JP2013015946A - Information code reading system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide configurations for more certainly decrypting the respective information codes, and performing imaging and decryption processing of the respective information codes in shorter time in an information code reading system for using an information code whose recognition and reading are difficult under normal environment that visible light is irradiated and a second information code which can be recognized, read under such normal environment in combination.SOLUTION: In an information code reading system 1, an imaging part 42 is provided with: a light receiving sensor 60 which receives light of an image from an information code formation medium 10 to output light receiving signals; and a signal selection part 82 which extracts and outputs a first correspondence signal corresponding to a first predetermined area (the area including a first information code C) from among the light receiving signals to be generated by the light receiving sensor 60 in a first period, and extracts and outputs a second correspondence signal corresponding to a second predetermined area (the area including a second information code Ca) from among the light receiving signals to be generated by the light receiving sensor 60 in a second period.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information code reading system.

  At present, information codes such as barcodes and QR codes (registered trademark) are used for various purposes, and their usage purposes are also diversifying. In particular, in recent years, there is an increasing need for improving the security of information codes, and there is a demand for a configuration that can read information codes only when specific conditions are satisfied. As a technique for adding a security function to an information code, for example, a technique as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided.

JP 2010-146461 A JP 11-338966 A JP-A-1-217687

  In the technique of the above-mentioned patent document 1, the key information (3) is overprinted with the main data (2) with a printing liquid that is visible only under ultraviolet light. In this technique, since the key information (3) cannot be visually recognized under normal visible light conditions, the security of the data (2) encrypted under certain conditions is ensured.

  However, since the technique of Patent Document 1 attaches the key information (3) as numerical data and tries to make the operator visually check this in an ultraviolet environment, the operator can obtain the key information (3). There is a problem that whether or not it can be surely confirmed visually is greatly influenced by the environment (printing environment, reading environment, etc.) and configuration (size of information code and configuration of key information). In particular, when trying to reduce the size of the information code, even if the information code itself can be recognized by the reader, it is likely that the operator will not be able to see the key information (3). The operator cannot obtain the key information and the information code cannot be decrypted. Further, in the method in which the operator reads the data (2) and the key information (3) superimposed on each other, the success or failure of the final decoding depends on the skill level of the operator and the like. There is also a problem that it is difficult to decipher.

  In order to solve such a problem, the inventors came to assume an information code C as shown in FIG. 3 and a reading system that reads the information code C, for example. In this system, when the information code C is irradiated with visible light as shown in FIG. 4A, the information code is buried in the background and cannot be grasped. As shown in FIG. When C is irradiated with infrared light, the information code C stands out from the background and can be recognized. According to such a configuration, during normal times, it is difficult for a person to visually recognize the information code C and it is difficult for a general reading device to recognize the information code. When reading is performed using an apparatus (reading apparatus capable of imaging while irradiating infrared light), the information code C can be easily and reliably read.

  By the way, a special information code such as the above-described information code C is used in combination with an information code (for example, a general QR code (registered trademark)) that can be read with visible light, thereby increasing convenience and usefulness. There is expected. When two types of information codes are used in combination, special information codes that can be read with infrared light are imaged in a state in which the information codes are irradiated with infrared light for more clear imaging. For information codes that can be read with visible light, it can be said that it is desirable to image in an environment in which visible light is dominant in order to capture more clearly. However, if the imaging is divided into two times to satisfy such a request and the captured images for two frames are decoded while outputting and storing the captured images for two frames, the image transfer process or The time required for the decryption process increases, resulting in a delay in decryption.

  On the other hand, there is no technique for solving the above problem, but related techniques such as Patent Documents 2 and 3 are provided. For example, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a plurality of types of color filters are used, and reading is performed by switching the color filters for a reading target. In addition, a technique of using a plurality of types of sensors and imaging with an area sensor assigned for each color has been proposed. In the technique of the other patent document 3, a means for photoelectrically converting reflected light from a mail piece with respect to infrared light and a means for photoelectrically converting reflected light from a mail piece with respect to visible light are provided. Discloses a technique for recognizing character information. However, although both techniques of Patent Documents 2 and 3 have the feature of changing the imaging conditions, the image frames are transferred and stored for each imaging condition, and the image frames obtained for each imaging condition are stored. Since each of them is to be decoded, as many image frames as the number of imaging conditions to be changed are required. Such a method cannot solve the problem that the time required for image transfer processing and decoding processing increases.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and it is difficult for a human to visually recognize an information code and recognition by a general reader, and the information is reliably read when a specific reader is used. In an information code reading system that uses a special information code that can be recognized, and further uses a second information code that can be recognized and read under a normal environment irradiated with visible light. It is an object of the present invention to provide a configuration that can perform decoding more reliably and can perform imaging and decoding processing of each information code in a shorter time.

The first invention includes an information code forming medium in which a first information code having a light color module and a dark color module and a second information code different from the first information code are formed,
The holding means for holding the information code forming medium, the illuminating means for irradiating the information code forming medium held by the holding means with illumination light, and imaging the information code forming medium held by the holding means An information code reader comprising: an image pickup unit that extracts the first information code and the second information code from an image of the information code forming medium imaged by the image pickup unit; ,
With
The information code forming medium is:
When the visible light is irradiated, one of the reflection characteristics of dark color or light color is shown, and when the second wavelength band having a wavelength different from that of the visible light is irradiated, the other reflection characteristic of dark color or light color is shown. The inversion region and one of the reflection characteristics of dark color or light color when irradiated with visible light, and the one of reflection characteristics of dark color or light color when irradiated with light of the second wavelength band A non-inversion region is formed,
In addition, one of the light color module and the dark color module of the first information code is set as one area of the inversion area or the non-inversion area, and the other module area is set as the inversion area. Or the other region of the non-inversion region,
The illuminating means applies a first predetermined area including the first information code in the information code forming medium at a predetermined first time when the information code forming medium is held by the holding means. Configured to irradiate illumination light of the second wavelength band,
At a second time different from or the same as the first time, the second predetermined area including the second information code in the information code forming medium is visible without being irradiated with illumination light of the second wavelength band. It is configured to be irradiated with light,
The imaging means includes
A light receiving means for receiving an image from the information code forming medium and outputting a light reception signal;
A first correspondence signal corresponding to the first predetermined region is extracted from the light reception signals generated by the light receiving means at the first time and output, and generated by the light receiving means at the second time. A signal selection means for extracting and outputting a second corresponding signal corresponding to the second predetermined region from the received light signal;
With
The decoding means is
In the image of the first corresponding signal output by the signal selection means, the light color module and the dark color module regions are extracted by distinguishing and detecting the inversion region and the non-inversion region, and the extraction result Based on the first information code,
In addition, the second information code is decoded based on an image of the second corresponding signal output by the signal selection unit.

A second invention is an information code forming medium in which a first information code having a light color module and a dark color module and a second information code different from the first information code are formed,
The holding means for holding the information code forming medium, the illuminating means for irradiating the information code forming medium held by the holding means with illumination light, and imaging the information code forming medium held by the holding means An information code reader comprising: an image pickup unit that extracts the first information code and the second information code from an image of the information code forming medium imaged by the image pickup unit; ,
With
The information code forming medium is:
When the visible light is irradiated, one of the reflection characteristics of dark color or light color is shown, and when the second wavelength band having a wavelength different from that of the visible light is irradiated, the other reflection characteristic of dark color or light color is shown. The inversion region and one of the reflection characteristics of dark color or light color when irradiated with visible light, and the one of reflection characteristics of dark color or light color when irradiated with light of the second wavelength band A non-inversion region is formed,
In addition, one of the light color module and the dark color module of the first information code is set as one area of the inversion area or the non-inversion area, and the other module area is set as the inversion area. Or the other region of the non-inversion region,
The image pickup means includes a plurality of light receiving elements that receive an image from the information code forming medium, and sequentially outputs light reception signals having different exposure timings for each element region by sequentially changing exposure timings for each predetermined element region. It has a light receiving means of sequential exposure method,
When the information code forming medium is held by the holding means, a portion of the light receiving means that receives an image from the first predetermined area including the first information code is an exposure target, The illumination means is configured to irradiate at least the first predetermined area with illumination light of the second wavelength band, and the light receiving means displays an image from the second predetermined area including the second information code. In a second period when a light receiving portion is an exposure target, the illumination unit is configured to irradiate visible light to the second predetermined region without irradiating illumination light of the second wavelength band,
The decoding means is
The areas of the light color module and the dark color module are extracted by distinguishing and detecting the inversion area and the non-inversion area in the image of the first corresponding signal generated by the light receiving means at the first time, Decoding the first information code based on the extraction result;
In addition, the second information code is decoded based on an image of a second corresponding signal generated by the light receiving means at the second time.

