JP2009295145A - Two-dimensional code reading device, two-dimensional code creating device, and two-dimensional code - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a worker to add new information to a two-dimensional code while enabling effective use of the information in the two-dimensional code, and to enable the worker to utilize the additional information corresponding to the new information. <P>SOLUTION: This two-dimensional code reading device reads the two-dimensional code having a predetermined write region. If error detection is performed after information is written in the write region in the two-dimensional code, a predetermined error information is recognized. The two-dimensional code reading device reads such a two-dimensional code, and recognizes whether a predetermined error information occurs during reading. When the predetermined error information is recognized, the additional information corresponding to the predetermined error information is output in addition to a usual decoding result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a two-dimensional code reader, a two-dimensional code generator, and a two-dimensional code.

  Currently, two-dimensional codes are widely used in order to suitably manage products in manufacturing sites for various articles. There are various methods of using a two-dimensional code at a manufacturing site, and an example thereof is a method of coding a product number and pasting it on a product and automatically reading it in various steps.

2005-284800

  As a specific method of using a two-dimensional code at a manufacturing site, for example, when a product that passes a test and a rejected product may occur in a product test, etc., a two-dimensional code attached to the rejected product is used with a pen or the like. A method is conceivable in which a mark (for example, a certain portion is painted out) is attached so that the two-dimensional code cannot be read normally. In this way, when selecting acceptable products and rejected products later, those that can read the two-dimensional code normally are regarded as acceptable products, and those that cannot be read normally are classified as rejected products. become able to.

  However, if the two-dimensional code cannot be completely read as described above, there is a problem that information contained in the two-dimensional code cannot be used. For example, when marking with a pen or the like as described above to select an acceptable product and an unacceptable product, it is possible to recognize that a reading defect has occurred as an unacceptable product. Since the data such as the product number included in the dimension code can no longer be used, it is impossible to associate the data determined as the rejected product with the data (such as the product number) included in the two-dimensional code. That is, there is a problem that even if a two-dimensional code is read, it is difficult to grasp which type of product is determined to be a rejected product, making it difficult to perform various management smoothly.

  As a method of solving such a problem, for example, a method of pasting a new two-dimensional code for rejected products can be considered, but if this method is used, it is necessary to separately generate and paste a two-dimensional code. Therefore, there is a problem that it is necessary to increase the number of man-hours and devices, and there is also a problem that it is necessary to secure a separate affixing space in the product.

  In addition, as a technique relevant to the present invention, for example, a technique as described in Patent Document 1 can be cited. However, the technique of Patent Document 1 is intended to notify whether or not a two-dimensional code can be read based on an error detection state, and is a description added separately to the two-dimensional code while effectively using information in the two-dimensional code. The above problem of generating new information cannot be solved.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and enables the operator to make a new entry in the two-dimensional code while enabling effective use of the information in the two-dimensional code. The purpose is to make it possible to use additional information corresponding to the new entry.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is a two-dimensional code reading device for reading a two-dimensional code having an error correction function, an acquisition unit for acquiring a code image of the two-dimensional code, and the acquisition unit An error state detection means for detecting an error state for the code image obtained by the above and a decoding means for decoding the two-dimensional code based on the detection result of the error state for the code image, The two-dimensional code is configured so that a predetermined entry area is provided and predetermined error information is confirmed in the detection of the error state by the error state detection means after the entry is made in the entry area. And when the predetermined error information is confirmed by the error state detecting means, the decoding means In addition to the decoding result, and outputs the information corresponding to the predetermined error information.
Examples of the “two-dimensional code” of the present invention include a QR code, a data matrix code, a maxi code, and the like. However, any other code may be used as long as it is a two-dimensional code having an error correction function.
The “predetermined entry area” may be an area with a mark in advance, or an area without a mark (for example, a configuration in which an entry area is specified by a reading device or the like).

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the two-dimensional code reader according to the first aspect, the predetermined error information includes position information indicating that an error has occurred at a predetermined position of the two-dimensional code. To do.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the two-dimensional code reader according to the first or second aspect, the predetermined error information is error rate information indicating that the two-dimensional code has a predetermined error rate. It is characterized by including.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the two-dimensional code reading device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the two-dimensional code is entered in the error state detection by the error state detection means. Corresponding error information corresponding to an entry mode for an area is configured to be confirmed, and when the corresponding error information is confirmed by the error state detecting means, the decoding unit is In addition to the code decoding result, corresponding additional information corresponding to the confirmed corresponding error information is output.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the two-dimensional code reading device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the two-dimensional code is provided with a plurality of the entry areas and the error state detecting means. In the detection of the error state, the corresponding error information corresponding to the entry mode for the plurality of entry areas is confirmed, and the decoding unit is configured to detect any one of the correspondences by the error state detection unit. When error information is confirmed, in addition to the decoding result of the two-dimensional code, corresponding additional information corresponding to the confirmed corresponding error information is output.

  The invention of claim 6 is the two-dimensional code reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an illuminating unit that emits illumination light to the two-dimensional code, and the reading target. In the two-dimensional code, a mark for specifying the entry area is formed in the code area, and the illumination means emits the illumination light having a color similar to the mark.

  The invention of claim 7 is the two-dimensional code reader according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising marker light irradiation means for emitting marker light to the two-dimensional code, In the two-dimensional code, a mark for identifying the entry area is formed in the code area, and the marker light irradiation means emits the marker light having the same color as the mark.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the two-dimensional code reading device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, an image of a reference code is acquired in advance by the acquiring means, and the error state detecting means is used. The error state of the reference code is configured to be detected, and the error state detection unit compares the error state of the two-dimensional code to be read with the error state of the reference code, and a predetermined difference is detected. In some cases, it is determined that the predetermined error information has occurred in the two-dimensional code.

  The invention of claim 9 is the two-dimensional code reader according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the two-dimensional code before the entry area is filled in by the acquisition means in advance. And an error state detecting unit detects an error state of the pre-entry image, and the error state detecting unit is configured to detect the error state after the entry area has been filled. The error state of the two-dimensional code and the error state of the pre-entry image are compared, and if there is a predetermined difference, it is determined that the predetermined error information has occurred in the two-dimensional code.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is the two-dimensional code reader according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising marker light irradiation means for emitting marker light to the two-dimensional code, and the marker light. The irradiation means displays a specific figure for specifying the entry area of the two-dimensional code for the two-dimensional code.

  The invention of claim 11 is the two-dimensional code reader according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the predetermined error information is further confirmed in the entry area when the error status detecting means confirms the error information. Recognizing means for recognizing the entered symbols is provided. Then, when the symbol is recognized by the recognizing unit, the decoding unit outputs correspondence information corresponding to the recognized symbol as the additional information.

The invention of claim 12 is the two-dimensional code reader according to claim 11,
The two-dimensional code to be read is formed by arranging a plurality of information display unit cells in the entry area, and the recognition means is the plurality of information display unit cells arranged in the entry area. A portion in which at least one of color, density, and luminance is different is recognized as the symbol.

The invention of claim 13 is the two-dimensional code reader of claim 12,
The error state detecting means detects a state where the error rate of the two-dimensional code is equal to or higher than a first error rate as the predetermined error state. The recognizing means determines the symbol when the error rate of the two-dimensional code is equal to or higher than the first error rate and equal to or lower than a second error rate larger than the first error rate. A process of recognizing the symbol is performed, and when the error rate of the two-dimensional code is larger than the second error rate, the process of recognizing the symbol is not performed.

The invention of claim 14 is the two-dimensional code reader according to claim 11,
In the two-dimensional code to be read, when the whole or a part of the entry area is configured as a single color area larger than the cell size, the recognition unit displays the symbol written in the single color area. It has recognized.

The invention of claim 15 is the two-dimensional code reader according to any one of claims 11 to 14,
In addition, a plurality of registered symbols composed of one or a plurality of symbols are stored, registration means in which data for each registered symbol corresponding to each registered symbol is registered, and the recognition symbol recognized by the recognition means is Confirmation means for confirming whether or not the registration means is registered as the registration symbol is provided.
When the confirmation unit confirms that the recognition symbol is registered in the registration unit, the decoding unit displays the content of the registration symbol-specific data, or the content corresponding to the registration symbol-specific data, It is output as the additional information.

The invention of claim 16 is the two-dimensional code reader according to claim 15,
In the registration means, processing step data is associated and registered for each registered symbol, and when the confirmation means confirms that the recognition symbol is registered in the registration means, the decoding means The process data corresponding to the recognition symbol is output as the additional information.

  The invention of claim 17 is the two-dimensional code reader according to claim 15 or claim 16, and further notifies when the confirmation means does not confirm that the recognition symbol is registered in the registration means. Informing means for performing is provided.

  The invention according to claim 18 is a two-dimensional code generation device for generating a two-dimensional code having an error correction function, comprising encoding means for encoding data to be decoded and data for error correction. In the code area where the data to be decoded and the data for error correction are encoded by the means, there is provided entry area setting means for setting a predetermined entry area, and the entry area setting means is provided in the entry area. When the entry is made, the entry area is set so that predetermined error information is confirmed in the error detection of the two-dimensional code after the entry.

  The invention according to claim 19 is a two-dimensional code comprising a data code block in which data to be decoded is encoded and an error correction code block in which data for error correction is encoded. An entry area is formed, and the entry area is configured such that when an entry is made in the entry area, predetermined error information is confirmed in error detection of the two-dimensional code after the entry. It is characterized by.

Note that the following system using the above-described configuration requirements can be configured, and in this case, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.
The system is a reading system using a two-dimensional code having an error correction function and a two-dimensional code reading device for reading the two-dimensional code, wherein the two-dimensional code reading means is a code image of the two-dimensional code. An error state detection unit for detecting an error state for the code image acquired by the acquisition unit, and decoding the two-dimensional code based on an error state detection result for the code image Decoding means, and the two-dimensional code is provided with a predetermined entry area, and predetermined error information is detected in the error state detection by the error state detection means after entry in the entry area. The decoding means confirms the predetermined error information by the error state detecting means. If it is, in addition to the result of decoding the two-dimensional code, and outputs the information corresponding to the predetermined error information.
When such a system is configured, any one or a plurality of configurations of claims 2 to 9 may be added.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a predetermined entry area is provided, and the predetermined error information is confirmed in the error state detection by the error state detection means after the entry is made in the entry area. When a two-dimensional code is to be read and predetermined error information is confirmed when the two-dimensional code is read, additional information corresponding to the predetermined error information is output in addition to the decoding result of the two-dimensional code. ing. In this way, when the user performs an entry process in the entry area, the “predetermined error information” is confirmed by the error state detection means, and additional information corresponding to the “predetermined error information” is obtained at the time of decoding. As a result, the additional information other than the information originally included in the two-dimensional code can be generated and used. In addition, even if an entry is made in the entry area as described above, “predetermined error information” can be detected and decoded after error correction, so that the information originally included in the two-dimensional code Can also be used effectively.

  In the invention of claim 2, the “predetermined error information” includes position information indicating that an error has occurred at a predetermined position of the two-dimensional code. Thus, by determining whether or not the “predetermined error information” is based on the position information, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether or not the predetermined input area has been entered.

  In the invention of claim 3, the “predetermined error information” includes error rate information (information indicating that the two-dimensional code has a predetermined error rate). In this way, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether or not a predetermined entry area has been entered.

