JP2014002661A - Information code and information code reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information code such that authenticity determination can be easily performed and an information code reading device.SOLUTION: An information code 10 includes a code area 20 including a plurality of bright color modules and dark color modules and a covering portion 11. A specific area 24 is a predetermined area in the code area 20, and by light shielding, the information code 10 is made not readable. The specific area 24 is covered with the covering portion 11 that transmits light of a second wavelength band and shows a dark color reflection characteristic when light of a first wavelength band is irradiated.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information code and an information code reader.

  At present, information codes such as barcodes and QR codes (registered trademark) are used for various purposes, and their usage purposes are also diversifying. For example, predetermined information corresponding to the information code can be easily acquired by executing a predetermined application on a camera-equipped mobile phone or a smartphone and optically reading the information code. Thereby, by using the information code, services such as food traceability, guidance to a website, and issuance of various coupons / tickets can be easily provided to the user.

  As a technique for providing a service using the information code as described above, an advertisement service device shown in Patent Document 1 below is known. In this advertising service device, code images encoded with the advertiser's Internet address information and index information for specifying the same are added to or printed on various products, prizes, advertisements, etc. for advertisement. The When the consumer obtains the code image provided as described above by using the optical device, the code information of the code image is decoded and extracted, and address information or index information included in the code information is obtained. The When the address information is acquired, the consumer can use the service provided by the advertiser by performing processing using the address information. In addition, when index information is acquired, it is consumed by connecting to a predetermined server computer on the Internet, acquiring address information according to the index information, and performing processing using this address information or the like. The person can use the service provided by the advertiser.

JP 2001-273441 A

  By the way, an information code simply displayed on a print medium or the like can be easily copied by anyone using a copier or the like. For this reason, for example, a gate that manages entry / exit by reading an information code cannot detect unauthorized code copied for unauthorized purposes unless it can determine the authenticity of the information code. There is a problem that cannot be prevented.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information code and an information code reader capable of easily determining the authenticity.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that when one of the light in the first wavelength band and the light in the second wavelength band having a different wavelength is irradiated, the light color is reflected. A plurality of information codes (10, 10a to 10c) are arranged in the code area (20), and the light color module indicating characteristics and the dark color module indicating dark color reflection characteristics are predetermined in the code area. The specific areas (24, 25, 26a to 26d) where the information code cannot be decoded by being shielded from light are transmitted through the second wavelength band and irradiated with the first wavelength band light. When covered, it is covered with a covering portion (11, 11a, 12, 13a to 13c) that exhibits dark color reflection characteristics.

The invention according to claim 5 is an information code reader (40) for optically reading the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information code reading light and the light in the first wavelength band Illumination means (43, 44) capable of irradiating both light in the second wavelength band, imaging means (42) for imaging the information code, and each of the code areas imaged by the imaging means Based on the arrangement of the modules, a decoding means (41) for decoding the code area, and a first of the information code imaged by the imaging means in a state where the light of the first wavelength band is irradiated by the illumination means First determination means (41) for determining whether or not the specific area is a dark color area with respect to the code image, and after the first determination means determines that the specific area is a dark color area, By the illumination means When the code area is decoded by the decoding means on the basis of the second code image of the information code imaged by the imaging means in the state of being irradiated with light of the second wavelength band, the information having the covering portion And (41) a second determination means for determining that the code has been decoded.
In addition, the code | symbol in each said parenthesis shows the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the specific area that is a predetermined area of the code area and cannot be decoded by being shielded from light transmits the light in the second wavelength band, and transmits the first wavelength band. Is covered with a covering portion exhibiting a dark color reflection characteristic when irradiated with light.

  In the information code configured as described above, a predetermined specific area in a code image (hereinafter referred to as a first code image) captured in a state where light in the first wavelength band is irradiated is dark, and the second Decoding can be performed based on a code image (hereinafter referred to as a second code image) captured in a state where light of a wavelength band is irradiated. Therefore, by adopting the information code having the covering portion as the information code for determining authenticity, the information code that is decoded on the basis of the second code image, the specific area of the first code image is dark, Can be determined as a regular information code.

On the other hand, it is decoded based on an information code that cannot be deciphered even by the second code image, that is, an improperly forged information code having the above-mentioned covering portion, an information code in which a specific area is dirty, or a first code image. The general information code can be determined as an information code different from the regular information code.
Accordingly, it is possible to easily determine the authenticity of the information code having the covering portion.

  In the invention of claim 2, a plurality of specific regions are provided in the code region, and the covering portion is disposed so as to cover at least one of the plurality of specific regions. Thereby, the freedom degree regarding arrangement | positioning of a coating | coated part can be improved.