In the first aspect of the invention, one of the light color module and the dark color module of the first information code has one module area as an inversion area or a non-inversion area, and the other module area has an inversion area or This is the other area of the non-inversion area. That is, the first information code has a configuration in which the light color module is set as an inversion area and the dark color module is set as a non-inversion area, or the light color module is set as a non-inversion area and the dark color module is set as an inversion area. It has become.
As described above, in the information code forming medium, when the first information code is irradiated with visible light, both the light color module and the dark color module exhibit dark color reflection characteristics, or both are light color reflections. As a result, the light color module and the dark color module cannot be distinguished. Accordingly, it is possible to make it difficult for a person to visually recognize the information code, and to make it difficult to recognize the information code by a general reading device.
On the other hand, an illuminating unit is provided on the information code reading device side, and the first information code in the information code forming medium is included in a predetermined first time when the information code forming medium is held by the holding unit. However, the illumination light of the second wavelength band is irradiated to the first predetermined region.
Since the area of one of the modules is an inversion area and the area of the other module is a non-inversion area, the first information code is bright when the illumination light is irradiated with the second wavelength band illumination light. Either one of the color module and the dark color module exhibits a dark color reflection characteristic and the other exhibits a light color reflection characteristic, or one exhibits a light color reflection characteristic and the other exhibits a dark color reflection characteristic. And an information code in which the dark color module is clearly distinguished are displayed. Therefore, the information code reading device (specific reading device) that can irradiate illumination light in the second wavelength band can read the contents of the first information code, and information other than the specific reading device can be used. It is possible to construct a highly confidential system that makes it difficult to grasp the contents of the code.
Further, the information code forming medium is formed with the second information code, and at a second time different from or the same as the time when the illumination light is irradiated with the illumination light of the second wavelength band (first time), The second predetermined area including the second information code in the information code forming medium is configured to be irradiated with visible light without being irradiated with illumination light of the second wavelength band. The imaging means includes a light receiving means for receiving an image from the information code forming medium and outputting a light reception signal, and a first light receiving signal generated by the light receiving means at a first time corresponding to a first predetermined area. And a signal selecting means for extracting and outputting one corresponding signal, and extracting and outputting a second corresponding signal corresponding to the second predetermined area from the light receiving signals generated by the light receiving means at the second time. ing. The decoding means extracts the areas of the light color module and the dark color module by distinguishing and detecting the inversion area and the non-inversion area in the image of the first corresponding signal output by the signal selection means. The first information code is decoded based on the second information code, and the second information code is decoded based on the image of the second corresponding signal output by the signal selection means.
According to this configuration, in addition to the highly confidential first information code, a second information code that can be recognized and read in a normal environment irradiated with visible light can be used in combination. Further, the first corresponding signal corresponding to the first predetermined area is extracted from the light receiving signals generated by the light receiving means at the first time and output, and the light receiving signals generated by the light receiving means at the second time are output. Since the second corresponding signal corresponding to the second predetermined area is extracted and output from the first frame, the entire frame is transmitted and stored in order to decode the first information code, and the second information code is decoded. In addition, the image information to be transmitted and stored can be surely reduced as compared with a method of transmitting and storing an entire frame different from this. Therefore, each information code can be imaged and decoded in a shorter time while enabling reliable decoding of each information code.

The invention according to claim 2 stores the first specifying information for specifying the position corresponding to the first predetermined area in the light receiving means, and the second specifying information for specifying the position corresponding to the second predetermined area in the light receiving means. Means. The signal selecting means extracts and outputs a first corresponding signal corresponding to the first predetermined area from the light receiving signals generated by the light receiving means at the first time based on the first specifying information, and 2 Based on the specific information, the second corresponding signal corresponding to the second predetermined region is extracted from the light receiving signal generated by the light receiving means at the second time and output.
As described above, when the first specifying information for specifying the position corresponding to the first predetermined area in the light receiving unit and the second specifying information for specifying the position corresponding to the second predetermined area are stored in advance, the actual reading time, etc. In addition, the signals corresponding to these areas can be quickly and reliably transmitted without specially specifying which part of the generated light reception signal corresponds to the signals corresponding to the first predetermined area and the second predetermined area. Can be extracted.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the pre-setting using the information code forming medium, an imaging result obtained by the imaging means when the illumination light is irradiated with the illumination light of the second wavelength band to the information code forming medium by the illumination means. Based on this, the position corresponding to the first predetermined region in the light receiving means is determined, and the imaging means when the illumination means is irradiated with visible light without irradiating the information code forming medium with the illumination light of the second wavelength band. Position determining means for determining a position corresponding to the second predetermined region in the light receiving means based on the imaging result at. Then, after the presetting time, the signal selection means is configured to select a first predetermined light reception signal generated from the light reception means at the first time based on the position corresponding to the first predetermined area determined by the position determination means. A first correspondence signal corresponding to the area is extracted and output, and the first correspondence signal corresponding to the second predetermined area determined by the position determination means is extracted from the light reception signals generated by the light reception means at the second time. 2 A second correspondence signal corresponding to a predetermined area is extracted and output.
With this configuration, it is possible to automatically determine a position corresponding to the first predetermined area and a position corresponding to the second predetermined area at the time of presetting. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform detailed setting work in advance in order to obtain such information (that is, the position corresponding to the first predetermined area and the position corresponding to the second predetermined area in the light receiving means), thereby effectively saving labor. Can be achieved. In addition, when the positions of the first information code and the second information code are changed, presetting is performed, and new update information (that is, the position corresponding to the first predetermined area in the light receiving unit and Since the position corresponding to the second predetermined area) can be automatically acquired, such a change can be flexibly dealt with, and the configuration is excellent in versatility.

According to the invention of claim 4, one of the light color module and the dark color module of the first information code has one module area as an inversion area or non-inversion area, and the other module area has an inversion area or This is the other area of the non-inversion area. That is, the first information code has a configuration in which the light color module is set as an inversion area and the dark color module is set as a non-inversion area, or the light color module is set as a non-inversion area and the dark color module is set as an inversion area. It has become.
As described above, in the information code forming medium, when the first information code is irradiated with visible light, both the light color module and the dark color module exhibit dark color reflection characteristics, or both are light color reflections. As a result, the light color module and the dark color module cannot be distinguished. Accordingly, it is possible to make it difficult for a person to visually recognize the information code, and to make it difficult to recognize the information code by a general reading device.
In addition, since the first information code has an area of one of the modules as an inversion area and an area of the other module as a non-inversion area, the illumination means emits illumination light in the second wavelength band. One of the light color module and the dark color module exhibits a dark color reflection characteristic and the other exhibits a light color reflection characteristic, or one exhibits a light color reflection characteristic and the other exhibits a dark color reflection characteristic. An information code in which the color module and the dark color module are clearly distinguished is displayed. Therefore, the information code reading device (specific reading device) that can irradiate illumination light in the second wavelength band can read the contents of the first information code, and information other than the specific reading device can be used. It is possible to construct a highly confidential system that makes it difficult to grasp the contents of the code.
Furthermore, this embodiment includes a plurality of light receiving elements that receive an image from the information code forming medium, and sequentially outputs light reception signals having different exposure timings for each element area by sequentially varying the exposure timing for each predetermined element area. A sequential exposure type light receiving means is provided. Then, when the information code forming medium is held by the holding means, the illumination means at the first time when the portion of the light receiving means that receives the image from the first predetermined area including the first information code is the exposure target. Is configured to irradiate at least the first predetermined region with illumination light of the second wavelength band, and a portion of the light receiving unit that receives an image from the second predetermined region including the second information code is an exposure target. At the second time, the illumination means does not irradiate illumination light of the second wavelength band, and the second predetermined region is irradiated with visible light.
In this configuration, illumination light of the second wavelength band is applied to the element region that receives the image near the first information code in the light receiving means so as to be targeted for exposure (first period). The image of the first information code to which the illumination light is applied can be selectively acquired in a short time. In addition, since visible light is applied to the vicinity of the second information code at the time (second time) when the element region that receives the image in the vicinity of the second information code is to be exposed, the second light that has been applied with visible light. The image of the information code can be selectively acquired in a short time. In this way, for example, an image of the first information code to which illumination light in the second wavelength band is applied in one frame and an image of the second information code to which visible light is applied can be included. There is no need to change the setting and capture a plurality of frames in order to obtain an image in an irradiation state suitable for the information code. Accordingly, each information code can be captured and decoded in a shorter time while each information code is acquired in an appropriate irradiation state and can be reliably decoded.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the first specifying information for specifying the portion for receiving the image from the first predetermined area in the light receiving means and the second specifying information for specifying the part for receiving the image from the second predetermined area are provided. Storage means for storing is provided, and the illumination means sets the first time and the second time based on the first specific information and the second specific information.
In this way, if the first specific information and the second specific information are stored in advance, it is possible to determine which part receives the image from the first predetermined area or the second predetermined area during actual reading or the like. Without specially performing the specifying process, it is possible to control the illumination light state suitable for reading each area at the time of each exposure of the portion that receives the image of these areas.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the pre-setting using the information code forming medium, the imaging result obtained by the imaging means when the illumination light is irradiated with the illumination light in the second wavelength band by the illumination means. A portion of the light receiving means for receiving an image from the first predetermined region is determined, and the illumination means is irradiated with visible light without irradiating the information code forming medium with the second wavelength band illumination light. A position determining unit that determines a portion of the light receiving unit that receives an image from the second predetermined region based on an imaging result of the imaging unit, and the illuminating unit includes the first period and the position based on the determination result by the position determining unit. The second period is set.
By configuring in this way, it is possible to automatically determine at the time of presetting the part that receives the image from the first predetermined area and the part that receives the image from the second predetermined area in the light receiving means. Therefore, in order to obtain such information (that is, information for identifying the portion that receives the image of the first predetermined area and the portion that receives the image from the second predetermined area in the light receiving means), a fine setting operation is performed in advance. There is no need, and labor saving can be achieved effectively. In addition, when the positions of the first information code and the second information code are changed, presetting is performed, and new update information (that is, a portion for receiving an image of the first predetermined area and the first information code) 2) (new information for identifying a portion that receives an image from a predetermined area) can be automatically acquired, so that such a change can be flexibly dealt with, and the configuration has excellent versatility. .

In the invention of claim 7, the illumination means is configured to irradiate the illumination light of the second wavelength band at the first time, and stops the illumination light of the second wavelength band at the second time different from the first time. doing.
Thus, by stopping the illumination light in the second wavelength band in the first period, it is possible to save power, and the illumination light in the second wavelength band is irradiated with the second information code (visible light). Interference with (irradiation) can be reliably prevented. Therefore, the second information code can be imaged more clearly and decoded more accurately.

In the invention of claim 8, visible light irradiating means for irradiating visible light to the second predetermined region in the information code forming medium at the second time is provided.
Thus, by actively irradiating visible light in the second period, the second information code can be imaged more clearly and decoding accuracy can be further improved.

