured by the error correction data.

  Further, the process of changing the bit subjected to such correction processing to the bit before the correction processing may be automatically executed by an algorithm. In this case, the position and number of bits corrected in step S56 in FIG. 5 are stored, and after the error correction code word is generated in step S18 in FIG. 2, the set error correction level information and size information are set. Depending on the above, the bit corrected within the range of the restoration capability may be changed again. Further, it may be configured such that an inversely converted bit string before correction processing is stored, compared with a bit string after correction processing, and different bits are changed again.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, a process for omitting the alignment pattern 13 displayed in FIG. 9B may be accepted. In this case, processing for deleting the alignment pattern 13 arranged in step S24 of FIG. 2 is performed. The omission process of the alignment pattern 13 is acquired in advance in the data acquisition process of step S1 in FIG. 2 by acquiring information indicating that the arrangement process of the alignment pattern 13 is omitted, and in step S24 of FIG. The arrangement process of the pattern 13 may be omitted.

5). Configuration FIG. 10 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the two-dimensional code generation system of this embodiment. Note that the two-dimensional code generation system of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 10 are omitted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The processing unit 100 includes a data acquisition unit 110, a code size determination unit 112, a dummy data area specification unit 114, a binarized design data conversion unit 118, a correction processing unit 119, a two-dimensional code generation unit 120, and a two-dimensional code change unit 122. including. Note that the processing unit 100 does not need to include all these units (functional blocks), and some of them may be omitted.

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

  The data acquisition unit 110 converts given binary design data associated with the two-dimensional code into a bit code (bit string) based on the format of the two-dimensional code. Here, the data acquisition unit 110 may acquire the bit code of the binarized design pattern by acquiring the design pattern input by the user in association with each module in the dummy data area 33. In addition, the data acquisition unit 110 performs conversion processing that associates design data captured by hardware such as a scanner or design data stored in an information storage medium with a matrix of a two-dimensional code, and acquires the data as a binary design pattern. You may do it.

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

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

  The binarized design data conversion unit 118 obtains a bit code obtained by inversely converting the binarized design data corresponding to the dummy data area 33 based on the format information of the two-dimensional code. Specifically, each process shown in FIGS. 5 and 5 is performed to obtain a bit code obtained by inversely converting the bit code of the binarized design pattern. As a modification of the description of FIG. 5, the binarized design data corresponding to the dummy data area 33 is not divided into division units based on the format of the two-dimensional code, and the inverse conversion process is performed as a whole. May be.

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

  Further, the order of the processing of the binarized design data conversion unit 118 and the processing of the correction processing unit 119 may be switched. For example, the correction processing unit 119 determines whether or not the bit code of the binarized design data corresponding to the dummy data area conforms to the format of the two-dimensional code. The binarized design data conversion unit 118 may obtain a bit code obtained by inversely converting the bit code of the dummy data after the correction processing based on the format information of the two-dimensional code.

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

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

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

  The two-dimensional code changing unit 122 receives a change process for the generated two-dimensional code in accordance with the correctable range of the error correction data. In the present embodiment, four stages of error correction levels are prepared, and the respective restoration capabilities are determined. Therefore, the change of the arranged module (bit) is accepted from the size information of the two-dimensional code and the error correction level information within the range of the number of modules (number of bits, number of patterns) that can be restored even if changed.

  Further, the two-dimensional code changing unit 122 performs a process of changing the bit code subjected to the correction processing by the correction processing unit 119 to the bit code before the correction processing according to the correctable range of the error correction data. In this case, the bit information subjected to the correction process is stored, and after the error correction data generation unit 122 generates the error correction data, the bit subjected to the correction process according to the correctable range of the error correction data. The corrected bit may be restored based on the information. Alternatively, the inversely converted bit string before the correction process may be stored, compared with the bit string after the correction process, and the corrected bit or the bit string may be restored.

6. Use of two-dimensional code A two-dimensional code generated in the present embodiment in which a given binary design pattern is arranged in the dummy data area 33 is printed on various printed materials and used. Can do. In addition, an image can be displayed on a display unit such as a monitor via various media such as television broadcasting, video broadcasting, and a game machine. In this case, image data of a two-dimensional code in which the binarized design pattern generated in the present embodiment is arranged may be generated and displayed on the display unit.

  In particular, when the two-dimensional code generated in the present embodiment is displayed as an image, a plurality of types of binarized design patterns arranged in the dummy data area 33 are prepared. As the multiple types of binarized design patterns, for example, binarized design patterns having different shapes such as circles, triangles, squares, etc. may be prepared. For example, a plurality of binarized design patterns may be prepared in which a given motion is divided into frames and each is designed.

  An error correction code pattern when each binarized design pattern is arranged in the dummy data area 33 is also prepared. Then, image data of a plurality of types of binarized design patterns and corresponding error correction code patterns is generated. Then, without changing the image data of the original data area 30, the image of the binarized design pattern and the image of the error correction code pattern are changed in association with each other. According to this, since the binarized design pattern of the two-dimensional code image can be changed to attract more attention, the error correction code pattern is also changed corresponding to the change of the binarized design pattern. Even if the binary design pattern of the two-dimensional code image is changed, the two-dimensional code can be read accurately. Note that not only the image of the binarized design pattern and its error correction code pattern but also the module pattern of the original data may be changed.