  In the invention of claim 3, the location covered by the covering portion among the plurality of specific regions is determined in advance based on predetermined information. Thereby, after determining whether or not each specific area of the first code image is a dark color, the predetermined information can be obtained by reading the portion covered with the covering portion of the specific area. The information amount of the information code having the covering portion can be increased.

  In the invention of claim 4, the covering portion is composed of an arbitrary figure whose shape, pattern or color is changed. Even if the cover part is composed of such an arbitrary figure, it can be used as an information code for authenticity determination that can be decoded in the state where the light of the second wavelength band is irradiated. An information code with improved performance can be realized.

  In the fifth aspect of the invention, after the first determination unit determines that the specific area of the first code image is a dark area, the code area is decoded by the decoding unit based on the second code image. The second determination means determines that the information code having the covering portion has been decoded.

Thereby, when the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is imaged by the imaging unit, the specific area of the first code image is dark and is decoded based on the second code image. Since it is determined, the captured information code can be determined as a regular information code having the covering portion. On the other hand, when an illegally duplicated information code is captured, the second code image cannot be decoded, so that the captured information code can be determined as an information code different from the regular information code.
Therefore, it is possible to realize an information code reading apparatus that can easily determine the authenticity using the information code having the covering portion.

  In the invention of claim 6, when the code area is decoded by the decoding means based on the second code image after the first determination means determines that the specific area of the first code image is a dark area. The second determination means determines that the information code having the covering portion has been decoded. And the said predetermined information is acquired by an acquisition means based on the location covered with the coating | coated part calculated | required from the difference of a 1st code image and a 2nd code image.

  Even if it does in this way, there exists an effect similar to the information code reader of Claim 5. In particular, after determining whether each specific area of the first code image is dark color, the predetermined information can be obtained by reading a portion covered by the covering portion of each specific area, The amount of information that can be acquired when reading an information code configured as described above can be increased.

  In the seventh aspect of the invention, similar to the fifth aspect of the invention, after the first determination unit determines that the specific area of the first code image is a dark area, the code is based on the second code image. When the area is decoded by the decoding means, the second determination means determines that the information code having the covering portion has been decoded.

  Even if it does in this way, there exists an effect similar to the information code reader of Claim 5. In particular, since the light in the first wavelength band is visible light, the function of irradiating the light in the first wavelength band to the illuminating means by using external light becomes unnecessary, and the function required for the illuminating means is reduced. Can do.

  In the invention of claim 8, as in the invention of claim 6, after the first determination means determines that the specific area of the first code image is a dark area, the code based on the second code image When the area is decoded by the decoding means, the second determination means determines that the information code having the covering portion has been decoded. And the said predetermined information is acquired by an acquisition means based on the location covered with the coating | coated part calculated | required from the difference of a 1st code image and a 2nd code image.

  Even if it does in this way, there exists an effect similar to the information code reader of Claim 6. In particular, since the light in the first wavelength band is visible light, the function of irradiating the light in the first wavelength band to the illuminating means by using external light becomes unnecessary, and the function required for the illuminating means is reduced. Can do.

It is a block diagram which illustrates roughly the principal part of the information code reading device which reads the information code concerning a 1st embodiment. 2A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an information code according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where a covering portion is removed from the information code of FIG. 2A. FIG. It is a flowchart which illustrates the authenticity determination process implemented by the control part in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the information code which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an information code according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where a covering portion is removed from the information code of FIG. FIG. It is a flowchart which illustrates the authenticity determination process implemented by the control part in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an information code according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 7B shows a state in which each covering portion is removed from the information code of FIG. 7A. It is explanatory drawing. It is a flowchart which illustrates the authenticity determination process implemented by the control part in 3rd Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which an information code and an information code reader of the present invention are embodied will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a main part of an information code reader 40 that reads an information code 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
An information code reading device 40 shown in FIG. 1 is a general one such as a one-dimensional code (bar code or the like) and a two-dimensional code (QR code, data matrix code, maxi code, Aztec code or the like) attached to a reading target R. The information code and the information code 10 having the characteristic configuration of the present invention can be optically read. Hereinafter, the information code 10 and the information code reader 40 will be described in detail.

(Information code reader)
The information code reading device 40 shown in FIG. 1 has a function of imaging and reading the information code attached to the reading target R. The information code reading device 40 includes a control unit 41 including a CPU, an imaging unit 42 configured as a camera including a light receiving sensor (for example, a C-MOS area sensor, a CCD area sensor, and the like), light in a first wavelength band. A first illumination light source 43 capable of irradiating light, a second illumination light source 44 capable of irradiating light in the second wavelength band, a storage unit 45 including storage means such as ROM, RAM, and nonvolatile memory. In addition, the information code reading device 40 is provided with a display unit 46 including a liquid crystal display and an operation unit 47 including various operation keys.