In the invention of claim 9, the illumination means is configured to irradiate infrared light as illumination light in the second wavelength band, and further, the brightness of the infrared illumination light irradiated by the illumination means is An adjusting means for adjusting the brightness so as to be different from the brightness of the visible light irradiated by the visible light irradiation means is provided.
By doing so, for example, it becomes easier to obtain a clearer imaging result at the time of irradiation of infrared light in which the light receiving element is likely to be imaged with relatively low sensitivity, and in particular, the first information code can be more easily decoded. It becomes easy to do accurately.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an information code reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of a parking lot to which the information code reading system of FIG. 1 is applied. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of an information code forming medium used in the information code reading system of FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a captured image obtained by irradiating the information code forming medium of FIG. 3 with visible light, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating the information code forming medium of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the picked-up image imaged by irradiating infrared light with respect to it. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a method of creating the information code forming medium of FIG. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining the information code forming area and the background area of the information code forming medium of FIG. 3, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view thereof. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an information code reading apparatus that forms part of the information code reading system of FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a light receiving sensor, an AD converter, a signal selection unit, a storage unit, and the like of the information code reading device of FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of imaging / decoding processing in the information code reader. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an address of a pixel region for capturing an image of the first predetermined region and an address of a pixel region for capturing an image of the second predetermined region. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a light receiving sensor in the information code reading system of the second embodiment.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment that embodies an information code reading system and the like according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(Outline of information code reading system)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an information code reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of a parking lot to which the information code reading system of FIG. 1 is applied. The information code reading system 1 (hereinafter also referred to as system 1) of the present embodiment includes an information code forming medium 10 and an information code reading device 40, and an information code C attached to the information code forming medium 10; The system is configured to read Ca by the information code reading device 40. In FIG. 1, some characters of the information code forming medium 10 are omitted.

  The information code forming medium 10 can be used for various purposes, and may be configured as a parking ticket as shown in FIG. 2, etc., and can be used as a mount for various certificates such as resident cards and seal certificates, gift certificates, regional promotion tickets, admission tickets, The present invention may be applied to other uses such as various tickets that require security. In the following description, as an example, the information code forming medium 10 is configured as a parking ticket, and the entire system 1 pays the parking fee at the parking lot through the information code forming medium 10 (FIG. 2). An example configured as a reference) will be described as a representative example.

  In the parking lot adjustment system, as shown in FIG. 2, a ticketing machine 101 and a payment machine 102 are provided in the parking lot. For example, when a vehicle approaches the entrance gate 105 or when a predetermined operation is performed at the ticketing machine 101. For example, an information code forming medium 10 described later is printed and issued. For example, in the case of a system in which an entrance gate is opened and closed by a blocking member such as a fence (a known opening and closing method by a blocking member), the entrance gate is normally closed by placing a blocking member in the passage of the vehicle, and the vehicle is in close proximity Sometimes, the information code forming medium 10 (parking ticket) is sent out from a predetermined ticketing port 101c (FIG. 7) provided in the ticketing machine 101, and the information code is output from the ticketing port 101c (discharge port). When the formation medium 10 is extracted, the extraction gate is detected and the entrance gate is opened. On the other hand, when the information code forming medium 10 issued in this way is inserted into a predetermined insertion port provided in the settlement machine 102, the settlement machine 102 parks the information code forming medium 10 based on the recorded contents of the information code formation medium 10. When the fee is calculated and an amount corresponding to the parking fee is inserted, the exit gate is opened so that the user can exit the venue.

(Configuration of information code forming medium)
Next, an information code forming medium used in the information code reading system of this embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of an information code forming medium used in the information code reading system of FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a captured image obtained by irradiating the information code forming medium of FIG. 3 with visible light, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating the information code forming medium of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the picked-up image imaged by irradiating infrared light with respect to it. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a method of creating the information code forming medium of FIG. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining the information code forming area and the background area of the information code forming medium of FIG. 3, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view thereof.

  The information code forming medium 10 is formed by forming a first information code C (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an information code C) on an object formed of paper, a resin member, a metal member or the like in a sheet shape. The information code C attached to the information code forming medium 10 is composed of, for example, a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code (QR code, data matrix code, maxi code, etc.), and the like. Decoding is possible.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the information code forming medium 10 includes an area where the information code C is formed (information code forming areas C1, C2) and a background area (information code forming area) composed of characters, figures, symbols, patterns, and the like. In the normal state in which the design area around C1 and C2) A2 is formed adjacent to each other and the amount of visible light is sufficiently larger than the infrared light described later and the visible light is dominant, FIG. As shown, the areas C1 and C2 of the information code C are visually recognized and imaged so as to be integrated in a configuration embedded in the background area A2, and the areas near the areas C1 and C2 of the information code C are directly visually recognized. Even in this case, it is difficult to grasp only the information code C even in the captured image obtained by capturing the vicinity of the areas C1 and C2 of the information code C. In FIG. 3, the positions of the information code forming areas C1 and C2 are conceptually indicated by a one-dot chain line.

  In this information code forming medium 10, areas B1 to B7 to which characters, figures, symbols, patterns, etc. are attached are divided into an inversion area and a non-inversion area. The inversion region exhibits a dark color reflection characteristic at least when irradiated with visible light, and exhibits a light color reflection characteristic when irradiated with light of a second wavelength band having a wavelength different from that of visible light. It is configured. The non-inverted region is configured to exhibit a dark color reflection characteristic when irradiated with visible light and to exhibit a dark color reflection characteristic when irradiated with light of the second wavelength band. In the following, a case where the light in the second wavelength band is “infrared light” will be described as a representative example. That is, in the following configuration, the inversion area shows a dark color reflection characteristic when irradiated with visible light, and shows a light color reflection characteristic when irradiated with infrared light. For example, reflection is performed so that it is visually recognized and imaged as black or the like when irradiated with visible light, and reflected so as to be visually recognized and imaged as white or the like when irradiated with infrared light. It has become. In addition, the non-inverted region shows a dark color reflection characteristic when irradiated with visible light, and also exhibits a dark color reflection characteristic when irradiated with infrared light. Reflection is performed so that it is visually recognized and imaged as black or the like when irradiated with light, and is reflected and imaged as black or the like when irradiated with infrared light.

  In the information code C formed on the information code forming medium 10, the area A3 of the dark color module (dark color cell in the example shown in FIG. 4 etc.) is a non-inverted area, and the light color module (light color cell: FIG. 4). The area A4 is an inversion area. Further, in the information code forming medium 10, a background area A2 composed of an inversion area is formed around the formation areas C1 and C2 of the information code C in a configuration continuous with the formation areas C1 and C2. Because of this configuration, in a general reading apparatus that emits visible light as illumination light, the light module area A4, the dark module area A3, and the background area A2 are all as shown in FIG. Images are captured in a dark color (for example, black) integrated state, making it difficult to extract the information code C. On the other hand, when imaging is performed while irradiating illumination light in the second wavelength band (in this embodiment, infrared light), the bright module area A4 and the background area A2 are bright as shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a captured image in which the area A3 of the dark color module remains dark, and the information code C can be extracted from the captured image.

The information code forming medium 10 may be created by any method as long as it is finally configured as described above. For example, it can be created by the procedure shown in FIG.
In the method of FIG. 5, the first ink area A1 (first colored area) is printed with the first ink on the recording paper P prepared as shown in the upper part of FIG. (Middle in FIG. 5). As described above, when the first ink area A1 (first colored area) is formed, it overlaps with the area where the information code C is to be formed later (information code formation target area: areas C1 and C2 at the bottom in FIG. 5). Thus, the first ink area A1 (first colored area) is printed in advance. The first ink used for printing in the first ink region A1 exhibits dark color reflection characteristics such as black when irradiated with visible light having a wavelength of 380 nm to 750 nm and infrared light having a wavelength of 750 nm or more (second wavelength band). Infrared-reactive ink that exhibits non-dark reflection characteristics when irradiated with the illumination light.

  In the present specification, the “dark color reflection characteristic” is a reflection characteristic that is visually recognized and captured as a dark color such as black, and the first ink is irradiated with visible light having a wavelength of 380 nm to 750 nm. Reflection is performed so that it is visually recognized and imaged as a dark color (black or the like). In this specification, the “non-dark color reflection characteristic” is a reflection characteristic that is not visually recognized and imaged as a dark color such as black, and the first ink is, for example, infrared light having a wavelength of 750 nm or more (in the second wavelength band). When illumination light is irradiated, reflection is performed so as to be visually recognized and imaged in a transparent state or a highly transparent state. In the example of FIG. 5, the first ink region A1 is formed by printing on the recording paper P (recording medium) with such an ink printer using an ink printer. The specific configuration of the ink printer that performs printing using the first ink may be a known printing method using ink, such as letterpress printing, digital printing, offset printing, and inkjet printing. The printing can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, characters, graphics, and symbols are printed with the first ink and the second ink on the recording paper P (paper or the like) of a bright color (white, yellow, or a color similar to these). A pattern or the like is formed. That is, in the region where the background of the recording paper P is light and the first ink is applied and the second ink is not applied, infrared light having a length of 750 nm or more (in the second wavelength band). When the illumination light is irradiated, the second ink applied to the region is in a transparent state or a highly transparent state, and the region is configured to have a ground color or a light color close to the ground color. Yes.

  After the first ink area A1 is formed on the recording paper P as shown in the middle of FIG. 5, the graphic data of the first information code C, the graphic data of the second information code Ca, and Printing is performed so that other characters and graphic data are formed at predetermined positions on the recording paper P by the second ink. Specifically, on the recording paper P as shown in the middle of FIG. 5, the dark color module area is formed by the second ink at the positions of the areas C1 and C2 in the first ink area A1 so as to overlap the first ink area A1. A3 (see FIG. 6) is formed. Also, graphic data of the second information code Ca, other characters, and graphic data (for example, various information B2 to B7 shown in the lower part of FIG. 5) are printed with the second ink in an area other than the first ink area A1. To do. The specific configuration of the ink printer that performs printing using the second ink may be any known printing method using ink, such as letterpress printing, digital printing, offset printing, and inkjet printing. The printing can be performed.