  As in the invention of claim 4, if a two-dimensional code assuming a plurality of entry modes is to be read and corresponding additional information corresponding to the confirmed corresponding error information is output, more types of addition Information can be added appropriately, and thus the apparatus can be used for more applications.

  As in the fifth aspect of the invention, if a two-dimensional code with many variations of input is read and corresponding additional information corresponding to the corresponding error information is output, more types of additional information can be obtained. The configuration can be appropriately added, so that the apparatus can be used for more applications.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a two-dimensional code in which a mark for specifying an entry area is formed in the code area is to be read, and illumination light having a color similar to the mark is emitted by the illumination means. In this way, the periphery of the mark is illuminated with illumination light having a color similar to that of the mark, and the color of the mark portion and the surrounding color are more approximated in the read image. Therefore, the influence of the mark can be effectively suppressed, and the occurrence of errors due to the mark can be suppressed or prevented.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, a two-dimensional code in which a mark for specifying an entry area is formed in the code area is read, and marker light having a color similar to the mark is emitted. In this way, the periphery of the mark is affected by the marker light having the same color as the mark, and the color of the mark portion and the surrounding color are more approximated in the read image. Therefore, the influence of the mark can be effectively suppressed, and the occurrence of errors due to the mark can be suppressed or prevented.

  The invention according to claim 8 compares the error state of the two-dimensional code to be read with the error state of the reference code acquired in advance, and if there is a predetermined difference, the two-dimensional code has “predetermined error information”. Is determined to have occurred. In this way, it is possible to realize a configuration in which “predetermined error information” is easily generated with high accuracy in various types of two-dimensional codes.

  In the invention of claim 9, the error state of the two-dimensional code after the entry in the entry area is compared with the error state before the entry, and if there is a predetermined difference, the two-dimensional code indicates “predetermined error information”. Is determined to have occurred. In this way, if the two-dimensional code before entry is used as a reference, “predetermined error information” can be generated more accurately in various types of two-dimensional codes, and as a result, additional information can be provided corresponding to the entry work. Output with high accuracy.

  In the invention of claim 10, a specific figure for specifying the entry area is displayed by the marker light irradiation means. In this way, it is possible to show the entry area to the worker regardless of whether or not there is a special mark in the two-dimensional code, and the worker can perform the filling work with high accuracy and goodness using the specific figure as a mark. become able to.

  The invention according to claim 11 is provided with a recognition means for recognizing a symbol entered in the entry area when predetermined error information is confirmed by the error state detection means. Then, when the symbol is recognized by the recognizing unit, the decoding unit outputs corresponding information corresponding to the recognized symbol as additional information. In this way, since the user can enter various symbols in the entry area, the degree of freedom of entry is increased, and more appropriate information can be added to the code. In addition, since additional information according to the user's entry contents can be output during decoding, in addition to direct information acquisition regarding the entry contents by visual inspection or the like, additional information according to the entry contents can be obtained in a later process. Can be used as data, and as a result, convenience in using the two-dimensional code can be effectively enhanced.

  In the invention of claim 12, the two-dimensional code to be read comprises a plurality of information display unit cells arranged in the entry area, and the recognition means comprises a plurality of information display unit cells arranged in the entry area. Recognizes a portion where at least any one of color, density, and luminance is different from a symbol. In this way, the area in which the information display unit cell is arranged can be used as the entry area, and a part written in a manner different from the information display unit cell can be accurately recognized as a symbol.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the error state detection means detects a state where the error rate of the two-dimensional code is equal to or higher than the first error rate as a predetermined error state. The recognizing means performs a process of recognizing the symbol when the error rate of the two-dimensional code is equal to or higher than the first error rate and equal to or lower than the second error rate larger than the first error rate. When the error rate of the two-dimensional code is larger than the second error rate, the symbol recognition process is not performed. In this way, by appropriately adjusting the “first error rate”, whether or not any entry has been made in the entry area can be distinguished by the “first error rate”. By appropriately adjusting the “error rate of 2”, the case where a symbol is entered in the entry area and the case where an entry other than the symbol (filling, etc.) is made can be distinguished by the “second error rate”. It becomes like this. If symbol recognition is not performed when the error rate of the two-dimensional code is greater than or equal to the “second error rate”, the recognition process is omitted when there is a high possibility that an entry other than symbols is made. And speeding up of processing can be achieved.

  The invention of claim 14 recognizes a symbol written in a single color area when all or part of the input area is configured as a single color area larger than the cell size in the two-dimensional code to be read. is doing. In this way, when a symbol is entered in the entry area, it is easy to distinguish the entered symbol from the background, and the entered symbol can be recognized more accurately.

  In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the registration means stores a plurality of registered symbols, and data for each registered symbol is registered in association with each registered symbol. Furthermore, it is confirmed whether or not the recognition symbol is registered as a registered symbol by the confirming means, and if it is registered, the content of the data by registered symbol or the data by registered symbol is supported by the decoding means. Is output as additional information. In this way, symbols expected to be entered can be registered in advance, and appropriate data (registered symbol-specific data) corresponding to each symbol can be prepared. At the time of reading, it is possible to accurately confirm whether the entered symbol is a presumed symbol (registered symbol), and if it is a registered symbol, appropriate data corresponding to the symbol Can be output.

  The invention according to claim 16 is the processing step data corresponding to the recognition symbol when it is confirmed that the processing step data is registered for each registered symbol and the recognition symbol is registered in the registration means. Is output as additional information. In this way, it is possible to prepare symbols that are expected to be entered in association with the processing process data. In this configuration, when the user wants to use some processing process data in the subsequent process, it is only necessary to enter a symbol corresponding to the processing process data, and various processing process data can be used with simple work. User convenience can be effectively enhanced.

  The invention of claim 17 is provided with notifying means for notifying that the recognition symbol is not registered in the registering means. In this way, the user can be informed that the entered symbol is not registered, and the user can easily take appropriate measures.

  According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a two-dimensional code generation device having the same effect as the first aspect can be realized.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the invention, a two-dimensional code having the same effect as that of the first aspect can be realized.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a two-dimensional code reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a reading target of the two-dimensional code reading apparatus of FIG. 1, (a) is a diagram showing a state before being entered in the entry area, and (b) is in the entry area. It is a figure which shows the state after being filled in. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining the code configuration of the two-dimensional code of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the decryption process performed by the two-dimensional code reader of FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a reading object to which a two-dimensional code is attached, and (a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a two-dimensional code not filled in an entry area is attached, (B) is explanatory drawing explaining the state where the two-dimensional code | cord | chord which was filled in to the entry area was attached | subjected. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which illumination light having the same color as the mark is irradiated onto the reading target object. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the decoding process performed by the two-dimensional code reader according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the decoding process performed by the two-dimensional code reader according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a reference code used in the two-dimensional code reader of FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the decoding process performed by the two-dimensional code reader according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a two-dimensional code before entry, and FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a two-dimensional code after entry. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the decoding process performed by the two-dimensional code reader according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which a specific graphic is displayed for a two-dimensional code. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the decoding process performed by the two-dimensional code reader according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a reading target of the two-dimensional code reading device of FIG. 14, (a) is a diagram showing a state in which no entry is made in the entry area, and (b) is a diagram in which the entry area is not filled. It is a figure which shows the state entered by the 1 entry aspect, (c) is a figure which shows the state entered by the 2nd entry aspect in the entry area. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a modification of the decoding process of FIG. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a two-dimensional code used in the two-dimensional code reader according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 17A is a diagram illustrating a state in which no entry area is entered, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which an entry area has been entered in a first entry manner, and FIG. 8C is a diagram showing a state in which the entry area has been entered in a second entry manner. 18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams for explaining a reading target of the two-dimensional code reading device according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 18A is a diagram showing a state before writing in the writing area, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state after having filled in the entry area. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the decryption process performed by the two-dimensional code reader according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a reading object to which a two-dimensional code is attached, and (a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which no entry is made on the two-dimensional code attached to the reading object. (B) is explanatory drawing explaining the state by which the character was written in the two-dimensional code attached | subjected to the reading target object. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining an example of data by registered symbol. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the decoding process performed by the two-dimensional code reading device according to the ninth embodiment. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the two-dimensional code used in the eighth embodiment.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the two-dimensional code reader of the present invention is embodied will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a two-dimensional code reader 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the two-dimensional code reader 20 mainly includes an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 28, a filter (not shown), an optical system such as an imaging lens 27, a memory 35, a control circuit 40, and an operation switch. 42, a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “microcomputer”) system such as a liquid crystal display device 46, and a power system such as a power switch 41 and a battery 49. These are mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) or housed in a housing (not shown).

  The optical system includes an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 28, a filter (not shown), an imaging lens 27, and the like. The illumination light source 21 functions as an illumination light source capable of emitting the illumination light Lf, and includes, for example, an LED and a diffusing lens, a condensing lens, and the like provided on the emission side of the LED. In the present embodiment, illumination light sources 21 are provided on both sides of the light receiving sensor 28, and configured to irradiate the illumination light Lf toward the reading object R through a reading port of a housing (not shown). . The reading object R corresponds to a display medium such as a packaging container, packaging paper, or label, and a two-dimensional code Q is printed on the surface thereof.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the optical system, a marker light irradiation unit 51 is provided. The marker light irradiation unit 51 has a function of irradiating marker light toward the reading object R, and includes a laser diode, lens means, and a drive circuit (all not shown). The laser diode is driven according to a signal from the control circuit 40 shown in FIG. 1 and emits marker light composed of laser light. The drive circuit is configured by a known laser diode drive circuit that receives a command from the control circuit 40 and drives the laser diode. The lens means functions to collect the marker light irradiated by the laser diode and display a pattern that serves as a mark of the reading position on the surface of the reading object. The marker light irradiation unit 51 corresponds to an example of “marker light irradiation means”.

  The light receiving sensor 28 is configured to receive the reflected light Lr irradiated and reflected on the reading object R or the two-dimensional code Q. For example, the light receiving sensor 28 is a solid-state image pickup device such as a C-MOS or CCD. An area sensor arranged in two dimensions corresponds to this. The light receiving surface 28a of the light receiving sensor 28 is positioned so as to be visible from the outside of the housing through the reading port, and the light receiving sensor 28 can receive incident light incident through the imaging lens 27 on the light receiving surface 28a. It is mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown).

  The filter (not shown) is an optical low-pass filter that allows passage of light that is less than or equal to the wavelength of the reflected light Lr, and can block passage of light that exceeds the wavelength, and the reading port of the housing and the imaging lens 27. Between. Thereby, unnecessary light exceeding the wavelength corresponding to the reflected light Lr is prevented from entering the light receiving sensor 28.

  The imaging lens 27 functions as an imaging optical system capable of condensing incident light incident through the reading port from the outside and forming an image on the light receiving surface 28a of the light receiving sensor 28. And a plurality of condensing lenses housed in the lens barrel. In the present embodiment, the illumination light Lf emitted from the illumination light source 21 is reflected by the two-dimensional code Q and enters the reading port. The imaging lens 27 collects the reflected light Lr and receives the light. A code image of the two-dimensional code Q is formed on the 28 light receiving surfaces 28a.