  The imaging unit 42 is disposed between the pair of first illumination light sources 43a and 43b, and forms an image of the reflected light from the reading object R and the information code attached to the reading object R on the light receiving surface of the light receiving sensor 42a. And function to generate image data of the information code. The light receiving sensor 42a is configured so as to be able to receive reflected light irradiated and reflected on the reading object R. For example, a line sensor in which light receiving elements which are solid-state imaging elements such as C-MOS and CCD are arranged one-dimensionally. Alternatively, an area sensor arranged two-dimensionally corresponds to this. The imaging lens 42c is constituted by, for example, a lens barrel and a plurality of condensing lenses housed in the lens barrel, and forms an image of a code image of an information code on the light receiving surface of the light receiving sensor 42a. Is functioning. The image signal output from the light receiving sensor 42a of the optical system is stored in, for example, an image data storage area of the storage unit 45. The imaging unit 42 may correspond to an example of an “imaging unit” described in the claims.

  The 1st illumination light source 43 and the 2nd illumination light source 44 which comprise an illumination light source (illumination optical system) are each provided in the both sides which pinched | interposed the imaging part 42 (light reception optical system), for example. A pair of 1st illumination light sources 43a and 43b are comprised by LED which radiates | emits visible light (henceforth 1st wavelength band light) with a wavelength of 380 nm-750 nm, for example. The second illumination light sources 44a and 44b arranged in a pair are configured by LEDs that emit infrared light having a wavelength of 750 nm or more (hereinafter also referred to as light in the second wavelength band). In the present embodiment, the number of light sources of the second illumination light source 44 is larger than the number of light sources of the first illumination light source 43. In addition, the first illumination light source 43 and the second illumination light source 44 in the present embodiment may correspond to an example of “illuminating means” recited in the claims.

  The storage unit 45 is a semiconductor memory device, and corresponds to, for example, a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) or a ROM (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.). In addition to the above-described image data storage area, the RAM of the storage unit 45 is configured to be able to secure a work area and a reading condition table used by the control unit 41 in each processing such as arithmetic operation and logical operation. Yes. The ROM stores in advance a predetermined program that can execute various processes and the like, and a system program that can control each hardware such as the illumination light source and the light receiving sensor 42a.

  The control unit 41 is configured by a microcomputer or the like that can control the entire information code reader 40, and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and has an information processing function. In this embodiment, the control unit 41 executes a reading process to extract a code area occupied by the information code from the code image of the information code captured by the imaging unit 42, and based on the extraction result. It functions to decrypt the information code. In addition, the control unit 41 functions to determine the authenticity of the information code from the code image of the information code captured by the imaging unit 42 by executing an authenticity determination process described later.

(Information code)
FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information code 10 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a state in which the covering portion 11 is removed from the information code 10 of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows. In FIG. 2, each dark color module having the same dark color as that of the covering portion 11 is illustrated as being thinner than the covering portion 11 for convenience of explanation.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the information code 10 includes a code area 20 in which a plurality of light color modules and dark color modules are arranged, and a covering portion 11 that covers a part of the code area 20. ing. As shown in FIG. 2B, the code area 20 has a plurality of light color modules and dark color modules configured as square areas arranged in a matrix like the QR code. The whole is configured as a rectangular area.

  Specifically, the code area 20 includes a data area 21, three position detection patterns 22a to 22c, format codes 23a to 23d, and the like configured to include required information as required, like the QR code. It is configured. Each of the position detection patterns 22 a to 22 c is a pattern for specifying the position of the code area 20 in the captured image data, and is arranged at three of the four vertices of the code area 20. The format codes 23a to 23d are arranged in the vicinity of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c, respectively, and the information such as the existence area for the data area 21, the code type used, the module size, the mask pattern, the error correction rate, and the like. Format information for decoding the code 10 can be specified. For this reason, if most of the data area 21 is hidden or the position detection patterns 22a to 22c or the format codes 23a to 23d are hidden, the code area 20 cannot be decoded.

  Among the modules constituting the code region 20 configured in this way, each light color module is irradiated with light in the first wavelength band in the visible light region or light in the second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band. Sometimes it is configured to exhibit light-colored reflection characteristics. Each dark color module is configured to exhibit dark color reflection characteristics when irradiated with light in the first wavelength band or light in the second wavelength band. Specifically, each module constituting the code area 20 is configured by applying commonly used normal ink.