  The second ink used in the second ink-type printer exhibits dark color reflection characteristics when irradiated with visible light having a wavelength of 380 nm to 750 nm and infrared light having a wavelength of 750 nm or more (illumination light in the second wavelength band). The ink is configured as an ink exhibiting a dark color reflection characteristic even when it is irradiated (for example, a normal black ink which is not an infrared reaction type). The “dark color reflection characteristic” is a reflection characteristic that is visually recognized and imaged as a dark color such as black as described above, and the second ink has a wavelength even when visible light having a wavelength of 380 nm to 750 nm is irradiated. Even when infrared light of 750 nm or more (illumination light in the second wavelength band) is irradiated, reflection is performed so as to be visually recognized and imaged as a dark color (black or the like). The “dark color” in the present specification is not limited to black, and may be indigo color, blue, or a dark system color such as black, indigo, or a color similar to blue.

  In FIG. 6A, in the information code forming medium 10 formed in this way, the second colored area (area printed with the second ink) formed within the range of the first ink area A1 is conceptually shown. FIG. 6B shows an enlarged view of a part thereof. As described above, the dark color module area A3 constituting the first information code C is formed as the second colored area within the range of the first ink area A1, but the lower part of FIG. 5 (FIG. 4A). The dark color module area A3 is in a display mode buried in the first ink area A1 at the normal time when visible light is irradiated as shown in FIG. In the configuration shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and the like, the area A3 of the dark color module (dark cell) includes the second ink constituting the dark color module area A3 and the first ink constituting the first ink area A1. In the internal area of the information code C, the area where the dark color module is not attached (that is, the area A4 of the light color module (light color cell)) is formed only by the first ink. Further, the background area A2 around the information code C is also composed of only the first ink.

  When the present system 1 is applied to a parking fee settlement system, the first ink printer and the second ink printer described above are provided, for example, in the printing unit 32 in the ticket issuing machine 101 shown in FIG. If it does so, the above-mentioned information code formation medium 10 comprised as a parking ticket at the time of issuing a parking ticket can be produced suitably. Alternatively, the first ink printer may be provided as an external device of the ticket issuing machine 101, and the second ink printer may be provided in the ticket issuing machine 101 shown in FIG. In this case, the recording paper P after the first ink area A1 is printed by the first ink printer is previously stored in the ticket issuing machine 101, and the second ink printer uses the second ink printer at the time of issuing the parking ticket. What is necessary is just to record the 1st information code C and the 2nd information code Ca.

  Further, the order of formation of the first information code C and the first ink region A1 is not limited to the example of FIG. 5. For example, after the formation of the first information code C, the information code C The first ink area A1 may be formed so as to overlap the area. In the above example, the first information code C and the second information code Ca are formed at the same time. However, the first information code C and the second information code Ca are the second information code Ca. The ink may be printed at different times with ink, and the second information code Ca may be printed before the first information code C.

  In the above-described example, various information B2 to B7 such as character information is printed on the recording paper P in the area other than the first ink area A1 (first colored area) by the second ink. B7 may be printed with the first ink.

  The information recorded in the first information code C and the second information code Ca is various. For example, the above-described second ink printer is provided in the ticket issuing machine 101 shown in FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. When the information code forming medium 10 is created, information about the time (entry time) when the information code forming medium 10 is created is recorded in the first information code C, and discount information is recorded in the second information code Ca. You may make it do. Alternatively, the warehousing time information is recorded in the first information code C, and the warehousing time that is the same as the warehousing time is recorded in the second information code Ca. It may be possible to determine whether or not.

(Configuration of information code reader)
Next, an information code reading apparatus forming a part of the information code reading system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an information code reading apparatus that forms part of the information code reading system of FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a light receiving sensor, an AD converter, a signal selection unit, a storage unit, and the like of the information code reading device of FIG.

  The information code reading device 40 (hereinafter also referred to as the reading device 40) shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 has a function of imaging and reading the first information code C and the second information code Ca. The reading device 40 includes a control unit 41 including a CPU and the like, an imaging unit 42 configured as a camera including a light receiving sensor 60 (for example, a C-MOS area sensor, a CCD area sensor, and the like), and a first unit that emits visible light. An illumination light source 43, a second illumination light source 44 that irradiates infrared light as “illumination light in the second wavelength band”, a storage unit 45 including storage means such as a ROM, a RAM, and a nonvolatile memory are provided. Further, the reading device 40 is provided with a display unit 46 including a liquid crystal display, an operation unit 47 including various operation keys, and the like. In addition, when this system 1 is applied to a parking lot fee settlement system as shown in FIG. 2, this reading device 40 is provided in the settlement machine 102, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the imaging unit 42 is disposed, for example, between the pair of illumination light sources 43 a and 44 b and between the pair of illumination light sources 44 a and 44 b, and receives reflected light from the information code forming medium 10. It functions to form an image on the light receiving surface of the sensor 60 and generate image data of the information code forming medium 10. The light receiving sensor 60 is configured to receive reflected light reflected by the information code forming medium 10, and for example, an area sensor in which light receiving elements such as a C-MOS and a CCD are two-dimensionally arranged corresponds to this. . Further, the imaging lens 42a is constituted by, for example, a lens barrel and a plurality of condensing lenses accommodated in the lens barrel, and the first information code C and the second information are formed on the light receiving surface of the light receiving sensor 60. It functions to form a code image of the information code Ca. A configuration that further embodies the imaging unit 42 will be described in detail later.

  For example, the first illumination light source 43 is provided on both sides of the imaging unit 42 (light receiving optical system). The pair of illumination light sources 43a and 43b are configured by, for example, LEDs that are irradiated with visible light having a wavelength of 380 nm to 750 nm. In the example of FIG. 7, an example in which one visible light emitting unit is provided in each of the illumination light sources 43a and 43b is shown, but two visible light emitting units may be provided in each. . Moreover, the illumination light source may not be provided on both sides as shown in FIG. 7, and the illumination light source may be provided only on one side.

  For example, the second illumination light source 44 is provided on both sides of the imaging unit 42 (light receiving optical system). The pair of illumination light sources 44a and 44b are configured by, for example, LEDs that emit infrared light having a wavelength of 700 nm to 1000 nm (specifically, 750 nm or more). In the example of FIG. 7, each of the illumination light sources 44 a and 44 b has been illustrated with two infrared light emitting units. However, even if each has one infrared light emitting unit. Alternatively, three may be provided. Moreover, the illumination light source may not be provided on both sides as shown in FIG. 6, and the illumination light source may be provided only on one side.

  The storage unit 45 is a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory device, and corresponds to, for example, a ROM, a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.), and other nonvolatile memories. For example, in addition to the image data storage area, the RAM in the storage unit 45 is configured to be able to secure a work area, a reading condition table, and the like that are used by the control unit 41 during arithmetic processing, logical processing, and the like. Yes. The ROM stores in advance, for example, a predetermined program capable of executing various processes and the like, a system program capable of controlling each hardware such as the illumination light source and the light receiving sensor 460, and the like. The control unit 41 includes a microcomputer that can control the entire reading device 40, and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and has an information processing function.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the light receiving sensor 60 includes a light receiving unit 61 in which a plurality of pixels 67 are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, and a drive unit that outputs a light reception signal from each pixel of the light receiving unit 61. ing. The driving unit mainly includes a horizontal scanning shift register 62a, a vertical scanning shift register 62b, and each detecting unit 67a operated by the horizontal scanning shift register 62a and the vertical scanning shift register 62b. As shown in FIG. 8, this driving unit has an X-Y address type configuration of Kochi, and charges are supplied from pixels in a column selected by the horizontal scanning shift register 62a and pixels in a row selected by the vertical scanning shift register 62b. It functions to read.

  Each pixel 67 is driven by the vertical scanning shift register 62b so that the readout electrode is turned on. For example, in the lower left pixel 67 shown enlarged in the lower diagram of FIG. 8, the vertical scanning shift register 62b uses the signal line. A voltage is applied to 65f to drive the readout electrode 67b to an on state, and when the switch 63a is turned on by the horizontal scanning shift register 62a, a signal is output to the AD converter 81 via the signal line 64a. It is like that. Such driving is sequentially performed for each pixel, and the vertical scanning shift register 62b sequentially applies a voltage to each signal line in synchronization with a predetermined clock, and the signal line (in FIG. 8). In the example, when a voltage is applied to any of the signal lines 65a to 67f), the readout electrode 67b of the pixel 67 in the same row connected to the applied signal line is turned on. On the other hand, the horizontal scanning shift register 62a is provided with each switch (example in FIG. 8) provided on each signal line (signal lines 64a to 64f in the example in FIG. 8) in synchronization with a clock having a shorter cycle than the vertical scanning shift register 62b. In FIG. 8, the switches 63a to 63f) are sequentially turned on, and the charges of the pixels 67 in the row selected by the vertical scanning shift register 62b are switched by the horizontal scanning shift register 62 (switch 63a in the example of FIG. 8). ˜63f) are sequentially switched to the ON state and are sequentially transferred and input to the AD converter 81. In this way, the charges of each pixel provided in each row are sequentially transferred, and such a transfer operation is performed for all rows, so that all the charges of all the pixels are sequentially transferred.

(Imaging / decoding processing)
Next, imaging / decoding processing performed by the information code reader 40 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of imaging / decoding processing in the information code reader. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an address of a pixel region for capturing an image of the first predetermined region and an address of a pixel region for capturing an image of the second predetermined region.

In the imaging / decoding process shown in FIG. 9, first, a process of positioning the information code forming medium 10 at a predetermined imaging position is performed (S1). In the reading device 40 shown in FIG. 7, for example, the information code forming medium 10 arranged at a predetermined position by a user is sent to a predetermined imaging position and positioned. In the example of FIG. 7, the sending device 50 sends the information code forming medium 10, and the position detection sensor 51 detects whether the information code forming medium 10 has reached a predetermined imaging position. . When the position detection sensor 51 detects that the information code forming medium 10 has reached the imaging position, the delivery operation of the delivery device 50 is stopped and held at this imaging position. A technique for feeding a medium such as paper by a feeding device and positioning it at a predetermined position is known in the field of printers and the like, and various known techniques can be used.
In the present embodiment, the delivery device 50 and the position detection sensor 51 correspond to an example of a holding unit that holds the information code forming medium 10.