  Next, a configuration outline of the microcomputer system will be described. The microcomputer system includes an amplification circuit 31, an A / D conversion circuit 33, a memory 35, an address generation circuit 36, a synchronization signal generation circuit 38, a control circuit 40, an operation switch 42, an LED 43, a buzzer 44, a liquid crystal display device 46, and a communication interface 48. Etc. As the name suggests, this microcomputer system is composed mainly of a control circuit 40 and a memory 35 that can function as a microcomputer (information processing device), and an image signal of a two-dimensional code Q imaged by the optical system described above. Can be processed in hardware and software. The control circuit 40 also performs control related to the entire system of the two-dimensional code reader 20.

  An image signal (analog signal) output from the light receiving sensor 28 of the optical system is input to the amplifier circuit 31 and amplified by a predetermined gain, and then input to the A / D conversion circuit 33 to convert the analog signal into a digital signal. Is done. The digitized image signal, that is, image data (image information) is input to the memory 35 and stored in the image data storage area. The synchronization signal generation circuit 38 is configured to generate a synchronization signal for the light receiving sensor 28 and the address generation circuit 36, and the address generation circuit 36 is based on the synchronization signal supplied from the synchronization signal generation circuit 38. Thus, the storage address of the image data stored in the memory 35 can be generated.

  The memory 35 is a semiconductor memory device, and corresponds to, for example, a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) or a ROM (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.). In addition to the above-described image data storage area, the RAM of the memory 35 is configured to be able to secure a work area and a reading condition table that are used by the control circuit 40 in each processing such as arithmetic operation and logical operation. . The ROM stores in advance a predetermined program that can execute a reading process and the like that will be described later, and a system program that can control each hardware such as the illumination light source 21 and the light receiving sensor 28.

  The control circuit 40 is a microcomputer that can control the entire two-dimensional code reader 20 and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like. The control circuit 40 can constitute an information processing apparatus together with the memory 35 and has an information processing function. The control circuit 40 is connected to various input / output devices (peripheral devices) via a built-in input / output interface. In this embodiment, the power switch 41, the operation switch 42, the LED 43, and the buzzer 44 are connected. And a liquid crystal display device 46, a communication interface 48, and the like. For example, a host computer HST corresponding to the host system of the two-dimensional code reader 20 is connected to the communication interface 48 as an external device.

  The power supply system includes a power switch 41, a battery 49, and the like. When the power switch 41 managed by the control circuit 40 is turned on and off, the conduction of the drive voltage supplied from the battery 49 to each device and each circuit described above is established. Or shut off is controlled. The battery 49 is a secondary battery that can generate a predetermined DC voltage, and corresponds to, for example, a lithium ion battery.

Next, the two-dimensional code read by the two-dimensional code reader 20 will be described.
The two-dimensional code Q read by the two-dimensional code reader 20 has an error correction function, and for example, one having a configuration as shown in FIG. The two-dimensional code Q illustrated in FIG. 2A is configured as a 2-M type QR code (registered trademark), and includes three position detection patterns FP1 to FP3 as shown in FIG. 28 data code blocks (D1 to D28) and 16 error correction code blocks (E1 to E16) can be arranged.

  The data code blocks (D1 to D28) are blocks obtained by coding data to be decoded. For example, various data such as product numbers are represented by data code words and expressed by a plurality of cells. The error correction code block 12 is a block obtained by encoding error correction data. The error correction code words constituting the error correction code block 12 are generated based on the data code words constituting the data code blocks (D1 to D28). As a method for generating an error correction code word based on a data code word, for example, an error correction code word generation method (JISX0510: 2004, 8.5 error correction) defined in JISX0510: 2004 is used. it can. The error correction code block 12 is configured as a block in which an error correction code word generated by such a method is expressed by a plurality of cells.

  The two-dimensional code Q shown in FIG. 2A has a predetermined entry area in the code area. In the example of FIG. 2A, a rectangular frame mark 60 is formed in the code area, and an internal area of the mark 60 is configured as an entry area 61. In the example of FIG. 2A, the position of the entry area is conceptually indicated by a one-dot chain line 61.

  The entry area 61 is configured as an area in which a predetermined entry can be made on the light-colored cells or dark-colored cells that have already been formed by a user's manual operation using the two-dimensional code Q or by a special entry device. Is. The mark 60 has a function of specifying the position of the writing area 61 in the code area. In the example of FIG. 2A, the outer edge of the writing area is specified by the mark 60 (that is, the mark 60 has The entire internal area is configured as the entry area 61).

As described above, the entry area 61 provided in the two-dimensional code Q has “predetermined error information” in error detection of the two-dimensional code Q after the entry when the entry is made in the entry area 61. It is configured to be confirmed. Specifically, when an error exists in the data code block in the entry area 61 and no error exists in the data code block outside the entry area 61, a predetermined error is detected in the error detection process by the two-dimensional code reader 20. Errors are detected at a rate. Accordingly, when an entry area is filled in (for example, an operator fills with a pen or the like) and the data code block in the entry area 61 is in an incorrect state, an error detection process (described later) during reading is performed. The “predetermined error rate” will be confirmed. One specific data code block may be defined as the entry area 61, and a plurality of specific data code blocks may be defined as the entry area.
In the present embodiment, “predetermined error rate” corresponds to an example of “predetermined error information”.

Next, the two-dimensional code decoding process will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the decoding process performed by the two-dimensional code reader 20 of FIG.
The decoding process shown in FIG. 4 is started, for example, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation switch 42 (FIG. 1). When the decoding process is started, a process of reading the two-dimensional code Q is first performed (S1). In the process of S1, first, the control circuit 40 performs an operation of outputting a light emission signal to the illumination light source 21 based on the synchronization signal, and the illumination light source 21 applies the illumination light Lf to the two-dimensional code Q according to the light emission signal. Is irradiated. The illumination light Lf irradiated to the two-dimensional code Q is reflected by the reading object R attached with the two-dimensional code Q, and the reflected light Lr passes through the reading port and a filter (not shown) to form the imaging lens 27. Is incident on. The image of the two-dimensional code Q, that is, the code image is formed on the light receiving surface 28 a of the light receiving sensor 28 by the imaging lens 27. Thereby, each light receiving element constituting the light receiving sensor 28 is exposed, and an image signal corresponding to the image (code image) of the two-dimensional code Q is output from the light receiving sensor 28. Then, image data corresponding to the image signal is stored in the memory 35. After the image data is acquired, known binarization processing, error detection processing, and decoding processing are performed on the image data, and the data decoded by the decoding processing is finally stored in the memory 35.

  In the present embodiment, the control circuit 40 and the light receiving sensor 28 correspond to an example of “acquiring means” and function to acquire a code image of the two-dimensional code Q. The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of “error detection means” and functions to detect an error state for the acquired code image.

  Furthermore, a process of calculating an error rate based on the detection result in the error detection process performed in the reading process of S1 is performed (S2). In the reading process of S1, the error position and error content of the code image are detected by the error detection process that forms part of the reading process. Therefore, in the process of S2, the error position and error already obtained by the error detection process are detected. The error data amount is confirmed based on the content, and the ratio (error rate) of the error data amount to the total data amount is calculated. Specifically, for example, the ratio Xb / Xa of the number Xb of data code blocks in which errors are confirmed with respect to the number Xa of all data code blocks is calculated as the error rate.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the error rate calculated in S2 is a predetermined “predetermined error rate” (S3). The two-dimensional code Q used in the present embodiment is configured to have a “predetermined error rate” when an error occurs in the data code block in the entry area 61. In the process of S3, the two-dimensional code Q is calculated in S2. By determining whether or not the error rate is a “predetermined error rate”, it is determined whether or not an entry has been made in the entry area 61.

  For example, one specific data code block is defined as an entry area, the specific one data code block is detected as an erroneous block, and no error has occurred in another data code block outside the mark. If the error rate is configured to be “5%”, the “error rate 5%” can be stored in the memory 35 in advance as “predetermined error information”. In this case, S2 In S3, it is determined whether or not the error rate calculated in (1) is the same as this (that is, whether or not the calculated error rate is 5%). In this case, when at least one light cell in the entry area 61 is filled with black or the like, or at least one dark cell in the entry area is filled with white or the like, one specific data code block Will be detected as an incorrect block. Of course, even if the entire entry area is filled, that specific data code block is detected as an erroneous block.

  Alternatively, a plurality of specific data code blocks are defined as entry areas, all of the specific data code blocks are detected as erroneous blocks, and an error has occurred in another data code block outside the mark. If the error rate is configured to be “10%” in the absence of the error, the “error rate 10%” can be stored in the memory 35 in advance as “predetermined error information”. It is determined in S3 whether or not the error rate calculated in S2 is the same as this (that is, whether or not the calculated error rate is 5%). In this case, for example, when the entire entry area is filled, the specific data code blocks are detected as erroneous blocks.

  When the error rate acquired in S2 is not the “predetermined error rate” (for example, when reading the two-dimensional code Q as shown in FIG. 5A), the process proceeds to No in S3, and the decoded data obtained in S1 (Decode result) is output. On the other hand, when the error rate acquired in S2 is a “predetermined error rate” (for example, when reading the two-dimensional code Q as shown in FIG. 5B), the process proceeds to Yes in S3 and the decoding read in S1. A process of adding predetermined additional information to the data is performed. This additional information is stored in advance in the memory 35. In the process of S4, the additional information is read from the memory 35, and the read additional information is added to the decoded data read in S1. Then, both the data (data obtained by adding additional information to the decoded data) are output (S5). In either case of proceeding to Yes in S3 or proceeding to No, the data output in S5 may be performed so as to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 46, and the external device (via the communication interface 48). It may be output to a computer or the like.

  In the above analysis process (FIG. 4), additional information is added when the error rate acquired in S2 is a predetermined error rate, but the error rate acquired in S2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. In some cases, additional information may be added. For example, the error rate is larger than the error rate when the entry area is not filled in (the error rate when reading the two-dimensional code Q in FIG. 2A), and the error rate when the entry area is filled (FIG. 2 ( A threshold value smaller than the error rate when the two-dimensional code Q is read in (b) is set in advance, and instead of the process of S3, a process for determining whether or not the error rate acquired in S2 is equal to or greater than this threshold value. May be performed. In this case, when the error rate acquired in S2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, additional information is added in S4 and data output is performed (S5). When the error rate acquired in S2 is less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to S5 and data output is performed. You just have to do it.

  Various methods of using the two-dimensional code reading device 20 configured in this way can be considered. As an example, in a predetermined sorting process (for example, a configuration for sorting an inspection-accepted product and an unacceptable product). There is a usage method in which the two-dimensional code Q attached to the one selected as the specific type is filled in, and the two-dimensional code Q attached to the non-specific type is not filled in. For example, the two-dimensional code Q attached to the inspection pass product after the inspection process is not filled in as shown in FIG. 5A, and the two-dimensional code Q attached to the inspection failure product is not provided. If information is entered as shown in FIG. 5B and information indicating that the product is unacceptable is output as additional information, the information (data code) originally included in the two-dimensional code Q It is possible to grasp whether the product is an inspection-accepting product or an inspection-accepting product using the additional information while using the information represented by the block.