  The covering portion 11 is arranged so as to cover a specific region 24 including a region that is a predetermined region of the code region 20 and is unshielded by being shielded from light. . In the present embodiment, the covering unit 11 is, for example, a region excluding the position detection patterns 22a to 22c and the format codes 23a to 23d in the code region 20 as the specific region 24 and a half of the right edge portion in the data region 21. It arrange | positions so that a circular area | region may be covered. This covering portion 11 transmits ink reflected from each module constituting the code region 20 when irradiated with the light of the second wavelength band, and prevents the transmission of the light of the first wavelength band, For example, a special ink such as an infrared transmitting ink is applied. For this reason, in the normal state where the visible light is dominant, the specific area 24 of the data area 21 is visually recognized so as to be hidden by the covering portion 11 as shown in FIG.

  The position of the specific area 24 with respect to the code area 20 is determined based on the position detection patterns 22a to 22c, the format codes 23a to 23d, and the like, and can be changed for each information code.

(Authenticity judgment processing)
Next, by using the information code 10 configured as described above as an information code for authenticity determination, it is determined whether or not the information code read by the information code reader 40 is a legitimate information code. The authenticity determination process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the authenticity determination process performed by the control unit 41 in the first embodiment.

  When a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 47 in a state in which an information code to be authenticity determined is close to a predetermined position with respect to a reading port (not shown) of the information code reading device 40, the control unit 41 The authentication process is started. First, the first irradiation process shown in Step S101 is performed, and the first illumination light source 43 irradiates the information code with the first illumination light through the reading port. Next, the imaging process shown in step S103 is performed, and the information code is captured as a first code image by the imaging unit 42 in a state where the first illumination light is irradiated and the second illumination light is not irradiated.

  Subsequently, the position detection pattern extraction process shown in step S105 is performed, and the process for detecting the position detection patterns 22a to 22c by the known detection method is performed in the first code image captured as described above. Since the information code imaged in the imaging process is a bar code or the like that does not have a position detection pattern or an image that is not an information code, if the detection of the position detection pattern fails (No in S107) Assuming that the information code is not read, the authenticity determination process ends. In the position detection pattern extraction process, not only the position detection patterns 22a to 22c constituting the QR code but also position detection patterns of other code types may be extracted.

  On the other hand, when the position detection patterns 22a to 22c have been successfully detected in the first code image by the position detection pattern extraction process (Yes in S107), the determination process shown in step S109 is performed, and the first code image is detected. It is determined whether or not all of the areas corresponding to the specific area 24 are dark areas.

  Here, since the specific area 24 of the first code image is not covered by the covering portion 11 or the like, it is not a dark area, but based on the arrangement of a plurality of light color modules and dark color modules constituting the specific area 24. If the data can be read (No in S109), the decoding process shown in step S111 is performed assuming that the data is a normal information code that is not for authenticity determination. In this processing, the first code image is decoded by a known method determined for the code type. Note that the control unit 41 that performs the determination process shown in step S109 may correspond to an example of a “first determination unit” recited in the claims. Moreover, the control part 41 which performs the decoding process shown to step S111, and the decoding process shown to step S123 mentioned later may correspond to an example of the "decoding means" as described in a claim.

  When character data encoded as an information code is decoded (decoded) by the decoding process (Yes in S113), a first notification process shown in step S115 is performed. In this process, the fact that the imaged information code is a normal information code that is not for authenticity determination is notified by being displayed on the liquid crystal display of the display unit 46. Subsequently, the data output process shown in step S117 is performed. In this process, the character data acquired by the decoding process is output to a host system such as an external device via the communication interface 48. If the decoding process shown in step S111 fails (No in S113), the authenticity determination process ends without performing the processes after step S115.

  On the other hand, if the specific area 24 of the first code image is covered with the covering portion 11 or the like and is all a dark area (Yes in S109), the data cannot be read from the specific area 24. Two irradiation processes are performed. In this process, the second illumination light source 44 irradiates the information code with the second illumination light through the reading port. Next, the imaging process shown in step S121 is performed, and the information code is captured as a second code image by the imaging unit 42 in a state where the second illumination light is irradiated.

  Next, based on the captured second code image, the decoding process shown in step S123 is performed. In the determination process shown in step S125, it is determined whether or not the decoding based on the second code image is successful. Here, since the information code 10 is imaged with the second illumination light irradiated, when a second code image as illustrated in FIG. 2B is imaged, the code area 20 in the second code image is captured. Character data and the like are decoded (decoded) from the array of modules (Yes in S125), and the second notification process shown in step S127 is performed. In this processing, the fact that the imaged information code is a regular information code having the covering portion 11 is notified by being displayed on the liquid crystal display of the display portion 46. Subsequently, the data output process shown in step S117 is performed, and the character data and the like acquired by the decoding process are output to a higher system such as an external device via the communication interface 48, and the authenticity determination process ends. In addition, the control part 41 which performs the determination process shown to step S125 can correspond to an example of the "2nd determination means" as described in a claim.