  As shown in FIG. 9, after the processing of S1, infrared light irradiation by the second illumination light source 44 is started (S2). And the information code formation medium 10 is imaged in the state irradiated with infrared light in this way (S3). Specifically, reflected light from the information code forming medium 10 irradiated with infrared light is received by the light receiving unit 61, and the light receiving signals from the respective pixels 67 are sequentially AD converted by driving the driving unit described above. Output to the device 81. In addition, when performing the process of S2 and S3, irradiation of visible light by the 1st illumination light source 43 is maintained with stopping.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 42 corresponds to an example of an imaging unit, and functions to image the information code forming medium 10 held in the holding unit. The light receiving sensor 60 corresponds to an example of “light receiving means” and functions to receive an image from the information code forming medium 10 and output a light receiving signal.

  As described above, the signal sequentially transferred from each pixel 67 when the infrared light is irradiated (the signal indicating the amount of light received by each pixel) is converted into a digital signal by the AD converter 81, and then the signal is transmitted. The data is input to the selection unit 82. The signal selection unit 82 is an area including the image of the first information code C from the light reception signals generated by the pixels 67 of the light receiving unit 61 at the time when the infrared light is irradiated (first time). A first corresponding signal corresponding to (first predetermined area) is extracted and output.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined in advance in which pixel region of the light receiving unit 61 the image of the first information code C and its peripheral region (first predetermined region AR1) as shown in FIG. In addition, as conceptually shown in FIG. 10, an address is assigned in advance to each pixel 67 constituting the light receiving unit 61 of the light receiving unit 61, and the first information code C and its peripheral area (first predetermined code). Address information for specifying a pixel region that receives an image of the region AR1) is stored in a storage unit such as the storage unit 45. Then, the signal selection unit 82 extracts the signal of each pixel in the pixel area that receives the first information code C and the image of the peripheral area (first predetermined area AR1) based on this address information, Output with clock. Further, signals from pixels other than this pixel region are discarded without being output.

  In the example of FIG. 10, addresses of the pixels of the light receiving unit 61 in which the pixels 67 are arranged in z rows and n columns are conceptually illustrated, and are pixel regions from the a row to the b row and from the first column to the nth column. The pixel area up to the column is defined as a pixel area that receives the first information code C and the image of the peripheral area (first predetermined area AR1). Note that n, a, b, c, d, and z are integers defined under the conditions of 1 <n and 1 <a <b <c <d <z, respectively. In the signal selection unit 82, pixel areas from the a-th row to the b-th row and from the first column to the n-th column are configured based on such address information (ie, Sa1-Sbn) for specifying the pixel region. A signal from each pixel 67 to be extracted is extracted, and each is output at a predetermined clock. In this way, the signal output from the signal selection unit 82 at a predetermined clock is stored as an image of the first information code C and its surrounding area (first predetermined area AR1) in the predetermined area of the storage unit 45. . Further, signals from pixels other than this pixel region are discarded without being output.

  The clock for synchronizing each signal when outputting each signal (the extracted signal of each pixel) from the signal selection unit 82 is used to transfer each pixel signal from the light receiving unit 61 to the AD converter 81. Since the cycle is longer than the clock to be synchronized, there is a concern about a delay in processing time when the signal is transferred from the signal selection unit 82 to the storage unit 45. In this embodiment, as described above, the pixel region ( Since the signals other than Sa1 to Sbn) are discarded, it is possible to shorten the time for transferring and storing the signal from the signal selection unit 82 to the storage unit 45.

  As shown in FIG. 9, after the process of S3, the irradiation of infrared light by the second illumination light source 44 is stopped, and the irradiation of visible light by the first illumination light source 43 is started (S4). And the information code formation medium 10 is imaged in the state irradiated with visible light in this way (S5). Specifically, reflected light from the information code forming medium 10 irradiated with visible light is received by the light receiving unit 61, and the light receiving signals from the pixels 67 are sequentially converted into AD converters by driving the driving unit described above. 81. In addition, when performing the process of S4 and S5, irradiation of the infrared light by the 2nd illumination light source 44 is maintained with stopping.

  In this manner, signals sequentially transmitted from the respective pixels 67 when visible light is irradiated (signals indicating the amount of light received by the respective pixels) are converted into digital signals by the AD converter 81, and then signal selection is performed. Input to the unit 82. The signal selection unit 82 thus includes an area including an image of the second information code Ca from the light reception signals generated by the pixels 67 of the light receiving unit 61 at the time when the visible light is irradiated (second time). A second correspondence signal corresponding to the second predetermined area is extracted and output.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined in advance in which pixel region of the light receiving unit 61 the image of the second information code Ca and its peripheral region (second predetermined region AR2) as shown in FIG. As conceptually shown in FIG. 10, the address information for specifying the pixel area that receives the image of the second information code Ca and its peripheral area (second predetermined area AR2) is stored in the storage means such as the storage unit 45. It is remembered. Based on this address information, the signal selection unit 82 extracts the signal of each pixel in the pixel area that receives the second information code Ca and the image of the peripheral area (second predetermined area AR2), and outputs each signal. Output with clock. Further, signals from pixels other than this pixel region are discarded without being output.

  In the example of FIG. 10, the pixel region from the c row to the d row and the pixel region from the first column to the n column receives the image of the second information code Ca and its peripheral region (second predetermined region AR2). It is determined as a pixel area to be used. In the signal selection unit 82, pixel areas from the c line to the d line and from the 1st column to the nth column are configured based on the address information (that is, Sc1 to Sdn) for specifying the pixel area. A signal from each pixel 67 to be extracted is extracted, and each is output at a predetermined clock. In this way, the signal output from the signal selection unit 82 at a predetermined clock is stored as an image of the second information code Ca and its peripheral area (second predetermined area AR2) in a predetermined area of the storage unit 45. . Further, signals from pixels other than this pixel region are discarded without being output. As described above, since signals other than the pixel regions (Sc1 to Sdn) are discarded, the time for transferring and storing the signal from the signal selection unit 82 to the storage unit 45 can be shortened.

  In the present embodiment, for example, the storage unit 45 corresponds to an example of a “storage unit”, and a position corresponding to the first predetermined area AR1 in the light receiving unit 61 (that is, a position where the image of the first predetermined area AR1 is received). Second identification that identifies first identification information to be identified (information of addresses Sa1 to Sbn) and a position corresponding to the second predetermined area AR2 in the light receiving unit 61 (that is, a position at which an image of the second predetermined area AR2 is received). It functions to store information (information of addresses Sc1 to Sdn).

  The signal selection unit 82 corresponds to an example of a “signal selection unit”, and the first information code C is selected from the received light signals generated by the light receiving unit 61 at the time of irradiation with infrared light (first time). The first corresponding signal corresponding to the area including the image (first predetermined area AR1) is extracted and output, and the second received light signal generated by the light receiving unit 61 at the second time when visible light is irradiated It functions to extract and output a second corresponding signal corresponding to an area including the image of the second information code Ca (second predetermined area AR2). Specifically, based on the first specific information (information of addresses Sa1 to Sbn), a pixel region in which an image of the first predetermined area AR1 is received from the light reception signal generated by the light receiving unit 61 at the first time. A signal (first corresponding signal) is extracted and output, and based on the second specific information (information of addresses Sc1 to Sdn), the light receiving signal generated by the light receiving unit 61 at the second time is selected from the second light receiving signal. 2 It functions to extract and output a signal (second corresponding signal) from a pixel area where an image of the predetermined area AR2 is received.

  The first illumination light source 43 and the second illumination light source 44 correspond to an example of “illuminating means”, and at least the information code at a predetermined first time when the information code forming medium 10 is held by the holding means. The first predetermined region including the first information code C in the forming medium 10 is configured to irradiate illumination light in the second wavelength band (infrared light in the above example). Further, in a second period different from the first period, irradiation of illumination light (infrared light) in the second wavelength band is stopped, and at least a second predetermined area including the second information code Ca in the information code forming medium 10 Functions to irradiate visible light. In addition, the 1st illumination light source 43 is corresponded to an example of a visible light irradiation means.

  Further, in this embodiment, infrared light is irradiated as illumination light in the second wavelength band, but the brightness of the infrared illumination light irradiated by the second illumination light source 44 is changed to the first illumination light source 43. The brightness is adjusted so as to be different from the brightness of the visible light irradiated. Specifically, for example, when the sensitivity characteristic of the light receiving element is worse for infrared light than the first illumination light source, the first illumination light source 43 is stopped and the second illumination light source 44 emits infrared light. The average brightness value in the information code forming medium 10 is larger than the average brightness value in the information code forming medium 10 when the second illumination light source 44 is stopped and the first illumination light source 43 emits visible light. In addition, the outputs of the first illumination light source 43 and the second illumination light source 44 are adjusted by a known method. The drive circuit that drives the control unit 41, the first illumination light source 43, and the second illumination light source 44 corresponds to an example of an “adjustment unit”.

  As shown in FIG. 9, after the process of S5, each information code is decoded (S6). In the present embodiment, the control unit 41 that executes the process of S6 corresponds to an example of a “decoding unit”. In this process, the first information is obtained from the image of the information code forming medium 10 captured by the imaging unit 42. The code C and the second information code Ca are extracted and decoded.

  Specifically, in the first corresponding signal image (that is, the image of the first predetermined area AR1) output by the signal selection unit 82 in the process of S3, the inversion area and the non-inversion area are distinguished and detected. Then, the areas of the light color module and the dark color module are extracted, and the first information code C is decoded based on the extraction result. In the image of the first predetermined area AR1 when the infrared light is irradiated, the first ink applied to the first ink area A1 is in a transparent state or a highly transparent state as shown in FIG. 4B. Therefore, the area A4 and the background area A2 of the light color module of the information code C are inverted to a light color (for example, a color close to the background color of the recording paper P having a light color such as white or yellow as the background color). As a result, the area A3 of the dark color module remains dark. Therefore, the areas of the light color module and the dark color module constituting the first information code C can be clearly specified, and the first information code C is decoded by a known method based on the arrangement of the light color module and the dark color module. be able to.