  In the present embodiment, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of “decoding means” and is based on the detection result of the error state of the code image (that is, the error position and error content confirmed in the reading process of S1). It functions to decode the dimension code Q (that is, to decode the data encoded in the data code block). In addition, when the above-described predetermined error information (predetermined error rate) is confirmed in the error state detection, in addition to the decoding result of the two-dimensional code Q, additional information corresponding to the predetermined error information (predetermined error rate) Function to output.

  In addition, the illumination light source 21 of this embodiment is comprised so that the illumination light Lf of the same color as the mark 60 formed in the two-dimensional code | cord Q or the substantially same color may be emitted, as schematically shown in FIG. . For example, when the mark 60 attached to the two-dimensional code Q is red, red illumination light can be emitted using a red LED.

  In the present embodiment, a marker light irradiation unit 51 that emits marker light to the two-dimensional code Q is provided. The marker light emitted from the marker light irradiation unit 51 is the same color or substantially the same as the mark. It is good also as a color. For example, when the mark 60 is red, it can be configured to irradiate red marker light with a laser diode.

Next, the generation process of the two-dimensional code Q will be described.
As a device for generating the two-dimensional code Q, an information processing device such as a personal computer is used, and the following generation processing is performed by this information processing device. The information processing apparatus includes a CPU, a storage unit such as a ROM and a RAM, an input unit such as a keyboard and a mouse, a printing unit, and the like.

  In the process of generating the two-dimensional code Q, first, a process for acquiring data to be encoded is performed. In this data acquisition process, data input by the input means is acquired as data to be encoded, or data sent from an external device by communication is acquired as data to be encoded. Based on the acquired data, a data code word (data to be decoded) is generated, and an error correction code word (data for error correction) is generated. Note that a method for generating a data code word and an error correction code word based on acquired data is well known in the field of two-dimensional code and will not be described in detail. For example, in the case of a QR code, it is defined in JISX0510: 2004. Can be produced by a known method.

  Further, a process for setting a predetermined entry area is performed in the code area where the data code word and the error correction data are encoded. As the setting of the entry area, for example, one specific data code block may be set as the entry area, or a plurality of specific data code blocks may be set as the entry area.

  Then, print data of the two-dimensional code Q is generated based on the generated data code word, error correction code word, and set entry area. In this print data, a data code block and an error correction code block are arranged at a predetermined position by a known method (for example, a method of JISX0510: 2004) based on the generated data code word and error correction code word, and an entry area Is a data for arranging a mark figure along the boundary portion (i.e., drawing data for printing a figure as shown in FIG. 2A). When one specific data code block is set as the entry area, a mark figure is set along the boundary portion of the data code block. Further, when the entry area is set by a plurality of specific data code blocks, a mark figure is set along the boundary portion of the plurality of data code blocks.

  As described above, when the two-dimensional code Q generated in this way is entered in the entry area, predetermined error information is confirmed in error detection of the two-dimensional code Q after the entry. It has become. For example, when one specific data code block is set as an entry area, if any cell in the data code block is grasped in an incorrect state by entry, the entire data code block is regarded as erroneous data. Detected. In this case, the error rate when only the data code block related to the entry area is in an error state corresponds to “predetermined error information”.

  Further, when a plurality of specific data code blocks are set as entry areas, the error rate when errors occur in all of the plurality of data code blocks can be set to “predetermined error information”. In this case, as a method of using the entry area, the entire entry area may be filled as necessary. That is, when the entire entry area is filled, a plurality of specific data code blocks are detected as erroneous data, so that an error has occurred in a plurality of specific data code blocks and an error has occurred in other data code blocks. If the error rate when there is no data is stored in advance as “predetermined error information”, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the entire entry area is filled.

  In the present embodiment, the information processing device corresponds to an example of a “two-dimensional code generation device”, and the CPU of the information processing device corresponds to an example of a “coding means”. Functions to generate data for The CPU corresponds to an example of “entry area setting means” and functions to set a predetermined entry area in the code area.

According to the configuration of the present embodiment, for example, the following effects can be obtained.
The two-dimensional code reader 20 according to the present embodiment reads a two-dimensional code Q having an entry area 61, and this two-dimensional code Q is used for error detection after the entry in the entry area 61 is made. “Predetermined error information” is configured to be confirmed. In the two-dimensional code reading device 20 that reads such a two-dimensional code Q, it is determined whether or not “predetermined error information” is confirmed when the two-dimensional code Q is read. In addition to the decoding result of the two-dimensional code Q, additional information corresponding to “predetermined error information” is output. With such a configuration, when any entry is made in the entry area 61, new information (additional information) other than the information originally included in the two-dimensional code Q can be generated and used. Further, even if the entry is made in the entry area 61 as described above, “predetermined error information” can be detected and corrected after error correction, so that not only the additional information but also the two-dimensional code Q can be decoded. Information that was originally included can be used effectively.

  Further, in the two-dimensional code reader 20 of the present embodiment, “error rate information” (information indicating that the two-dimensional code has a predetermined error rate) is “predetermined error information”. In this way, it is possible to determine with high accuracy with a simple configuration whether or not the entry area 61 has been entered.

  Further, the two-dimensional code reader 20 according to the present embodiment reads a two-dimensional code Q in which a mark 60 (a mark for specifying the entry area 61) is formed in the code area and reads the mark 60 by the illumination light source 21. A similar color illumination light Lf is emitted. In this way, the periphery of the mark 61 is illuminated by the illumination light Lf having the same color as that of the mark 61, and the color of the mark portion and the surrounding color are more approximated in the read image. Therefore, the influence of the mark 60 can be effectively suppressed when reading the two-dimensional code Q, and the occurrence of errors due to the mark 60 can be suppressed or prevented.

  In addition, the marker light irradiation unit 51 is configured to emit marker light of the same color as the mark 60. In this way, the periphery of the mark 60 is affected by the marker light having the same color as that of the mark 60, and the color of the mark portion and the surrounding color are more approximated in the read image. Therefore, the influence of the mark 60 can be effectively suppressed when reading the two-dimensional code Q, and the occurrence of errors due to the mark 60 can be suppressed or prevented.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a decoding process performed by the two-dimensional code reader according to the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, only the content of the decryption process is different from that of the first embodiment, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. That is, only the decryption process of FIG. 4 is different from that of the first embodiment except that the decryption process shown in FIG. 7 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the same contents as the embodiment (contents of FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, 6, etc.) will be omitted.

  The decoding process of this embodiment is also started in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and first, the reading process similar to S1 (FIG. 4) is performed (S21). In the process of S21, an image signal corresponding to the image (code image) of the two-dimensional code Q is output by the light receiving sensor 28 as in S1, and the image data corresponding to the image signal is stored in the memory 35. After the image data is acquired, known binarization processing, error detection processing, and decoding processing are performed on the image data, and the data decoded by the decoding processing is finally stored in the memory 35. In the present embodiment as well, the control circuit 40 and the light receiving sensor 28 correspond to an example of “acquiring means”. The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of “error detection means”.

  The reading target of the two-dimensional code reader of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a two-dimensional code having an error correction function is used. This two-dimensional code is one in which “predetermined error information” is confirmed when an error detection process is performed by the two-dimensional code reader 20 after the entry area has been entered. Position information indicating that an error has occurred in the position is defined as “predetermined error information”.

  For example, when a QR code as shown in FIG. 2A is used, when the entry area 61 becomes in an incorrect state due to entry in the entry area 61 (for example, filling with a pen or the like by an operator), reading is performed. In this error detection process, the position of the entry area 61 is confirmed as an error position. Specifically, for example, when one specific data code block is set as an entry area, when one cell in the data code block is determined to be in an incorrect state by the entry, the entire data code block Will be detected as incorrect data. In such a configuration, the position information of the data code block corresponding to the entry area may be “predetermined error information”. When a plurality of specific data code blocks are set as entry areas, the position information of all the plurality of data code blocks may be set as “predetermined error information”. In this case, as a method of using the entry area, the entire entry area may be filled as necessary. That is, when the entire entry area is filled, all of the plurality of specific data code blocks that are at least partially included in the entry area are detected as erroneous data. Is stored in advance as “predetermined error information”, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the entire entry area is filled.

  After the reading process of S21, a process of confirming the error position is performed (S22). In the example of FIG. 7, the error position and error content of the code image are detected in the error detection process that forms part of the reading process of S21. In the process of S22, an error is detected in the two-dimensional code Q in S21. If the error occurs, the error position (the position of the data code block where the error is detected) is confirmed.

  Then, it is confirmed whether the confirmed error position is a predetermined position (that is, the position of the data code block corresponding to the entry area 61) (S23). For example, when one specific data code block is set as the entry area, it is confirmed whether the position where the error is detected is the position of the specific one data code block. Alternatively, when a plurality of specific data code blocks are set as the entry area, it is confirmed whether the position where the error is detected is the position of the specific plurality of data code blocks.

  If the error position confirmed in S22 is not a predetermined position, or if no error is detected (for example, when reading the two-dimensional code Q as shown in FIG. 5A), the process proceeds to No in S23, and in S21 The obtained decoded data (decoding result) is output. On the other hand, when the error position confirmed in S22 is a predetermined position (for example, when reading the two-dimensional code Q as shown in FIG. 5B), the process proceeds to Yes in S23, and the decoded data read in S21 is predetermined. The process of adding the additional information is performed (S24). This additional information is the same as the additional information described in the first embodiment, and is stored in the memory 35 in advance. In the process of S24, the additional information is read from the memory 35, and the read additional information is added to the decoded data read in S21. Then, both the data (data obtained by adding additional information to the decoded data) are output (S25). The output process is the same as S5 (FIG. 4) of the first embodiment.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved. In the present embodiment, “position information indicating that an error has occurred at a predetermined position of the two-dimensional code Q” is set as “predetermined error information” to determine whether or not an entry has been made in a predetermined entry area. Therefore, even if an error occurs in an area other than the entry area, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether or not an entry has been made in the entry area.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the decoding process performed by the two-dimensional code reader according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a reference code used in the decoding process of FIG. In the present embodiment, only the content of the decryption process is different from that of the first embodiment, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. That is, only the decryption process of FIG. 4 is different from that of the first embodiment except that the decryption process shown in FIG. 8 is performed, and the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the same contents as the embodiment (contents of FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, 6, etc.) will be omitted.

In the two-dimensional code reader of the present embodiment, prior to or during the decoding process, an image of the reference code is acquired in advance and an error state of the acquired reference code is detected, and the detected reference The error state of the code is compared with the error state of the two-dimensional code Q to be read. If there is a predetermined difference, it is determined that “predetermined error information” has occurred in the two-dimensional code. Hereinafter, a specific flow of the decoding process will be described.
In the present embodiment as well, the control circuit 40 and the light receiving sensor 28 correspond to an example of “acquiring means”. The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of “error state detecting means” and “decoding means”.

  The analysis process of FIG. 8 is also started in the same manner as the analysis process of the first embodiment (FIG. 4), and first, a two-dimensional code Q reading process is performed (S31). The reading process in S31 is the same as that in S1 (FIG. 4). Then, an error rate calculation process is performed based on the detection result in the error detection process performed as part of the reading process of S31 (S32). The calculation process of S32 is the same as that of S2 (FIG. 4), and the error rate P1 calculated in S32 is temporarily stored in the memory 35.