  On the other hand, the second illumination light is irradiated to the information code in which the area corresponding to the specific area 24 is not covered with the covering portion 11, for example, the information code in which the area corresponding to the specific area 24 is coated with the same ink as the code area. When the second code image as illustrated in FIG. 2A is captured, the decoding process shown in step S123 fails (No in S125). In this case, the third notification process shown in step S129 is performed, and the fact that the captured information code is an information code different from the regular information code is notified by being displayed on the liquid crystal display of the display unit 46. This authenticity determination process ends.

  Thus, in this authenticity determination process, if the information code 10 having the covering portion 11 is imaged, it is determined (notified) that the information code is a legitimate information code, and the specific area 24 is not covered with the covering portion 11. If the code is captured, it is determined (notified) that it is not a legitimate information code.

  By the way, even if the information code 10 is to be duplicated for illegal purposes, the information code 10 cannot be accurately duplicated unless the covering portion 11 is coated with the special ink different from the code area 20. In other words, an illegal code obtained by simply copying the information code 10 with a copier is identified in the second code image captured by irradiating the second illumination light, even if it is viewed in the same manner in a normal state where the visible light is dominant. Since data cannot be extracted from the area 24, it cannot be decoded.

  Then, the information code reading device 40 is adopted as a gate for managing entry / exit and the information code 10 is adopted as an information code read at the time of entry / exit, so that the information code copied for illegal purposes can be stored in the gate. Even if it is held over the information code reader 40, it can be determined (notified) that it is not a legitimate information code.

  The information code 10 and the information code reading device 40 are not limited to notifying the information code duplicated for illegal use and used at the time of entry / exit, but the use of the information code duplicated for illegal purpose is feared. You may employ | adopt for an information management system etc.

  As described above, in the information code 10 according to the present embodiment, the specific area 24 that is a predetermined area of the code area 20 and is unreadable by being shielded from light is the second area. It is covered with a covering portion 11 that transmits light in the wavelength band and exhibits dark reflection characteristics when irradiated with light in the first wavelength band.

Therefore, the information code 10 that is dark in the specific area 24 of the first code image and is decoded based on the second code image can be determined as a regular information code having the covering portion 11. On the other hand, an information code that cannot be deciphered even by the second code image, that is, an illegal code that is illegally forged from a regular information code having the covering portion 11 or an information code in which the area corresponding to the specific area 24 is dirty, the first code A general information code decoded based on an image can be determined as an information code different from the regular information code.
Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the authenticity of the information code 10 having the covering portion 11.

  In the information code reading device 40 according to the present embodiment, after the determination process shown in step S109 determines that the specific area 24 of the first code image is a dark area, the determination process shown in step S125 performs. When the code area 20 is decoded based on the second code image, it is determined that the information code 10 having the covering portion 11 has been decoded.

Thereby, when the information code 10 configured as described above is captured by the imaging unit 42, it is determined that the specific area 24 of the first code image is dark and is decoded based on the second code image. Therefore, the captured information code can be determined as a regular information code having the covering portion 11. On the other hand, when an illegally duplicated information code is captured, the second code image cannot be decoded, so that the captured information code can be determined as an information code different from the regular information code.
Therefore, it is possible to realize the information code reading device 40 that can easily determine the authenticity using the information code having the covering portion 11.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information code 10a according to a modification of the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, each dark color module having the same dark color as that of the covering portion 11a is illustrated in a state thinner than the covering portion 11a for convenience of explanation.
As the information code 10a according to the modification of the first embodiment, a cover portion 11a that takes into account the design may be employed instead of the cover portion 11. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the covering portion 11 a is formed in, for example, a star shape as an arbitrary figure that is designed according to the use environment.

  Even if the covering portion 11a is configured from such an arbitrary figure, since it can be adopted as an information code for authenticity determination that can be deciphered in the state of being irradiated with light in the second wavelength band, it can be easily determined as authenticity, The information code 10a with improved design can be realized. The covering portion 11a is not limited to being formed in a star shape, but may be formed as an arbitrary figure having an arbitrary design in which the shape, pattern or color is changed according to the use environment. The above effects are achieved.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment in which the information code and the information code reader of the present invention are embodied will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information code 10b according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a state in which the covering portion 12 is removed from the information code 10b of FIG. 5A. It is explanatory drawing which shows. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the authenticity determination process performed by the control unit 41 in the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, each dark color module having the same dark color as that of the covering portion 12 is illustrated as being thinner than the covering portion 12 for convenience of explanation.