  Further, the second information code Ca is decoded based on the image of the second corresponding signal output by the signal selection unit 82 during the process of S5 (that is, the image of the second predetermined area AR2). The image of the second information code Ca is a general code image captured by irradiating visible light, and the areas of the light color module and the dark color module can be clearly specified in the image. Therefore, in S6, the second information code Ca can be decoded by a known method based on the arrangement of the light color module and the dark color module.

(Main effects of the first embodiment)
In the present embodiment, in the first information code C, the light color module is the inversion area and the dark color module is the non-inversion area. In this configuration, when the information code forming medium 10 is irradiated with visible light on the first information code C, the light color module and the dark color module both exhibit dark color reflection characteristics. And dark module cannot be distinguished. Accordingly, it is difficult for a person to visually recognize the information code C at normal times, and it is difficult to recognize the information code C even by a general reading device.
On the other hand, an illuminating unit is provided on the information code reading device 40 side, and the first information in the information code forming medium 10 at a predetermined first time when the information code forming medium 10 is held by the holding unit. The first predetermined area AR1 including the code C is configured to irradiate illumination light (infrared light) in the second wavelength band. In the first information code C, the area of the light color module is an inversion area and the area of the other dark color module is a non-inversion area. Therefore, illumination light (infrared light) in the second wavelength band is emitted by the illumination means. When illuminated, the light color module exhibits light color reflection characteristics, the dark color module exhibits dark color reflection characteristics, and an information code C in which the light color module and the dark color module are clearly distinguished is displayed. It will be. Therefore, the information code reading device 40 (specific reading device) that can irradiate illumination light (infrared light) in the second wavelength band can read the content of the first information code C, and such It is possible to construct a highly confidential system that is difficult to grasp the contents of the information code other than the specific reading device.
According to the configuration of the present embodiment, in addition to the highly confidential first information code C, the second information code Ca that can be recognized and read in a normal environment irradiated with visible light is used in combination. be able to.
In addition, a signal selection unit 82 is provided to extract and output a first corresponding signal corresponding to the first predetermined area AR1 from the light reception signals generated by the light receiving unit 61 at the first time, and at the second time. Since the second corresponding signal corresponding to the second predetermined area is extracted from the light receiving signal generated by the light receiving means and output, the entire frame is transmitted and stored in order to decode the first information code C. Then, in order to decode the second information code Ca, the image information to be transmitted and stored can be surely reduced as compared with the method of transmitting and storing the entire frame different from this. Therefore, the information codes C and Ca can be reliably decoded and the information codes C and Ca can be imaged and decoded in a shorter time.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the 1st specific information which specifies the position corresponding to 1st predetermined area | region AR1 in the light-receiving part 61, The 2nd specific information which specifies the position corresponding to 2nd predetermined area | region AR2 in the light-receiving part 61, Storage means for storing. Then, the signal selection unit 82 extracts and outputs the first correspondence signal corresponding to the first predetermined area AR1 from the light reception signals generated by the light reception unit 61 at the first time based on the first specific information. And based on 2nd specific information, it extracts and outputs the 2nd corresponding signal corresponding to 2nd predetermined area | region AR2 from the light reception signal produced | generated by the light-receiving part 61 in the 2nd time.
As described above, when the first specifying information for specifying the position corresponding to the first predetermined area in the light receiving unit and the second specifying information for specifying the position corresponding to the second predetermined area are stored in advance, the actual reading time, etc. In addition, the signals corresponding to these areas can be quickly and reliably transmitted without specially specifying which part of the generated light reception signal corresponds to the signals corresponding to the first predetermined area and the second predetermined area. Can be extracted.

The illumination means is configured to irradiate the illumination light of the second wavelength band at the first time, and stops irradiating the illumination light of the second wavelength band at the second time different from the first time.
Thus, by stopping the illumination light in the second wavelength band in the first period, it is possible to save power, and the illumination light in the second wavelength band is irradiated with the second information code Ca (visible light). Can be reliably prevented. Therefore, the second information code Ca can be imaged more clearly and decoded more accurately.

  In addition, a first illumination light source 43 (visible light irradiation means) that irradiates visible light to the second predetermined area AR2 in the information code forming medium 10 at the second time is provided. Thus, by actively irradiating visible light in the second period, the second information code Ca can be imaged more clearly and decoding accuracy can be further improved.

  The illumination unit is configured to irradiate infrared light as illumination light in the second wavelength band. Further, the brightness of the infrared illumination light irradiated by the illumination unit is set to the first illumination light source 43. An adjusting means for adjusting the brightness so as to be different from the brightness of the visible light irradiated by the (visible light irradiating means) is provided. This makes it easier to obtain a clearer imaging result at the time of irradiation with infrared light that is easily imaged with relatively low sensitivity, and in particular, it is easier to decode the first information code C more accurately. Become.

[Modification of the first embodiment]
Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described. This modification includes all the configurations of the first embodiment, and further includes means for generating and storing the first specific information and the second specific information. Therefore, detailed description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted, and FIGS. 1 to 10 will be referred to as appropriate.

  In this modification, the information code forming medium 10 is positioned at a predetermined imaging position (the same position as the imaging position determined at the time of the reading process in FIG. 9) in the same manner as S1 in FIG. In this state, the imaging unit 42 performs imaging while irradiating the information code forming medium 10 with visible light by the first illumination light source 43 without operating the second illumination light source 44. For example, the presetting may be performed in response to a user instruction operation as a mode for performing the reading process as illustrated in FIG. 9 or may be performed when the power is turned on. And it receives light based on the imaging result in the imaging unit 42 when the information code forming medium 10 is irradiated with visible light without being irradiated with illumination light (infrared light) in the second wavelength band in this way. A position corresponding to the second predetermined area AR2 in the unit 61 is determined. Specifically, the second information code Ca is decoded from the captured image in a state where visible light is irradiated without being irradiated with infrared light, and the position of the second information code Ca is specified. . Various known techniques can be used for identifying and decoding the position of the information code in the captured image.

  Then, based on the position specifying result of the second information code Ca, address information (position information corresponding to the second predetermined area AR2) specifying the second information code Ca and its peripheral area is generated. . For example, the minimum row and the maximum row are specified in the pixel region where the second information code Ca is imaged in the light receiving unit 61 (that is, the pixel region receiving the image of the second information code Ca) (that is, Identifying the range of rows covered by the pixel area), all the pixels in the range of these rows, that is, all the pixels in the smallest row of the pixel region in which the second information code Ca is imaged, all the pixels in the largest row, Address information is generated so as to specify all pixels in each row included between the minimum row and the maximum row. This address information is stored in the storage means (such as the storage unit 45) as information for specifying the pixel area that receives the image of the second information code Ca and its peripheral area (second predetermined area AR2), and is used in the first embodiment. Similarly to the above, in the imaging / decoding process of FIG. 9 performed after the presetting, the signal selection unit 82 is used in the process of S5.

  Here, an example of a method for generating the address information for specifying the second information code Ca and its peripheral area has been shown. However, an area including the pixel area where the second information code Ca is imaged is specified by the address specifying method. If so, the address information may be generated by another method. For example, the address information may be generated so as to specify a range including a certain margin above and below in addition to the range of lines specified as described above. In addition, address information that specifies only the area of the second information code Ca specified as described above may be generated, or the area of the second information code Ca specified as described above and Address information specifying a certain margin area around the area may be generated.

  Further, at the time of presetting, as described above, an imaging process using visible light (a process of imaging the information code forming medium 10 while irradiating visible light with the first illumination light source 43 without operating the second illumination light source 44). After performing, the imaging process by infrared light is performed. Specifically, the information code forming medium 10 is imaged by the imaging unit 42 while irradiating infrared light from the second illumination light source 44 without operating the first illumination light source 43. And it receives light based on the imaging result in the imaging part 42 when the illumination light (infrared light) of the 2nd wavelength band is irradiated with respect to the information code formation medium 10 in this way, without being irradiated with visible light. A position corresponding to the first predetermined area AR1 in the unit 61 is determined. Specifically, the first information code C is decoded from the captured image in the state in which infrared light is irradiated without being irradiated with visible light, and the position of the first information code C is specified. . Various known techniques can be used for identifying and decoding the position of the information code in the captured image. Further, in the captured image at the time of infrared light irradiation, the second information code Ca can also be decoded. However, if the second information code Ca that has already been read at the time of visible light irradiation is ignored, the first information code Ca can be ignored. Only the position of the information code C can be specified.

  Then, address information (position information corresponding to the first predetermined area AR1) for specifying the first information code C and its peripheral area is generated. For example, the minimum row and the maximum row of the pixel region (that is, the pixel region that receives the image of the first information code C) in which the first information code C is imaged in the light receiving unit 61 are specified (that is, Identifying the range of rows that the pixel area covers), all the pixels in the range of these rows, ie all the pixels in the smallest row of the pixel region in which the first information code c was imaged, all the pixels in the largest row, and Address information is generated so as to specify all pixels in each row included between the minimum row and the maximum row. This address information is stored in the storage means (such as the storage unit 45) as information for specifying the pixel area that receives the image of the first information code C and its peripheral area (first predetermined area AR1), Similar to the embodiment, in the imaging / decoding process of FIG. 9 performed after the presetting, the signal selection unit 82 is used in the process of S3.

In the present modification, the control unit 41 that performs the above-described pre-setting process corresponds to an example of “position determining unit”. During the pre-setting using the information code forming medium 10, the information code forming medium 10 is used by the lighting unit. The position corresponding to the first predetermined area AR1 in the light receiving unit 61 is determined based on the imaging result of the imaging unit 42 when illumination light (infrared light) in the second wavelength band is irradiated to In the light receiving unit 61 based on the imaging result of the imaging unit 42 when the information code forming medium 10 is irradiated with visible light without being irradiated with the illumination light (infrared light) of the second wavelength band by the means. It functions to determine a position corresponding to the second predetermined area AR2.
Then, the signal selection unit 82 performs a position corresponding to the first predetermined area AR1 determined by the position determination means (that is, the advance setting) in the imaging / decoding process (FIG. 9) performed after the above-described prior setting. Based on the address information obtained at the time of infrared light irradiation at the time of setting), a first corresponding signal corresponding to the first predetermined area AR1 is extracted from the light receiving signals generated by the light receiving unit 61 at the first time. Based on the position corresponding to the second predetermined area AR2 that is output and determined by the position determination means (that is, the address information obtained at the time of the visible light irradiation at the time of presetting), the light reception means generates the second time. The second corresponding signal corresponding to the second predetermined area AR2 is extracted from the received light signal and output.