  Thereafter, a process of reading the reference code is performed (S33). In the present embodiment, for example, a predetermined reference code as shown in FIG. 9A is defined. In S33, the predetermined reference code is read and processed. In FIG. 9A, a code obtained by removing the mark 60 from the two-dimensional code Q that has not been entered in the entry area is used as a reference code. Such a reference code is, for example, a sample before a decoding process is performed. Can be prepared separately.

  The reference code reading process is basically the same as S1 (FIG. 4), and only the reference code (see FIG. 9A) is read instead of the actual reading target (two-dimensional code Q). Is different. In the processing of S33, when the two-dimensional code reader 20 is directed to the reference code and the reading operation is performed by the operator, an image signal corresponding to the image of the reference code is output from the light receiving sensor 28. The image data corresponding to is stored in the memory 35. After the image data of the reference code is acquired, known binarization processing, error detection processing, and decoding processing are performed on the image data.

  Then, a process of calculating the error rate P2 of the reference code based on the detection result in the error detection process performed during the reference code reading process (S33) is performed (S34). Since the error detection process is performed in the reading process of S33 and the error position and error content of the reference code are detected (or it is known that no error exists), the error detection process has already been obtained in S34. The error data amount is confirmed based on the error position and the error content, and the ratio (error rate) of the error data amount to the total data amount of the reference code is calculated. This calculation is performed using the same calculation formula as in S32. Specifically, the ratio Yb / Ya of the number Yb of data code blocks in which an error is confirmed with respect to the number Ya of all data code blocks of the reference code is calculated as the error rate P2 of the reference code.

  Then, the error rate P1 for the two-dimensional code Q and the error rate P2 for the reference code are compared, and the difference P1-P2 is calculated (S35). Then, it is determined whether or not the difference P1−P2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (S36). If the difference P1−P2 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to Yes in S36 to perform a process of adding additional information (S37). ). In this example, information indicating that the difference P1-P2 between the error rate P1 for the two-dimensional code Q and the error rate P2 for the reference code is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (in other words, the difference from the error rate P2 is predetermined). The information of the error rate P1 that is equal to or greater than the threshold corresponds to “predetermined error information”.

  The process of S37 is the same as S4 (FIG. 4), and the additional information is read from the memory 35, and the read additional information is added to the decoding result (decoded data) at S31. Then, both the data (data obtained by adding additional information to the decoded data) are output (S38). On the other hand, when the process proceeds to No in S36, only the data (decoded data) decoded in S31 is output without adding additional information (S38). In any case, the same output method (S5: FIG. 4) as in the first embodiment can be used.

  In this embodiment, the error state of the two-dimensional code Q to be read is compared with the error state of the reference code acquired in advance, and if there is a predetermined difference, “predetermined error information” is included in the two-dimensional code. Judging that it occurred. In this way, “predetermined error information” can be generated with high accuracy in various types of two-dimensional codes.

  In the above-described configuration, as shown in FIG. 9A, a prototype before the entry of the two-dimensional code Q (a shape before the entry of the two-dimensional code Q and no erroneous cells are generated). However, the reference code may be a prototype of the two-dimensional code Q as shown in FIG. 9B (with the mark 60 attached).

  In the above-described configuration, information indicating that the difference P1-P2 between the error rate P1 for the two-dimensional code Q and the error rate P2 for the reference code is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (the difference from the error rate P2 is a predetermined threshold). The above-described information of the error rate P1) is “predetermined error information”, but information indicating that the difference P1−P2 is a predetermined value (in other words, the difference from the error rate P2 is a predetermined value). The information of the error rate P1) may be “predetermined error information”. In this case, instead of the process of S36 of FIG. 8, a process of determining whether or not the difference P1-P2 is a predetermined value may be performed.

  In the above-described configuration, as shown in FIG. 8, the reference code is read and the error rate is calculated after reading the two-dimensional code Q during the decoding process. The error rate P2 may be stored in the memory 35 in advance, or may be performed prior to the decoding process.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the decoding process performed by the two-dimensional code reader according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 shows the objects to be decoded in the decoding process of FIG. 10, (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state before entry in the entry area, and (b) shows the state after entry. It is explanatory drawing shown. In the present embodiment, only the content of the decryption process is different from that of the first embodiment, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. That is, only the decryption process of FIG. 4 is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the decryption process is as shown in FIG. 10, and the rest is the same as the first embodiment. Detailed description of the same contents as the embodiment (contents of FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, 6, etc.) will be omitted.

  In the two-dimensional code reader according to the present embodiment, an image of the two-dimensional code Q before being entered in the entry area 60 (an image before entry) is acquired in advance and an error state of the image before entry is detected. Then, the error state of the pre-entry image is compared with the error state of the two-dimensional code Q after the entry area 60 has been entered. If there is a predetermined difference, the two-dimensional code Q has predetermined error information. Judging that it occurred. Hereinafter, a specific flow of the decoding process will be described. In the present embodiment as well, the control circuit 40 and the light receiving sensor 28 correspond to an example of “acquiring means”. The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of “error state detecting means” and “decoding means”.

  In the decoding process shown in FIG. 10, first, a process of reading a two-dimensional code before entry is performed (S41). The process of S41 is a process of reading the two-dimensional code Q before entry as shown in FIG. 11A, for example, and the processing content is the same as that of S1 (FIG. 4). Note that the process of S41 is executed by the operator performing an operation to read the two-dimensional code Q before entry as shown in FIG. 11A using the two-dimensional code reader 20. The image data of the two-dimensional code Q before entry is acquired according to the operation by the operator, and known binarization processing, error detection processing, and decoding processing are performed on the image data. Thereafter, the error rate P3 for the two-dimensional code Q before entry read in S41 is calculated. The error rate calculation process in S42 is performed in the same manner as in S2 (FIG. 4) based on the error detection process performed in S41.

  After that, a two-dimensional code reading process after entry is performed (S43). The process of S43 is the same process as S1 (FIG. 4), and is executed by the operator performing an operation to read the entered two-dimensional code Q as shown in FIG. 11B. . In this processing, image data of the two-dimensional code Q after entry is acquired, and known binarization processing, error detection processing, and decoding processing are performed on the image data. And the process which calculates the error rate P4 of the two-dimensional code Q after the entry is performed (S44). This calculation process is also performed in the same manner as in S2 (FIG. 4).

  Then, a difference P4-P3 between the error rate P3 for the two-dimensional code Q before entry and the error rate P4 for the two-dimensional code Q after entry is calculated (S45). Then, it is determined whether or not the difference P4-P3 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value (S46). If the difference P4-P3 is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value, the process proceeds to Yes in S46, and additional processing of S47 is performed (S47). The addition process in S47 is the same as that in S4 (FIG. 4), and the additional information is read from the memory 35, and the read additional information is added to the decoding result (decoded data) in S43. Then, both the data (data obtained by adding additional information to the decoded data) are output (S48). On the other hand, when the process proceeds to No in S46, only the data (decoded data) decoded in S43 is output without adding additional information (S48). In any case, the same output method (S5: FIG. 4) as in the first embodiment can be used.

  As in the present embodiment, when the two-dimensional code before entry (for example, FIG. 11A) is used as a reference for determination, the configuration can easily cope with various types of two-dimensional codes. That is, it is possible to generate “predetermined error information” corresponding to the entry to the entry area more accurately in various types of two-dimensional codes, and to output the additional information with high accuracy corresponding to the entry work. Become.

  In addition, when the configuration of the present embodiment is used, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not an entry area has been entered even in a code state in which an error exists in addition to the entry area as shown in FIG. Additional information can be output without much influence from the state.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.
The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the specific figure is displayed by the marker light irradiation means and that the process of FIG. 12 is used instead of the decoding process of FIG. .

In the two-dimensional code reader of this embodiment, the decoding process is performed according to the flow shown in FIG. When the process is started, a marker light irradiation process is first performed (S51). In the present embodiment, a marker light irradiation unit 51 (FIG. 1) similar to that of the first embodiment is provided, and the marker light irradiation unit 51 displays a figure as shown in FIG. The figure displayed by the marker light has position detection pattern corresponding figures MK1, MK2, and MK3 corresponding to the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3, and an entry area corresponding figure MK4 corresponding to the entry area 60, respectively. The position detection pattern corresponding figures MK1, MK2, and MK3 and the entry area corresponding figure MK4 correspond to an example of “specific figure”.
In the present embodiment, the marker light irradiation unit 51 corresponds to an example of “marker light irradiation means”.

  In this configuration, during the reading process of the two-dimensional code Q, the position of the two-dimensional code reading device is operated by the user, and the position detection pattern corresponding figures MK1, MK2, and MK3 displayed on the reading object R are position detected. When matched with the patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3, the entry area corresponding figure MK4 indicates the position of the entry area 60. In the example of FIG. 13, the position detection pattern corresponding figures MK1, MK2, and MK3 are each displayed as a rectangular frame, and the position detection patterns are included in the frames of all the position detection pattern corresponding figures MK1, MK2, and MK3. When the two-dimensional code reader and the reading object R are positioned so as to be in a positional relationship in which FP1, FP2, and FP3 are arranged, the entire area of the entry area corresponding figure MK4 becomes the entry area 61. ing.

  In this way, when the position of the entry area 60 is indicated by the entry area corresponding figure MK4, it becomes clear which position should be filled in, so that the user can fill in the entry area 60 with a pen or the like as necessary. It becomes like this. After that, a two-dimensional code reading process after entry is performed (S53). The process of S43 is the same process as S1 (FIG. 4), and is executed when the operator performs an operation to read the two-dimensional code Q after entry. In this processing, image data of the two-dimensional code Q after entry is acquired, and known binarization processing, error detection processing, and decoding processing are performed on the image data. In the present embodiment as well, the control circuit 40 and the light receiving sensor 28 correspond to an example of “acquiring means”. The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of “error detection means”.

  And the process which calculates the error rate of the two-dimensional code Q after the entry is performed (S53). This calculation process is also performed in the same manner as in S2 (FIG. 4). Then, it is determined whether or not the error rate calculated in S53 is a predetermined error rate. If the error rate is a predetermined error rate, additional processing (S55) is performed and then both data (additional information is added to the decoded data). Data) Output data. On the other hand, if it is not the predetermined error rate, the process proceeds to No in S54, and data is output without adding additional information (S56). Note that the processes of S54, S55, and S56 are the same as S3, S4, and S5 of FIG.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the entry area 61 can be shown to the worker regardless of whether or not there is a special mark in the two-dimensional code, and the worker can perform the filling work with high accuracy using the specific figure as a mark. It will be possible to perform well.

  Note that the decryption process as shown in FIG. 12 is performed in a system that manages products using a two-dimensional code that does not include a mark that identifies the entry area, for example, whether or not the entry area is appropriately entered, Alternatively, it is particularly advantageous when checking whether or not the additional information is appropriately added when the entry is made.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the decoding process performed by the two-dimensional code reader according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a reading target of the two-dimensional code reading device of FIG. 14, (a) is a diagram showing a state where the entry area is not filled, and (b) is an entry area. (C) is a figure which shows the state entered by the 2nd entry mode in the entry area. In the present embodiment, only the two-dimensional code to be used and the content of the decryption process are different from those in the first embodiment, and other than that is the same as in the first embodiment. That is, only the point that the decoding process of FIG. 4 is as shown in FIG. 14 and the point that the two-dimensional code Q1 as shown in FIG. 15 is used instead of the two-dimensional code Q as shown in FIG. Otherwise, the rest is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, different points will be described with emphasis, and detailed description of the same contents as those in the first embodiment (contents in FIGS. 1 to 3 and the like) will be omitted.