  The information code 10b according to the second embodiment is configured in such a manner that one of the blocks constituting the code area 20 is covered with the covering unit 12 as the specific block 25 according to the first embodiment. Different from information code. Therefore, substantially the same components as those of the information code and information code reader of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the data area 21 of the code area 20 is configured by a plurality of adjacent blocks composed of several light color modules and dark color modules. Each block is divided into a data code block and an error correction code block. Each block is composed of 8 modules arranged in a matrix of 4 rows and 2 columns, as can be seen from the area surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Not limited to this, the number of modules and the block configuration may be other than this.

  The data code block is a block in which encoded data (data code word) obtained by encoding data to be decoded is expressed by a plurality of cells. Further, the error correction code block is composed of error correction code words for performing error correction of the data code block. The error correction code word constituting the error correction code block is generated based on the encoded data (data code word) constituting the data code block using a known error correction method.

  In the present embodiment, one of the plurality of error correction code blocks described above is covered by the covering unit 12 as the specific block 25, whereby the information code 10b is configured. Note that the position of the specific block 25 with respect to the code area 20 and information related to the position check described later are determined based on the position detection patterns 22a to 22c, the format codes 23a to 23d, and the like, and can be changed for each information code. it can. The specific block 25 may correspond to an example of a “specific region” described in the claims.

  About authenticity determination processing for determining whether or not the information code read by the information code reader 40 is a legitimate information code by using the information code 10b configured as described above as an information code for authenticity determination This will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, when the position detection patterns 22a to 22c are detected from the first code image (Yes in S107), the determination process shown in step S109a is performed, and the specific block 25 in the first code image is displayed. It is determined whether or not all corresponding blocks are dark areas.

  Here, if the specific block 25 of the first code image is covered with the covering portion 12 or the like and is all a dark area (Yes in S109a), data cannot be read from the specific block 25, and therefore, the process is shown in step S119. A second irradiation process is performed. Next, in a state where the second illumination light is irradiated, the information code is imaged as a second code image by the imaging unit 42 (S121), and decoding processing is performed based on the second code image (S123). .

  If the decoding process is successful (Yes in S125), it is determined in the determination process shown in step S201 whether or not it is necessary to check the position of the covering portion created with the special ink. Here, when information indicating that the position of the covering portion needs to be checked is obtained from the position detection patterns 22a to 22c and the format codes 23a to 23d detected in the process of step S105 (Yes in S201). The covering position extraction process shown in step S203 is performed. In this process, a process for extracting the position of the covering portion with respect to the code area 20 is performed based on the difference between the first code image and the second code image.

  And when the area | region of the extracted coating | coated part corresponds to the area | region of the specific block 25 (it is Yes at S205), the 2nd alerting | reporting process shown to step S127 assumes that the information code 10b which has the coating | coated part 12 is imaged. The fact that the captured information code is a legitimate information code having the covering portion 12 is notified by being displayed on the liquid crystal display of the display portion 46. Even if information indicating that it is not necessary to check the position of the covering portion is obtained from the position detection patterns 22a to 22c and the format codes 23a to 23d detected in the process of step S105 (No in S201). The second notification process is performed.

  On the other hand, when the extracted area of the covering portion does not coincide with the area of the specific block 25 (No in S205), a wide area including the specific block 25 is caused due to the dirt of the ink corresponding to the special ink. Assuming that it is covered, the third notification process shown in step S129 is performed. Further, since the specific block 25 is imaged in a state where the information code applied with the same ink as the code area is irradiated with the second illumination light, the second code image as illustrated in FIG. 5A is captured. Then, the decoding process shown in step S123 fails (No in S125). Also in this case, the third notification process is performed.

  Thus, even if the information code 10b is configured such that the specific block 25, which is one of the blocks constituting the code area 20, is covered by the covering portion 12, the information code 10 of the first embodiment is used. Similarly, it is possible to easily determine the authenticity of the information code 10b, and to realize the information code reading device 40 that can easily determine the authenticity using the information code 10b.

  Note that one of the plurality of error correction code blocks is not limited to being covered by the covering unit 12 as the specific block 25, and one of the plurality of data code blocks may be covered by the covering unit 12 as the specific block 25. Good.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment that embodies the information code and the information code reader of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the information code 10c according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating each covering portion from the information code 10c of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which removed 13a-13c. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the authenticity determination process performed by the control unit 41 in the third embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 7, each dark color module which is the same dark color as the coating | coated parts 13a-13c is illustrated in the state thinner than the coating | coated parts 13a-13c for convenience of explanation.

  The information code 10c according to the third embodiment is different from the information code according to the second embodiment in that a plurality of blocks constituting each code area 20 are covered with a covering portion. . Therefore, substantially the same components as those of the information code and information code reader of the second embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in the information code 10c, four blocks among the error correction code blocks constituting the code area 20 are set as specific blocks 26a to 26d. Among the specific blocks 26a to 26d, the specific blocks 26a to 26c are configured to be covered with the covering portions 13a to 13c, respectively. The number of the specific blocks 26a to 26d covered by the covering portion is set so as to cover at least one of them.