With this configuration, the position corresponding to the first predetermined area AR1 and the position corresponding to the second predetermined area AR2 can be automatically determined at the time of presetting. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform detailed setting work in advance in order to obtain such information (that is, the position corresponding to the first predetermined area and the position corresponding to the second predetermined area in the light receiving means), thereby effectively saving labor. Can be achieved. Further, when the positions of the first information code C and the second information code Ca are changed, presetting is performed to correspond to new update information (that is, the first predetermined area in the light receiving means). Since the position and the position corresponding to the second predetermined area) can be automatically acquired, such a change can be flexibly dealt with, and the configuration has excellent versatility.
[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a light receiving sensor in the information code reading system of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, only the configuration of the imaging unit is different from that of the first embodiment, and the rest is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In addition, FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, FIG. 9, and FIG.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the light receiving sensor 260 is configured as a light receiving unit of a sequential exposure method (rolling shutter method), and a plurality of pixels 267 (light receiving elements) that receive an image from the information code forming medium 10. ) And the light receiving signals having different exposure timings for each element region are sequentially output by sequentially changing the exposure timings for each predetermined element region. The light receiving sensor 260 is configured as a CMOS sensor, and the exposure time of each pixel row is shifted. For example, the exposure time of the pixel row 270b is set with a delay from the exposure time of the pixel row 270a, and further, the exposure time of the pixel row 270c is set with a delay from the exposure time of the pixel row 270b. The configuration of the sequential exposure type CMOS sensor and the signal transfer method are well known and will not be described in detail. However, the configuration is general, and each pixel 267 receives light with a photodiode and charges it. The converted electric charge is accumulated, and the accumulated electric charge is converted into a voltage by an amplifier in the pixel and amplified. The amplified voltage is transferred to the vertical signal line for each line (each row) by turning on / off a pixel selection switch provided in each pixel. And the signal from each pixel 267 transferred for every line (each pixel row) in this way is memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 45 one by one. Note that although the configuration of the light receiving sensor 260 is simply illustrated in FIG. 11, the arrangement of the pixels can be varied, and the number of rows and columns of the pixels can also be varied.

  In this configuration, when the information code forming medium 10 is held by the holding means similar to that of the first embodiment, an image from the first predetermined area AR1 including the first information code C in the light receiving sensor 260 is received. In the first period when the portion to be exposed is exposed, the first illumination light source 43 is stopped and the second illumination light source 44 is driven to illuminate at least the first predetermined area AR1 in the second wavelength band (infrared light). ). Specifically, as described above, the exposure timing differs for each pixel row, and as shown in FIG. 10, the pixel rows (a row to b row) in the pixel region corresponding to the first predetermined area AR1 are exposed. Illumination light (infrared light) in the second wavelength band is irradiated at the time (first time). Therefore, in the finally obtained captured image, the image of the first predetermined area AR1 becomes a captured image when irradiated with infrared light (see the image of the portion in FIG. 4B). In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, since the pixel rows (a row to b row) of the pixel region corresponding to the first predetermined region AR1 are determined in advance, the imaging start timing of the light receiving sensor 260 is determined. The time (first time) at which the pixel rows (rows a to b) in the pixel region corresponding to the first predetermined region AR1 are exposed is also determined. Therefore, the control may be performed so that the first illumination light source 43 is stopped and the second illumination light source 44 is driven at such a time (first time).

  Further, in the same image frame as that of the first period described above, a portion that receives an image from the second predetermined area AR2 including the second information code Ca in the light receiving sensor 260 after the first period described above is an exposure target. At this time (second time), the first illumination light source 43 is driven, the second illumination light source 44 is stopped, and at least the second predetermined area AR2 is irradiated with visible light. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, visible light is irradiated when exposing pixel rows (c-d rows) in the pixel region corresponding to the second predetermined region AR2. Therefore, in the finally obtained captured image, the image of the second predetermined area AR2 is a captured image when visible light is irradiated (see the image of the portion in FIG. 4A). As in the first embodiment, since the pixel rows (c-d rows) of the pixel region corresponding to the second predetermined region AR2 are determined in advance, the second predetermined region AR2 when the imaging start timing of the light receiving sensor 260 is determined. The time (second time) for exposing the pixel rows (c-d rows) in the pixel region corresponding to is also determined. Therefore, the control may be performed so that the first illumination light source 43 is driven and the second illumination light source 44 is stopped at such a time (second time).

  Then, in the control unit 41 corresponding to the decoding means, the light color module and the dark color module are detected by distinguishing the inversion area and the non-inversion area in the image of the first corresponding signal generated by the light receiving sensor 260 at the first time. The first information code C is decoded based on the extraction result. In addition, the second information code Ca is decoded based on the image of the second corresponding signal generated by the light receiving sensor 260 at the second time.

(Main effects of the second embodiment)
Also in this embodiment, when the first information code C is irradiated with visible light, both the light color module and the dark color module exhibit dark color reflection characteristics, and the light color module and the dark color module can be distinguished. Disappear. Accordingly, it is possible to make it difficult for a person to visually recognize the information code, and to make it difficult to recognize the information code by a general reading device.
In the first information code, the area of the light color module is an inversion area and the area of the other dark color module is a non-inversion area. Thus, the light color module shows the light color reflection characteristic and the dark color module shows the dark color reflection characteristic, and the information code clearly distinguishing the light color module and the dark color module is displayed. Therefore, the information code reading device (specific reading device) that can irradiate illumination light in the second wavelength band can read the contents of the first information code, and information other than the specific reading device can be used. It is possible to construct a highly confidential system that makes it difficult to grasp the contents of the code.
Furthermore, this embodiment includes a plurality of light receiving elements that receive an image from the information code forming medium, and sequentially outputs light reception signals having different exposure timings for each element area by sequentially varying the exposure timing for each predetermined element area. A sequential exposure type light receiving means is provided. Then, when the information code forming medium is held by the holding means, the illumination means at the first time when the portion of the light receiving means that receives the image from the first predetermined area including the first information code is the exposure target. Is configured to irradiate at least the first predetermined region with illumination light of the second wavelength band, and a portion of the light receiving unit that receives an image from the second predetermined region including the second information code is an exposure target. At the second time, the illumination means does not irradiate illumination light of the second wavelength band, and the second predetermined region is irradiated with visible light.
In this configuration, illumination light of the second wavelength band is applied to the element region that receives the image near the first information code in the light receiving means so as to be targeted for exposure (first period). The image of the first information code to which the illumination light is applied can be selectively acquired in a short time. In addition, since visible light is applied to the vicinity of the second information code at the time (second time) when the element region that receives the image in the vicinity of the second information code is to be exposed, the second light that has been applied with visible light. The image of the information code can be selectively acquired in a short time. In this way, for example, an image of the first information code to which illumination light in the second wavelength band is applied in one frame and an image of the second information code to which visible light is applied can be included. There is no need to change the setting and capture a plurality of frames in order to obtain an image in an irradiation state suitable for the information code. Accordingly, each information code can be captured and decoded in a shorter time while each information code is acquired in an appropriate irradiation state and can be reliably decoded.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first specifying information that specifies the portion of the light receiving sensor 260 that receives the image from the first predetermined area AR1, and the second specification that specifies the part that receives the image from the second predetermined area AR2. And a lighting unit configured to set the first time and the second time based on the first specific information and the second specific information.
In this way, if the first specific information and the second specific information are stored in advance, it is possible to determine which part receives the image from the first predetermined area or the second predetermined area during actual reading or the like. Without specially performing the specifying process, it is possible to control the illumination light state suitable for reading each area at the time of each exposure of the portion that receives the image of these areas.

In the second embodiment, as in the modification of the first embodiment, the address information for specifying the portion that receives the image from the first predetermined area AR1 and the image from the second predetermined area AR2 are set in advance. Address information specifying a portion that receives light may be generated and stored.
Even in this configuration, the control unit 41 corresponds to an example of the “position determining unit”, and the illumination unit irradiates the information code forming medium with illumination light in the second wavelength band at the time of presetting using the information code forming medium 10. A portion for receiving an image from the first predetermined region in the light receiving means is determined based on an imaging result of the imaging means when the light is being illuminated, and the illumination light is irradiated with the second wavelength band illumination light to the information code forming medium It functions to determine a portion that receives an image from the second predetermined region in the light receiving means based on the imaging result of the imaging means when visible light is irradiated without being irradiated. In this case, the illuminating means sets the first time (time to irradiate infrared light) and the second time (time to irradiate visible light) based on the determination result by the position determining means.
With this configuration, it is possible to automatically determine the portion that receives the image from the first predetermined area AR1 and the portion that receives the image from the second predetermined area AR2 in the light receiving sensor 260 at the time of presetting. . Therefore, in order to obtain such information (that is, address information for specifying the portion that receives the image of the first predetermined region and the portion that receives the image from the second predetermined region in the light receiving sensor 260), fine settings are made in advance. There is no need to perform work and the like, and labor saving can be achieved effectively. Further, when the positions of the first information code C and the second information code Ca are changed, presetting is performed, and new update information (that is, a portion that receives an image of the first predetermined area) is received. And new information for identifying a part that receives an image from the second predetermined area) can be automatically acquired, and such a change can be flexibly dealt with, and a configuration with excellent versatility. It becomes.

[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.

  In the above embodiment, the first ink region is formed by an ink printer using the first ink. However, the recording paper P is configured as thermal paper, and the region corresponding to the first ink region is formed by thermal printing. Also good.