In the two-dimensional code reader of this embodiment, the decoding process is performed according to the flow shown in FIG.
When the process is started, a process of reading the two-dimensional code Q1 is first performed (S61). The process of S61 is the same as that of S1 (FIG. 4). Similarly to S1, an image signal corresponding to the image (code image) of the two-dimensional code Q is output by the light receiving sensor 28, and the image data corresponding to the image signal is displayed. Stored in the memory 35. After the image data is acquired, known binarization processing, error detection processing, and decoding processing are performed on the image data, and the data decoded by the decoding processing is finally stored in the memory 35. In the present embodiment as well, the control circuit 40 and the light receiving sensor 28 correspond to an example of “acquiring means”. The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of “error detection means”.

  Thereafter, a process of calculating an error rate is performed (S62). The error rate calculation process in S62 is the same as that in S2 (FIG. 4), and the error rate P5 is calculated based on the detection result of the error state performed in the reading process in S61.

  By the way, the reading object (two-dimensional code Q1) in this embodiment is provided with a plurality of entry areas (two entry areas 160a and 160b in FIG. 15), and a plurality of entry modes can be obtained by changing the entry method. Can be generated. Specifically, for example, a first mode in which only the writing area 160a is written and a second mode in which both the writing areas 160a and 160b are filled can be generated. An error rate (corresponding error rate) corresponding to the first and second entry modes is calculated based on the detection result of the error state to be performed. More specifically, the two-dimensional code Q1 is only in the entry area 160a in a normal state (as shown in FIG. 15A, there are no factors causing errors other than the entry areas 160a and 160b and the marks 161a and 161b). When an entry is made and an error occurs only in the entry area 160a (that is, in the case of the first entry mode as shown in FIG. 15B), the detected error rate P5 is greater than the threshold value Z1 and less than or equal to the threshold value Z2. When both the entry areas 160a and 160b are filled in and an error occurs in both the entry areas 160a and 160b (that is, in the case of the second entry mode as shown in FIG. 15C). The detected error rate P5 is configured to be greater than the threshold value Z2 and equal to or less than the threshold value Z3. Therefore, if the error rate P5 calculated in S62 is found, it is possible to grasp which entry mode has occurred based on Z1 to Z3. In this example, “information that the error rate P5 is greater than Z1 and less than or equal to Z2” and “information that the error rate P5 is greater than Z2 and less than or equal to Z3” are both examples of “corresponding error information”. It corresponds to.

  As a specific flow, in S63, it is determined whether or not the error rate P5 calculated in S62 is equal to or less than a threshold value Z1, and in the case of the threshold value Z1, it is considered that no corresponding error information has occurred, and in S61. The decoding result (decoded data) is output (S68). On the other hand, when the error rate P5 calculated in S62 is larger than the threshold value Z1, the process proceeds to No in S63, and it is determined whether or not the error rate P5 is equal to or less than the threshold value Z2. When the error rate P5 is equal to or less than the threshold value Z2, that is, when the first entry mode has occurred, in the addition process of S65, the corresponding additional information A corresponding to the first entry mode is converted into the decoding result ( (Decrypted data). In this case, information obtained by adding the additional information A to the decoded data in S61 is output (S68).

  If it is determined in S64 that the error rate P5 is larger than the threshold value Z2, the process proceeds to No in S64, and it is determined whether or not the error rate P5 is equal to or less than the threshold value Z3. The case where the error rate P5 is larger than the threshold value Z2 and equal to or smaller than the threshold value Z3 means that the second entry mode has occurred. Therefore, in the additional processing of S65, the corresponding additional information B corresponding to the second entry mode Is added to the decoding result (decoded data) of S61. In this case, information obtained by adding the additional information B to the decoded data in S61 is output (S68). If the error rate P5 is larger than the threshold value Z3, the decoding data obtained in S61 is output without adding any additional information (S68).

  As in this embodiment, if the configuration is such that the two-dimensional code Q1 with a large number of variations is read and corresponding additional information corresponding to the corresponding error information is output, more types of additional information can be added. As a result, the apparatus can be used for more applications.

  This embodiment is effective, for example, when it is desired to record in a two-dimensional code which type is to be read after sorting the reading object into various types (types A, B, and C). For example, no entry is made for those classified as type A, only entry in the entry area 160a for those classified as type B, and entry in both entry areas 160a and 160b for those classified as type C. You can use it. In this case, information indicating that the first entry mode has been confirmed (that is, corresponding error information in which the error rate P5 is greater than Z1 and equal to or less than Z2) is associated with information indicating that it is type B. Information indicating that the second entry mode has been confirmed (corresponding error information that the error rate P5 is greater than Z2 and equal to or less than Z3) is added as information corresponding to type C. By doing so, it becomes possible to grasp which type is selected by the two-dimensional code Q1.

  Further, the processing of FIG. 14 may be changed as shown in FIG. Also in the decoding process of FIG. 16, the process of reading the two-dimensional code Q1 (FIG. 15) is first performed (S71). The process of S71 is the same as that of S1 (FIG. 4). And an error position is acquired based on the error detection result performed by the reading process (S71) (S72). In the error detection process performed in S71, an error position is also detected. In S72, the position where an error has occurred is grasped based on the detection result and stored in the memory 35.

  Then, it is confirmed whether an error has occurred at the predetermined position 1 based on the confirmation result in S72. This “predetermined position 1” is the position of the entry area 160a (FIG. 15). In S73, it is confirmed whether an error has occurred in the position of the entry area 160a. For example, if an error has occurred at the predetermined position 1 as shown in FIG. 15B, the process proceeds to Yes in S73, and the additional information A is added to the decoded data read in S71 (S74).

  When the process proceeds to No in S73, or when S74 ends, it is confirmed whether an error has occurred at the predetermined position 2. This “predetermined position 2” is the position of the entry area 160b (FIG. 15). In S75, it is confirmed whether an error has occurred in the position of the entry area 160b. For example, if an error has occurred at the predetermined position 2 as shown in FIG. 15C, the process proceeds to Yes in S75, and the additional information B is added to the decoded data read in S71 (S76).

  In the example of FIG. 16, at least a “first entry mode” in which entry is made in the entry area 160a and a “second entry form” in which entry is made in the entry area 160b are assumed. In the error detection process, information indicating that an error has occurred at the predetermined position 1 is confirmed. When the second input aspect occurs, the information is displayed at the predetermined position 2 (the position of the entry area 160b). Information indicating that an error has occurred is confirmed. In this case, “information indicating that an error has occurred at a predetermined position 1” and “information indicating that an error has occurred at a predetermined position 2” correspond to an example of “corresponding error information”. In this case, the additional information A corresponds to an example of “corresponding additional information”, and is output according to information indicating that an error has occurred at the predetermined position 1 (corresponding error information). Further, the additional information B corresponds to an example of corresponding additional information, and is output according to information (corresponding error information) indicating that an error has occurred at the predetermined position 2.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. The seventh embodiment is different from the sixth embodiment in that the two-dimensional code Q2 as shown in FIG. 17 is read instead of the two-dimensional code Q1 as shown in FIG. 15, and the rest is the same as the sixth embodiment. It is. The decryption process is basically the same as in FIG.

  The two-dimensional code Q2 used in the present embodiment is, for example, as shown in FIG. The two-dimensional code Q2 in FIG. 17A is the same as that in FIG. 2 except for the entry area. The two-dimensional code Q2 includes a single entry area 260, and a plurality of entry states can be generated in the entry area 260. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17B, a specific portion of the entry area 260 (the left half in the example of FIG. 17B) is detected when it is filled (in the first entry mode). The error rate P5 is larger than the threshold value Z1 and lower than the threshold value Z2, and when the entire entry area 260 is filled as shown in FIG. 17C (in the second entry mode) ), The detected error rate P5 is configured to be larger than the threshold value Z2 and equal to or less than the threshold value Z3.

  In this embodiment, the decoding process is performed as shown in FIG. 14, but when only the left half is filled as shown in FIG. 17B, if there is no other new error, the calculated error rate P5 is Since it is larger than the threshold value Z1 and less than or equal to the threshold value Z2, additional information A is added to the decoding result (decoded data) in S61 (S65), and these are output (S68). Further, when all are filled as shown in FIG. 17C, if there is no other new error, the calculated error rate P5 is larger than the threshold value Z2 and equal to or smaller than the threshold value Z3. Additional information B is added to the decoding result (decoded data) (S67), and these are output (S68).

  As in this embodiment, if the two-dimensional code Q2 assuming a plurality of entry modes is to be read and corresponding additional information corresponding to the confirmed corresponding error information is output, many types of additional information can be obtained. As a result, the apparatus can be used for more applications.

[Eighth Embodiment]
Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. 18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams for explaining a reading target of the two-dimensional code reading device according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 18A is a diagram showing a state before writing in the writing area, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state after having filled in the entry area. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the decryption process performed by the two-dimensional code reader according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a reading object to which a two-dimensional code is attached, and (a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which no entry is made on the two-dimensional code attached to the reading object. (B) is explanatory drawing explaining the state by which the character was written in the two-dimensional code attached | subjected to the reading target object. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining an example of data by registered symbol.

  The two-dimensional code reader according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) in terms of hardware. Accordingly, FIG. 1 will be referred to as appropriate, and detailed description of each part will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 18A, the two-dimensional code Q8 used in the present embodiment has the same configuration as the two-dimensional code Q used in the first embodiment (FIG. 2), and only the mark is the first one. Slightly different from one embodiment. The two-dimensional code Q8 used in the eighth embodiment also has a rectangular frame mark 860 formed in the code area, and the inner area of the mark 860 is configured as an entry area 861.

  The entry area 861 is configured as an area in which a predetermined entry can be made from above a light cell or a dark cell already formed by a user using the two-dimensional code Q8 or by a special entry device. Is. The mark 860 has a function of specifying the position of the writing area 861 in the code area. In the example of FIG. 18A, the outer edge of the writing area is specified by the mark 860 (that is, the mark 860 has a mark 860). The entire internal area is configured as an entry area 861).

  As described above, the entry area 861 provided in the two-dimensional code Q8 has “predetermined error information” in error detection when reading the two-dimensional code Q8 after the entry when the entry is made in the entry area 861. "Is confirmed. In the present embodiment, a plurality of specific data code blocks are defined as the entry area 861. For example, an error exists in any one of the data code blocks in the entry area 861 and the data code block outside the entry area 861. When there is no error, the error is detected at a predetermined error rate in the error detection process by the two-dimensional code reader 20.

  Next, the decoding process performed by the two-dimensional code reader according to the present embodiment will be described. Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, a process of reading a two-dimensional code is first performed (S801). The process of S801 is the same process as S1 (FIG. 4) of the first embodiment, and the two-dimensional code Q8 is imaged by the light receiving sensor 28 shown in FIG. 1, and image data corresponding to this image signal is stored in the memory 35. Remember. Then, known binarization processing, error detection processing, and decoding processing are performed on the image data, and the data decoded by the decoding processing is finally stored in the memory 35.