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

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

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

It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the two-dimensional code of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the two-dimensional code produced | generated by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this Embodiment. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the inverse transformation process of this Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the two-dimensional code production | generation process of this Embodiment. FIG. 9A is a diagram for explaining the coding pattern changing process of the present embodiment, and FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining the alignment pattern omitting process of the present embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block of this Embodiment. It is an example of the display screen output when the two-dimensional code produced | generated in this Embodiment is read with a reader.

Explanation of symbols

10 Two-dimensional code symbol 13 Alignment pattern 16 Encoding area 30 Original data area 32 Unused data area 33 Dummy data area 34 Error correction code area 40 Binary design pattern 42 Mask pattern 44 Inverse conversion module pattern 52 Pre-mask pattern 54 Design two-dimensional code symbol 100 processing unit 110 data acquisition unit 112 code size determination unit 114 dummy data area specifying unit 118 binarized design data conversion unit 119 correction processing unit 120 two-dimensional code generation unit 122 two-dimensional code change unit 160 input unit 170 Storage Unit 180 Information Storage Medium 190 Display Unit

Claims (12)

A program for generating a two-dimensional code,
A data acquisition unit that acquires size data of the two-dimensional code, original data to be read from the two-dimensional code, and given binary design data;
A dummy data area specifying unit for specifying a dummy data area of a two-dimensional code according to the data amount of the original data based on the size data and the original data;
A binarized design data conversion unit for obtaining a bit code obtained by inversely converting the binarized design data corresponding to the dummy data area based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
It is determined whether or not the bit code after the inverse conversion conforms to the format of the two-dimensional code, a correction processing unit that performs a correction process on the non-conforming bit code to obtain a bit code of dummy data,
The computer is caused to function as a two-dimensional code generation unit that generates a two-dimensional code by converting the bit code of the dummy data and the bit code of the original data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code. program. In claim 1,
The two-dimensional code generator is
An error correction data generation unit for generating error correction data for correcting a read error of the generated two-dimensional code based on the bit code;
The dummy data area specifying unit
An error correction data area of a two-dimensional code is specified according to the size data, an original data area of a two-dimensional code is specified based on the original data, the size data of the two-dimensional code, the error correction data area, A program for specifying the dummy data area based on an original data area. In claim 2,
The error correction data generation unit generates error correction data according to given error correction level data,
A program that further causes a computer to function as a two-dimensional code changing unit that receives a change process of a two-dimensional code generated according to the error correction level data. In claim 3,
The two-dimensional code changing unit
A program for performing a process of changing the bit code subjected to the correction process to a bit code before the correction process according to the correctable range. In any one of Claims 1-4,
The two-dimensional code generator is
An alignment pattern setting unit for setting an alignment pattern used for reading the two-dimensional code;
The alignment pattern setting unit
A program that accepts a process of omitting the alignment pattern. In any one of Claims 1-5,
A program that further causes a computer to function as a code size determining unit that determines the size of a two-dimensional code in accordance with the size of the binarized design data. A program for generating data for generating a two-dimensional code,
A data acquisition unit that acquires size data of the two-dimensional code, original data to be read from the two-dimensional code, and given binary design data;
A dummy data area specifying unit for specifying a dummy data area of a two-dimensional code according to the data amount of the original data based on the size data and the original data;
A binarized design data conversion unit for obtaining a bit code obtained by inversely converting the binarized design data corresponding to the dummy data area based on the format information of the two-dimensional code;
It is determined whether or not the bit code after the reverse conversion conforms to the format of the two-dimensional code, and the computer is caused to function as a correction processing unit that performs correction processing on the non-conforming bit code and obtains the bit code of the dummy data. A featured program. A program for generating a two-dimensional code image to be read as a two-dimensional code,
A computer as an image generation unit that generates the two-dimensional code image based on the data of the original data image to be read from the two-dimensional code and the data of the binarized design image set in the dummy data area of the two-dimensional code Function
The image generation unit
A program for generating the two-dimensional code image by changing data of the binarized design image.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is stored.   A printed matter on which the two-dimensional code generated by the program according to claim 1 is printed. A two-dimensional code generation system,
A data acquisition unit that acquires size data of the two-dimensional code, original data to be read from the two-dimensional code, and given binary design data;
A dummy data area specifying unit for specifying a dummy data area of a two-dimensional code according to the data amount of the original data based on the size data and the original data;
The binary design data corresponding to the dummy data area is inversely converted based on the format information of the two-dimensional code, and it is determined whether the bit code after the inverse conversion is compatible with the format of the two-dimensional code, For the nonconforming bit code, a binarized design data conversion unit that performs correction processing to obtain the bit code,
A two-dimensional code generation unit comprising: a two-dimensional code generation unit that generates a two-dimensional code by converting the bit code of the dummy data and the bit code of the original data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code. Code generation system. An image generation system for generating a two-dimensional code image read as a two-dimensional code,
An image generation unit configured to generate the two-dimensional code image based on data of an original data image to be read from the two-dimensional code and data of a binarized design image set in a dummy data area of the two-dimensional code ,
The image generation unit
An image generation system, wherein the two-dimensional code image is generated by changing data of the binarized design image.