  In the above embodiment, the wavelength band of infrared light having a wavelength of 750 nm or more is exemplified as the illumination light in the second wavelength band, but ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 380 nm or less may be used as the illumination light in the second wavelength band. In this case, the inversion region may be configured as a region that inverts when irradiated with ultraviolet light. In this case, for example, an ultraviolet reaction ink may be used as the first ink instead of the infrared reaction ink, thereby forming an inversion region.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, most of the information code forming medium is composed of a light color (white color) region, and a part thereof is composed of a dark background region A2 (first ink region A1, etc.). However, the background area A2 shown in FIG. 3 may be formed over substantially the entire surface of one side of the information code forming medium 10. For example, in the configuration of FIG. 3, a configuration in which the background region (dark color region) A2 extends over substantially the entire information code forming medium 10 (for example, the first ink region A1 extends over substantially the entire information code forming medium 10). In this case, the information B2 to B7 to be normally displayed may be constituted by light-colored characters and figures in the background area. According to this configuration, it is easy to secure a large area where the information code C can be arranged on one side of the information code forming medium 10, and the degree of freedom of arrangement of the information code is increased.
In addition, when the background area around the information code C is spread over substantially the entire one surface of the information code forming medium and is configured as a dark color area, the non-inverted area may be used instead of the inverted area. In this case, the information code C may be configured as a light / dark inversion code, a portion to be configured as a light color module may be configured as a non-inversion region, and a portion to be configured as a dark color module may be set as an inversion region. As a result, when reading by irradiating the second illumination light, a portion (inverted region) that should be configured as a dark color module from the dark background that spreads over the entire medium floats as a light color region of light and dark inversion, and the light color module Since the portion to be configured as a surface is raised as a dark-colored region of light-dark reversal, reading can be performed satisfactorily.

  The second information code Ca used in the above embodiment may be a known information code other than the type shown in FIG. For example, it may be a one-dimensional barcode, or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), a data matrix code, or a maxi code, which is different from that shown in FIG.

  In the above embodiment, the first information code C and the second information code Ca are formed by printing, but these may be configured by a stamp or the like. In the above embodiment, the first ink region A1 is formed by printing using the first ink. However, the first ink region may be formed by a stamp using the first ink.

  In the first embodiment, an example of the light receiving unit 61 and the driving unit has been described. However, the configuration is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8 as long as the configuration can sequentially transfer the light reception signals of the pixels to the AD converter 81. Various solid-state imaging devices can be used. For example, a CCD transfer type (interline type CCD, frame transfer type CCD, frame interline transfer type CCD, etc.) configuration that transfers a signal of each pixel using a CCD may be adopted, and other known solid-state imaging. An element may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information code reading system 10 ... Information code formation medium 40 ... Information code reading device 41 ... Control part (decoding means, position determination means)
42 ... Imaging unit (imaging means)
43 ... 1st illumination light source (illumination means, visible light irradiation means)
44 ... Second illumination light source (illumination means)
45. Storage section (storage means)
50 ... Sending device (holding means)
51 ... Position detection sensor (holding means)
60. Light receiving sensor (light receiving means)
82 ... Signal selection section (signal selection means)
260. Light receiving sensor (sequential exposure type light receiving means)
A2 ... Background area (inversion area)
A3: Dark module area (non-inverted area)
A4 ... Bright module area (reversal area)
AR1 ... first predetermined area AR2 ... second predetermined area C ... first information code Ca ... second information code

Claims (9)

An information code forming medium in which a first information code having a light color module and a dark color module and a second information code different from the first information code are formed;
The holding means for holding the information code forming medium, the illuminating means for irradiating the information code forming medium held by the holding means with illumination light, and imaging the information code forming medium held by the holding means An information code reader comprising: an image pickup unit that extracts the first information code and the second information code from an image of the information code forming medium imaged by the image pickup unit; ,
With
The information code forming medium is:
When the visible light is irradiated, one of the reflection characteristics of dark color or light color is shown, and when the second wavelength band having a wavelength different from that of the visible light is irradiated, the other reflection characteristic of dark color or light color is shown. The inversion region and one of the reflection characteristics of dark color or light color when irradiated with visible light, and the one of reflection characteristics of dark color or light color when irradiated with light of the second wavelength band A non-inversion region is formed,
In addition, one of the light color module and the dark color module of the first information code is set as one area of the inversion area or the non-inversion area, and the other module area is set as the inversion area. Or the other region of the non-inversion region,
The illuminating means applies a first predetermined area including the first information code in the information code forming medium at a predetermined first time when the information code forming medium is held by the holding means. Configured to irradiate illumination light of the second wavelength band,
At a second time different from or the same as the first time, the second predetermined area including the second information code in the information code forming medium is visible without being irradiated with illumination light of the second wavelength band. It is configured to be irradiated with light,
The imaging means includes
A light receiving means for receiving an image from the information code forming medium and outputting a light reception signal;
A first correspondence signal corresponding to the first predetermined region is extracted from the light reception signals generated by the light receiving means at the first time and output, and generated by the light receiving means at the second time. A signal selection means for extracting and outputting a second corresponding signal corresponding to the second predetermined region from the received light signal;
With
The decoding means is
In the image of the first corresponding signal output by the signal selection means, the light color module and the dark color module regions are extracted by distinguishing and detecting the inversion region and the non-inversion region, and the extraction result Based on the first information code,
And an information code reading system for decoding the second information code based on an image of the second corresponding signal output by the signal selection means. Storage means for storing first specifying information for specifying a position corresponding to the first predetermined area in the light receiving means and second specifying information for specifying a position corresponding to the second predetermined area in the light receiving means. ,
The signal selecting means extracts and outputs a first corresponding signal corresponding to the first predetermined area from the light receiving signals generated by the light receiving means at the first time based on the first specifying information. And extracting and outputting a second corresponding signal corresponding to the second predetermined area from the light receiving signal generated by the light receiving means at the second time based on the second specific information. The information code reading system according to claim 1, wherein: Based on an imaging result of the imaging unit when the illumination code is irradiated with illumination light of the second wavelength band by the illuminating unit at the time of presetting using the information code forming medium When a position corresponding to the first predetermined region in the light receiving unit is determined and the illumination unit is irradiated with visible light without irradiating the information code forming medium with the illumination light of the second wavelength band. A position determining means for determining a position corresponding to the second predetermined area in the light receiving means based on the imaging result of the imaging means;
The light selection signal generated by the light receiving means at the first time based on a position corresponding to the first predetermined area determined by the position determining means after the prior setting. The first correspondence signal corresponding to the first predetermined area is extracted from the first predetermined area and output, and based on the position corresponding to the second predetermined area determined by the position determining means, the light reception is performed at the second time. 2. The information code reading system according to claim 1, wherein a second corresponding signal corresponding to the second predetermined area is extracted from the light reception signal generated by the means and output. An information code forming medium in which a first information code having a light color module and a dark color module and a second information code different from the first information code are formed;
The holding means for holding the information code forming medium, the illuminating means for irradiating the information code forming medium held by the holding means with illumination light, and imaging the information code forming medium held by the holding means An information code reader comprising: an image pickup unit that extracts the first information code and the second information code from an image of the information code forming medium imaged by the image pickup unit; ,
With
The information code forming medium is:
When the visible light is irradiated, one of the reflection characteristics of dark color or light color is shown, and when the second wavelength band having a wavelength different from that of the visible light is irradiated, the other reflection characteristic of dark color or light color is shown. The inversion region and one of the reflection characteristics of dark color or light color when irradiated with visible light, and the one of reflection characteristics of dark color or light color when irradiated with light of the second wavelength band A non-inversion region is formed,
In addition, one of the light color module and the dark color module of the first information code is set as one area of the inversion area or the non-inversion area, and the other module area is set as the inversion area. Or the other region of the non-inversion region,
The image pickup means includes a plurality of light receiving elements that receive an image from the information code forming medium, and sequentially outputs light reception signals having different exposure timings for each element region by sequentially changing exposure timings for each predetermined element region. It has a light receiving means of sequential exposure method,
When the information code forming medium is held by the holding means, a portion of the light receiving means that receives an image from the first predetermined area including the first information code is an exposure target, The illumination means is configured to irradiate at least the first predetermined area with illumination light of the second wavelength band, and the light receiving means displays an image from the second predetermined area including the second information code. In a second period when a light receiving portion is an exposure target, the illumination unit is configured to irradiate visible light to the second predetermined region without irradiating illumination light of the second wavelength band,
The decoding means is
The areas of the light color module and the dark color module are extracted by distinguishing and detecting the inversion area and the non-inversion area in the image of the first corresponding signal generated by the light receiving means at the first time, Decoding the first information code based on the extraction result;
An information code reading system for decoding the second information code based on an image of a second corresponding signal generated by the light receiving means at the second time. Storage means for storing first specifying information for specifying a portion for receiving an image from the first predetermined area and second specifying information for specifying a portion for receiving an image from the second predetermined area in the light receiving means. With
5. The information code reading system according to claim 4, wherein the illuminating unit sets the first time and the second time based on the first specific information and the second specific information. Based on the imaging result of the imaging unit when the information code forming medium is irradiated with illumination light of the second wavelength band by the illumination unit at the time of presetting using the information code forming medium A portion of the light receiving unit that receives an image from the first predetermined region is determined, and the illumination unit irradiates visible light without irradiating the information code forming medium with the second wavelength band illumination light. A position determining unit that determines a portion of the light receiving unit that receives an image from the second predetermined region based on an imaging result of the imaging unit when
5. The information code reading system according to claim 4, wherein the illumination unit sets the first time and the second time based on a determination result by the position determination unit.   The illumination means is configured to irradiate illumination light of the second wavelength band at the first time period, and stops irradiating illumination light of the second wavelength band at the second time period different from the first time period. The information code reading system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein   The visible light irradiation means for irradiating visible light to the second predetermined region in the information code forming medium at the second time is provided. The information code reading system described in 1. The illumination means is configured to irradiate infrared light as illumination light in the second wavelength band,
The brightness of the infrared illumination light irradiated by the illumination unit is adjusted to be different from the brightness of the visible light irradiated by the visible light irradiation unit according to the sensitivity of each wavelength band of the light receiving unit. 9. The information code reading system according to claim 8, further comprising an adjusting unit.

Images