  In this embodiment as well, the control circuit 40 and the light receiving sensor 28 shown in FIG. 1 correspond to an example of “acquiring means” and function to acquire a code image of the two-dimensional code Q8. The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of “error detection means” and functions to detect an error state for the acquired code image.

  Further, an error rate is calculated based on the detection result in the error detection process performed in the reading process of S801, and a process of determining whether the error rate is equal to or greater than a threshold value is performed (S802). In the reading process of S801, the error position and error content of the code image are detected by the error detection process that forms part of the reading process. Therefore, in the process of S802, the error position and error already obtained by the error detection process are detected. The error data amount is confirmed based on the content, and the ratio (error rate) of the error data amount to the total data amount is calculated. Specifically, for example, the ratio Xb / Xa of the number Xb of data code blocks in which errors are confirmed with respect to the number Xa of all data code blocks is calculated as the error rate. Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated error rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

  The two-dimensional code Q8 used in the present embodiment has a predetermined error rate when an error occurs in any data code block in the entry area 861 and no error occurs in other data code blocks. The threshold used in S802 is set to a value lower than the predetermined error rate and larger than 0. In the present embodiment, information indicating that the error rate of the two-dimensional code Q8 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (S802) corresponds to an example of “predetermined error information”.

  If it is determined in S802 that the error rate is less than the threshold (for example, when reading the two-dimensional code Q8 as shown in FIGS. 18A and 20A), the process proceeds to No in S802, and in S801. The obtained decrypted data (decoding result) is output (S810).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S802 that the error rate is equal to or higher than the threshold (for example, when reading the two-dimensional code Q8 as shown in FIG. 18B or 20B), the process proceeds to Yes in S802. Processing for specifying an input frame is performed (S803). This process is a process for specifying an area for performing a symbol recognition process to be described later. In this processing, the symbol input frame is specified by a predetermined method. As the specifying method, for example, all data code blocks in which errors have occurred may be specified as the symbol input frame. The symbol input frame may be specified based on information registered in advance in the reading device 20. As a method for specifying the symbol input frame based on the pre-registered information, for example, the position information of the entry area of the two-dimensional code Q8 is recorded in the two-dimensional code reader 20, and this is performed in the process of S803. May be read out.

  After S803, symbol recognition processing is performed (S804). In S804, the symbol in the frame specified in S803 is recognized using a character recognition technique known in the image processing field. In addition, as a character recognition technique, various well-known systems can be used. For example, a technique used in an optical character reader (OCR) can be suitably used. Since this technique itself is publicly known, detailed description is omitted. In this case, a standard pattern for each symbol is registered in the apparatus, and recognition is performed by matching the standard pattern and the input pattern.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of information display unit cells are arranged in the entry area 861 in the two-dimensional code Q8 to be read, and a plurality of information display unit cells arranged in the entry area 861. Recognizes, as a symbol, a portion in which at least one of color, density, and luminance is different. For example, as shown in FIG. 18A, when a white cell and a black cell are arranged in the entry area 861, and a symbol is entered in a color different from the color of these cells, an area other than the cell color is extracted. And recognize the symbol. FIG. 18B shows an example in which the character “NG” is written in a color other than the cell color (for example, red). In such a case, the red character is recognized. In the present embodiment, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of “recognition means”.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the symbol recognition in S804 is successful (S805). If successful, the process proceeds to Yes in S805, and the symbol (recognition symbol) recognized in S804 is compared with the registered symbol. Processing is performed (S806).

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of registered symbols are stored in the memory 35 (FIG. 1), and data for each registered symbol is registered in association with each registered symbol. Each registered symbol only needs to be composed of one or a plurality of symbols (for example, a plurality of characters), and the contents of the registered symbols and the contents of the data for each registered symbol can be variously set. An example is shown in FIG. 21. In the example of FIG. 21, registration symbols such as NG1, NG2, repair 1, repair 2 and the like are registered. , “Disposal process”, “Registered as defective product, reuse process”, “Repairable product, repair process 1”, “Repairable product, repair process 2” are registered as “registered symbol-specific data”.

  In the comparison processing in S806, it is confirmed whether or not the symbol recognized in S804 matches any of the plurality of registered symbols registered in the memory 35, and after the confirmation processing, the symbol (recognition symbol in S804) is recognized. ) Is performed to determine whether or not it matches any registered symbol (S807). In the present embodiment, the memory 35 corresponds to an example of “registration means”. The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of “confirmation means”.

  If it is determined in S807 that the recognized symbol matches any registered symbol, the process proceeds to Yes in S807, and the registered symbol-specific data corresponding to the registered symbol that matches the recognized symbol is “additional information”. , Output together with the decoding result in S801 (S808). For example, if the registered content is as shown in FIG. 21 and the recognition symbol recognized in S804 is “NG1”, it is associated with “NG1” as “additional information” to be added to the decoding result. In addition, processing process data “registration as a defective product, disposal processing” is output. The data output may be performed so as to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 46, or may be output to an external device (such as a computer) via the communication interface 48. Further, the content output in S808 may be a part or all of the registered symbol-specific data, or the content corresponding to the registered symbol-specific data. As an example of “outputting contents corresponding to registered symbol-specific data”, a mark associated with registered symbol-specific data is displayed on the liquid crystal display 46, or lamp display or audio output corresponding to registered symbol-specific data is performed. You may make it perform.

  On the other hand, when the process proceeds to No in S805 or when the process proceeds to No in S807, notification data is output together with the decoding result in S801. This data output may be performed so as to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 46, or may be output to an external device (such as a computer) via the communication interface 48. In addition, as an output method of the notification data, for example, information indicating that the recognition has failed (in the case of No in S805), information indicating that the recognition symbol is not registered (in the case of No in S807), and the like are displayed on a liquid crystal display. The method of displaying on the container 46 is mentioned. Alternatively, the LED 43 shown in FIG. 1 may be lit in a predetermined manner or the buzzer 44 may be sounded. In this case, the control circuit 40 functions as “notification means” in cooperation with the liquid crystal display 46, the LED 43, the buzzer 44, and the like.

  The two-dimensional code reader 20 configured as described above can be used for various purposes. As an example, in a predetermined sorting process (for example, a process of sorting normal products and required products, a configuration for more specifically sorting required products, etc.), the contents of sorting in the entry area 861 of the two-dimensional code Q8. The usage method to fill in the symbol corresponding to is mentioned. For example, in the inspection process on the production line, if it is determined that the inspection object is registered as a defective product and should be disposed of, the entry area of the two-dimensional code Q8 attached to the inspection object (disposition object) If a symbol (“NG1” in the example of FIG. 21) corresponding to the determined processing step is entered in 861, processing step data corresponding to this “NG1” (that is, the inspection object) Data of processing steps to be performed on the inspection object) can be read, and it is possible to quickly and reliably grasp how the inspection object is to be handled. The same applies to other determinations. For example, in the inspection process on the production line, if it is determined that the inspection object is to be registered as a repairable product and the repair process 1 should be performed, this inspection object. If a symbol (“Repair 1” in the example of FIG. 21) corresponding to the determined processing process is entered in the entry area 861 of the two-dimensional code Q8 attached to (repair target product), The processing process data corresponding to the repair 1 (processing process data to be performed on the inspection object) can be read, and it is possible to quickly and surely understand what kind of determination has been made.

  In the present embodiment as well, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of “decoding means” and is based on the detection result of the error state of the code image (that is, the error position and error content confirmed in the reading process of S801). It functions to decode the two-dimensional code Q8 (that is, to decode the data encoded in the data code block). Further, when the above-mentioned predetermined error information (error rate equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold) is confirmed in the error state detection, in addition to the decoding result of the two-dimensional code Q8, additional information corresponding to the predetermined error information is output. To work.

Hereinafter, main effects of the present embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, “recognition means” is provided for recognizing symbols entered in the entry area 861 when predetermined error information is confirmed by the “error state detection means”. Then, when a symbol is recognized by the “recognizing means”, the “decoding means” outputs correspondence information corresponding to the recognized symbol as additional information. In this way, the user can enter various symbols in the entry area 861, so that the degree of freedom of entry is increased and more appropriate information can be added to the code. In addition, since additional information according to the user's entry contents can be output during decoding, in addition to direct information acquisition regarding the entry contents by visual inspection or the like, additional information according to the entry contents can be obtained in a later process. Can be used as data, and as a result, convenience in using the two-dimensional code can be effectively enhanced.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of information display unit cells are arranged in the entry area 861 of the two-dimensional code Q8 to be read, and the “recognition means” is a plurality of information display units arranged in the entry area 861. A portion that is different from the cell in at least one of color, density, and luminance is recognized as a symbol. In this way, the area in which the information display unit cell is arranged can be used as the entry area, and a part written in a manner different from the information display unit cell can be accurately recognized as a symbol. Therefore, when no symbol is entered, each cell in the entry area can be used as data, and even when a symbol is entered, some cells may be used as data.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of registered symbols are stored in the memory 35 (registration means), and data for each registered symbol is registered in association with each registered symbol. Furthermore, it is confirmed whether or not the recognition symbol is registered as a registered symbol by the “confirming means”. If it is registered, the content of the data for each registered symbol or the registered symbol is registered by the “decoding means”. The content corresponding to the other data is output as additional information. In this way, symbols expected to be entered can be registered in advance, and appropriate data (registered symbol-specific data) corresponding to each symbol can be prepared. At the time of reading, it is possible to accurately confirm whether the entered symbol is a presumed symbol (registered symbol), and if it is a registered symbol, appropriate data corresponding to the symbol Can be output.

  Specifically, when each registered symbol is registered in association with the processing process data, and it is confirmed that the recognition symbol is registered in the memory 35 (registration means), it corresponds to the recognition symbol. Processing process data is output as additional information. In this way, it is possible to prepare symbols that are expected to be entered in association with the processing process data. In this configuration, when the user wants to use some processing process data in the subsequent process, it is only necessary to enter a symbol corresponding to the processing process data, and various processing process data can be used with simple work. User convenience can be effectively enhanced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, “notification means” is provided that performs notification when it is not confirmed that the recognition symbol is registered in the memory 35 (registration means). In this way, the user can be informed that the entered symbol is not registered, and the user can easily take appropriate measures.

[Ninth Embodiment]
Next, a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the decoding process performed by the two-dimensional code reader according to the ninth embodiment.

  The two-dimensional code reader according to the ninth embodiment is different from the eighth embodiment only in the decoding process, and is otherwise the same as the eighth embodiment. As for the two-dimensional code, the same two-dimensional code Q8 (FIG. 18) as that in the eighth embodiment is used. Therefore, other than the decoding process will be described with reference to the drawings cited in the eighth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the decoding process performed in the ninth embodiment is such that the error rate of the two-dimensional code Q8 is equal to or higher than the first threshold (first error rate) and the second threshold (second The processing of S904 to S910 (the same processing as S803 to S809 in FIG. 19) is performed when the error rate is equal to or less than the error rate, and the error rate of the two-dimensional code Q8 is less than the first threshold (first error rate). Sometimes the processing of S911 (the same processing as S810 in FIG. 19) is performed, and when the error rate of the two-dimensional code Q8 is equal to or greater than the second threshold (second error rate), the processing of S912 is performed. Is different from the decryption process of the eighth embodiment (FIG. 19).