  Moreover, the location covered with the covering portion in each of the specific blocks 26a to 26d is determined in advance based on predetermined information. For this reason, the said predetermined information is acquirable by each specifying the position of the specific block covered with a coating | coated part. That is, for example, when all of the specific blocks 26a to 26d are covered with the covering portion, when the specific blocks 26a to 26c are covered with the covering portion, when the specific blocks 26a, 26b, and 26d are covered with the covering portion, etc. The predetermined information that can be acquired can be changed according to the covering mode. Here, the predetermined information is, for example, information for improving the determination accuracy of the authenticity determination process, a password used for reading the information code 10c, or the like. Each of the specific blocks 26a to 26d may correspond to an example of “a plurality of specific areas” recited in the claims.

  About authenticity determination processing for determining whether or not the information code read by the information code reader 40 is a legitimate information code by using the information code 10c configured as described above as an information code for authenticity determination This will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As in the second embodiment, when the position detection patterns 22a to 22c are detected from the first code image (Yes in S107), the determination process shown in step S109b is performed, and each specific block 26a to 26a in the first code image is performed. It is determined whether or not at least one of the blocks corresponding to 26d is a dark area.

  Here, when at least one of the specific blocks 26a to 26d of the first code image is covered with the covering portions 13a to 13c and the like, and is all dark areas (Yes in S109b), the second irradiation shown in step S119 is performed. Processing is done. Next, in a state where the second illumination light is irradiated, the information code is imaged as a second code image by the imaging unit 42 (S121), and decoding processing is performed based on the second code image (S123). .

  If the decoding process is successful (Yes in S125), the covering position extraction process shown in step S203 is performed, and the position of the covering portion with respect to the code area 20 is extracted based on the difference between the first code image and the second code image. Processing is performed. And when the position of the extracted cover part corresponds to any one of the specific blocks 26a to 26d or all of the areas (Yes in S205), the information code 10c having the cover parts 13a to 13c is imaged. As a result, the predetermined information acquisition process shown in step S207 is performed. If any one of the extracted areas of the covering portion does not match the areas of the specific blocks 26a to 26d (No in S205), it is caused by ink stains corresponding to the special ink. Then, assuming that a wide area including the specific block 25 is covered, the third notification process shown in step S129 is performed.

  In the predetermined information acquisition process, the predetermined information can be acquired by specifying the position of the covering part extracted by the covering position extraction process, that is, the position of the specific block covered by the covering part. . When the information code 10c shown in FIG. 7A is imaged, the specific blocks 26a to 26c among the specific blocks 26a to 26d are covered with the covering portions 13a to 13c, respectively. The predetermined information can be acquired. Thereafter, the second notification process shown in step S127 is performed, and notification is made by displaying on the liquid crystal display of the display unit 46 that the captured information code is a regular information code having the covering unit 12. The control unit 41 that performs the predetermined information acquisition process shown in step S207 may correspond to an example of “acquisition unit” described in the claims.

  On the other hand, an information code in which none of the areas corresponding to the specific blocks 26a to 26d is covered with the covering portion, for example, information in which the area corresponding to the specific blocks 26a to 26d is applied with the same ink as the code area. Since the code is imaged with the second illumination light irradiated, when the second code image as illustrated in FIG. 7A is imaged, the decoding process shown in step S123 fails (in S125). No). In this case, the third notification process shown in step S129 is performed, and notification is made by displaying on the liquid crystal display of the display unit 46 that the captured information code is an information code different from the regular information code. .

  As described above, in the information code 10c according to the present embodiment, the code area 20 is provided with a plurality of specific blocks 26a to 26d as specific areas, and the covering portions (13a to 13c) are provided to the specific blocks 26a to 26d. It arrange | positions so that at least any one may be covered among 26d. Thereby, the freedom degree regarding arrangement | positioning of a coating | coated part can be improved.

  In particular, the portions of the specific blocks 26a to 26d that are covered with the covering portions (13a to 13c) are determined in advance based on the predetermined information, and thus the specific blocks 26a to 26d of the first code image are dark. The predetermined information can be acquired by reading the portions covered by the covering portions (13a to 13c) among the specific blocks 26a to 26d after the determination is made, and the covering portions (13a to 13c). ) Can be increased.

  Then, in the information code reader 40 according to the present embodiment, after it is determined in the determination process shown in step S109b that any one of the specific blocks 26a to 26d of the first code image is a dark region, the process proceeds to step S125. When the code area 20 is decoded based on the second code image in the determination process shown, it is determined that the information code 10c having the covering portions (13a to 13c) has been decoded. And the said predetermined information is acquired based on the location covered with the coating | coated part (13a-13c) calculated | required from the difference of a 1st code image and a 2nd code image.