  The two-dimensional code Q8 (FIG. 18) used in the present embodiment is the first when an error occurs in any data code block in the entry area 861 and no error occurs in other data code blocks. The first threshold value used in S902 is set to a value lower than the first predetermined error rate and larger than 0. Further, when an error has occurred in all the data code blocks in the entry area 861 and no error has occurred in other data code blocks, the second predetermined error rate is set, which is used in S903. The second threshold value is set to a value smaller than the second predetermined error rate and larger than the first threshold value.

  In the decoding process of FIG. 22, is the error rate of the two-dimensional code Q8 equal to or higher than the first threshold (first error rate) after performing the read process of S901 (the read process similar to S801 of FIG. 19)? Whether or not the error rate of the two-dimensional code Q8 is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value (second error rate) is determined in S902. Is determined (S903). In this embodiment as well, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of “error state detection means”, and the state where the error rate of the two-dimensional code Q8 is equal to or higher than the first threshold (first error rate) is “ It is detected as a “predetermined error state”.

  A second threshold (second error rate) in which the error rate of the two-dimensional code Q8 is greater than or equal to the first threshold (first error rate) and greater than the first threshold (first error rate). In the following cases (that is, when the process proceeds to Yes in S902 and S903), the same processing as S803 to S809 (FIG. 19) of the eighth embodiment is performed in S904 to S910, and the symbol is recognized only in this case. Processing (S905) is performed.

  On the other hand, if the error rate of the two-dimensional code Q8 is larger than the second threshold (second error rate), the process proceeds to No in S903, and the predetermined additional information is output together with the decoding result in S901. In the present embodiment, data (predetermined additional information) to be output when the error rate is greater than the second threshold is prepared in the memory 35 in advance, and when the process proceeds to No in S903, this data is decoded. And output. In this case, the symbol recognition process (S905) is not performed and is omitted.

  In the invention according to the present embodiment, by appropriately adjusting the “first error rate”, whether or not any entry has been made in the entry area 861 can be distinguished by the “first error rate”. Thus, by appropriately adjusting the “second error rate”, the case where a symbol is entered in the entry area 861 and the case where an entry other than the symbol (filling, etc.) is made by the “second error rate”. It becomes possible to distinguish. Since the symbol recognition is not performed when the error rate of the two-dimensional code Q8 is equal to or higher than the “second error rate”, the recognition process is omitted when there is a high possibility that an entry other than the symbol is made. And speeding up of processing can be achieved.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
Examples of the “two-dimensional code” of the present invention include a QR code, a data matrix code, a maxi code, and the like, but any other code may be used as long as it has an error correction function.

  In the above embodiment, the error correction code word is generated using the method defined in JISX0510. However, the method of generating the error correction code word is not limited to this, and various known methods can be used.

  In the above embodiment, the error rate calculated by the predetermined calculation method is exemplified, but the error rate calculation method is not limited to the above method. That is, the error rate may be obtained by a method other than the above embodiment as long as it is a method capable of obtaining the degree of data amount in which an error is detected. For example, the number of data code blocks in which an error is detected may be used as the error rate.

  In 1st Embodiment, although the illumination light Lf radiate | emitted from the illumination light source 21 showed the example which is the same color as the mark 60 formed in the two-dimensional code Q, as a structure, it is not restricted to the same color, The mark 60 Any color similar to the color may be used. For example, when the mark 60 is composed of red warm colors such as red, orange, and yellow, the illumination light source 21 may be configured to emit such warm illumination light Lf. In addition, it can use suitably also about any embodiment about the structure which irradiates the illumination light of the same color or similar color as a mark in this way.

  In the first embodiment, an example in which the marker light emitted from the marker light irradiation unit 51 has the same color as the mark 60 formed on the two-dimensional code Q has been described, but in this case as well, the mark 60 is not limited to the same color. If it is similar color. For example, when the mark 60 is composed of red warm colors such as red, orange, and yellow, the marker light irradiation unit 51 may be configured to irradiate such warm color marker light. In addition, about the structure which irradiates the marker light of the same color or similar color as a mark in this way, it can use suitably also about any embodiment except 5th Embodiment.

  In the eighth embodiment, symbol recognition is performed when the error rate of the two-dimensional code Q8 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. However, when an error is detected at a “predetermined error position” in the two-dimensional code Q8, the symbol is recognized. Recognition may be performed. The “predetermined error position” may be the position of any data code block in the entry area 861, or the position of a specific number (for example, two) of data code blocks in the entry area 861. Also good.

  In the eighth embodiment, an example is shown in which a plurality of cells are arranged in the entry area, and a symbol is entered in the form of being overwritten in this cell. However, as shown in FIG. The entry area 861 of Q8 is filled by an operator or the like to be configured as a single color area larger than the cell size, and when the symbol is entered in this single color area, the entered symbol may be recognized. Good. In this way, when a symbol is entered in the entry area, it is easy to distinguish the entered symbol from the background (single color area), and the entered symbol can be recognized more accurately.

20 ... Two-dimensional code reader 21 ... Illumination light source (illumination means)
28. Light receiving sensor (acquiring means)
35 ... Memory (registration means)
40. Control circuit (acquisition means, error state detection means, decoding means, recognition means, notification means, confirmation means)
43 ... LED (notification means)
44 ... Buzzer (notification means)
46 ... Liquid crystal display (notification means)
51 ... Marker light irradiation part (marker light irradiation means)
60,860 ... mark 61,861 ... entry area Q, Q1, Q2, Q8 ... two-dimensional code D1-D28 ... data code block E1-E16 ... error correction code block

Claims (19)

A two-dimensional code reader for reading a two-dimensional code having an error correction function,
Obtaining means for obtaining a code image of the two-dimensional code;
An error state detection unit for detecting an error state for the code image acquired by the acquisition unit;
Decoding means for decoding the two-dimensional code based on an error state detection result for the code image;
With
The two-dimensional code to be read is provided with a predetermined entry area, and predetermined error information is confirmed in the detection of the error state by the error state detection means after entry in the entry area. Is structured as follows,
The decoding means outputs additional information corresponding to the predetermined error information, in addition to the decoding result of the two-dimensional code, when the predetermined error information is confirmed by the error state detection means. Two-dimensional code reader.   2. The two-dimensional code reader according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined error information includes position information indicating that an error has occurred at a predetermined position of the two-dimensional code.   3. The two-dimensional code reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined error information includes error rate information indicating that the two-dimensional code has a predetermined error rate. The two-dimensional code is configured such that corresponding error information corresponding to an entry mode for the entry area is confirmed in the detection of the error state by the error state detection means,
The decoding means outputs corresponding additional information corresponding to the confirmed correspondence error information in addition to the decoding result of the two-dimensional code when any of the correspondence error information is confirmed by the error state detection means. The two-dimensional code reader according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the two-dimensional code reader is provided. The two-dimensional code is provided with a plurality of entry areas, and corresponding error information corresponding to the entry mode for the plurality of entry areas is confirmed in the detection of the error state by the error state detection means. And
The decoding means outputs corresponding additional information corresponding to the confirmed correspondence error information in addition to the decoding result of the two-dimensional code when any of the correspondence error information is confirmed by the error state detection means. The two-dimensional code reader according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the two-dimensional code reader is provided. Illuminating means for emitting illumination light to the two-dimensional code,
The two-dimensional code to be read has a mark for identifying the entry area in the code area,
6. The two-dimensional code reader according to claim 1, wherein the illumination unit emits the illumination light having a color similar to that of the mark. Marker light irradiation means for emitting marker light to the two-dimensional code,
The two-dimensional code to be read has a mark for identifying the entry area in the code area,
The two-dimensional code reader according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the marker light irradiation unit emits the marker light having a color similar to the mark. In advance, an image of a reference code is acquired by the acquisition unit, and an error state of the reference code is detected by the error state detection unit.
The error state detection means compares the error state of the two-dimensional code to be read with the error state of the reference code, and the predetermined error information is generated in the two-dimensional code when there is a predetermined difference. The two-dimensional code reading device according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code reading device is determined. The acquisition unit obtains a pre-entry image for the two-dimensional code before the entry area is filled in advance, and the error state detection unit detects an error state of the pre-filling image. And
The error state detection means compares the error state of the two-dimensional code after the entry to the entry area with the error state of the pre-entry image, and if there is a predetermined difference, the error state detection means The two-dimensional code reader according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein it is determined that the predetermined error information has occurred. Marker light irradiation means for emitting marker light to the two-dimensional code,
The said marker light irradiation means displays the specific figure which specifies the said entry area of the said two-dimensional code with respect to the said two-dimensional code, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Two-dimensional code reader. Recognizing means for recognizing a symbol written in the entry area when the predetermined error information is confirmed by the error state detecting means;
11. The decoding unit according to claim 1, wherein when the symbol is recognized by the recognition unit, the decoding unit outputs correspondence information corresponding to the recognized symbol as the additional information. Two-dimensional code reader. The two-dimensional code to be read is formed by arranging a plurality of information display unit cells in the entry area,
12. The recognizing unit recognizes, as the symbol, a portion that is different from at least one of color, density, and luminance from the plurality of information display unit cells arranged in the entry area. Two-dimensional code reader. The error state detecting means detects a state where an error rate of the two-dimensional code is equal to or higher than a first error rate as the predetermined error state;
The recognition means is
When the error rate of the two-dimensional code is equal to or higher than the first error rate and equal to or lower than a second error rate larger than the first error rate, a process of recognizing the symbol is performed.
The two-dimensional code reader according to claim 12, wherein when the error rate of the two-dimensional code is larger than the second error rate, the process of recognizing the symbol is not performed.   The recognizing unit recognizes the symbol written in the single color area when the whole or a part of the input area is configured as a single color area larger than the cell size in the two-dimensional code to be read. The two-dimensional code reader according to claim 11. A plurality of registered symbols composed of one or a plurality of symbols, and a registration means in which data for each registered symbol corresponding to each registered symbol is registered;
Confirmation means for confirming whether or not the recognition symbol recognized by the recognition means is registered as the registration symbol in the registration means;
With
The decoding means adds the contents of the data for each registered symbol or the contents corresponding to the data for each registered symbol when the confirmation means confirms that the recognition symbol is registered in the registration means. The two-dimensional code reading device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the two-dimensional code reading device outputs the information as information. The registration means is registered in association with processing step data for each registration symbol,
The decoding means outputs processing step data corresponding to the recognition symbol as the additional information when the confirmation means confirms that the recognition symbol is registered in the registration means. Item 16. The two-dimensional code reader according to Item 15.   17. The two-dimensional code reader according to claim 15, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify when the recognition unit does not confirm that the recognition symbol is registered in the registration unit. . Coding means for coding data to be decoded and data for error correction,
A two-dimensional code generation device for generating a two-dimensional code having an error correction function,
In the code area where the data to be decoded and the data for error correction are encoded by the encoding means, there is provided entry area setting means for setting a predetermined entry area, and the entry area setting means comprises the entry area 2. A two-dimensional code generation apparatus, wherein when an entry is made in an area, the entry area is set so that predetermined error information is confirmed in error detection of the two-dimensional code after the entry. A data code block that encodes the data to be decoded;
An error correction code block obtained by encoding data for error correction;
A two-dimensional code comprising
A predetermined entry area is formed in the code area,
The entry area is configured such that when an entry is made in the entry area, predetermined error information is confirmed in error detection of the two-dimensional code after entry. code.

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