  Even if it does in this way, there exists an effect similar to the information code reader 40 in the said 1st Embodiment. In particular, after determining whether or not each specific area of the first code image is dark, the predetermined information is obtained by reading a portion covered by the covering portion (13a to 13c) among the specific blocks 26a to 26d. The amount of information that can be acquired when reading the information code 10c configured as described above can be increased.

In addition, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment, You may actualize as follows.
(1) The light of the second wavelength band is not limited to adopting infrared light of a wavelength band of 750 nm or more, for example, ultraviolet light of a wavelength band of 380 nm or less is adopted as the light of the second wavelength band. Also good. In this case, each coating | coated part 11, 11a, 12, 13a-13c can be comprised so that the reflected light from each module which comprises the code area | region 20 may be permeate | transmitted when the said ultraviolet light is irradiated.
Further, not only the visible light having a wavelength of 380 nm to 750 nm is adopted as the light of the first wavelength band, but also light of a wavelength band different from the light of the second wavelength band, and the covering portions 11, 11 a, 12, 13 a to You may employ | adopt the light of the wavelength band which cannot permeate | transmit 13c.

(2) The information code reader 40 may eliminate the first illumination light source 43 on the assumption that the light in the first wavelength band is visible light. That is, the information code reader 40 is configured to have only the second illumination light source 44 that irradiates light in the second wavelength band as illumination means. As described above, since the light in the first wavelength band is visible light, the function of irradiating the light in the first wavelength band to the illuminating means is unnecessary by using external light, and the function required for the illuminating means is reduced. can do.

10, 10a, 10b, 10c ... Information code 11, 11a, 12, 13a-13c ... Cover part 20 ... Code region 22a-22c ... Position detection pattern (position detection region)
24 ... specific area 25, 26a to 26d ... specific block (specific area)
40: Information code reading device 41: Control unit (decoding means, first determination means, second determination means, acquisition means)
42 ... Imaging unit (imaging means)
43 ... 1st illumination light source (illumination means)
44 ... Second illumination light source (illumination means)

Claims (8)

A light-color module that exhibits light-color reflection characteristics and a dark-color module that exhibits dark-color reflection characteristics when irradiated with either one of light in the first wavelength band and light in a second wavelength band having a different wavelength; Is a plurality of information codes arranged in the code area,
A specific area of the code area, which is a predetermined area where the information code cannot be decoded by being shielded from light, transmits the light of the second wavelength band and is irradiated with the light of the first wavelength band. An information code, characterized in that it is covered by a covering portion that exhibits a dark color reflection characteristic when applied. The code area is provided with a plurality of specific areas,
The information code according to claim 1, wherein the covering portion is arranged to cover at least one of the plurality of specific regions.   The information code according to claim 2, wherein a part of the plurality of specific areas that is covered by the covering portion is determined in advance based on predetermined information.   The information code according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the covering portion is formed of an arbitrary figure whose shape, pattern, or color is changed. An information code reader for optically reading the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Illuminating means capable of irradiating both the light in the first wavelength band and the light in the second wavelength band;
Imaging means for imaging the information code;
Decoding means for decoding the code area based on the arrangement of the modules constituting the code area imaged by the imaging means;
It is determined whether or not the specific region is a dark region with respect to the first code image of the information code imaged by the imaging unit in a state where the light of the first wavelength band is irradiated by the illumination unit. First determination means;
After the first determination unit determines that the specific region is a dark region, the information code of the information code captured by the imaging unit in a state where the illumination unit is irradiated with light of the second wavelength band. When the code area is decoded by the decoding means based on a two-code image, second determination means for determining that the information code having the covering portion has been decoded;
An information code reading device comprising: An information code reader for optically reading the information code according to claim 3,
Illuminating means capable of irradiating both the light in the first wavelength band and the light in the second wavelength band;
Imaging means for imaging the information code;
Decoding means for decoding the code area based on the arrangement of the modules constituting the code area imaged by the imaging means;
It is determined whether or not the specific region is a dark region with respect to the first code image of the information code imaged by the imaging unit in a state where the light of the first wavelength band is irradiated by the illumination unit. First determination means;
After the first determination unit determines that the specific region is a dark region, the information code of the information code captured by the imaging unit in a state where the illumination unit is irradiated with light of the second wavelength band. When the code area is decoded by the decoding means based on a two-code image, second determination means for determining that the information code having the covering portion has been decoded;
Obtaining means for obtaining the predetermined information based on a portion covered by the covering portion obtained from a difference between the first code image and the second code image;
An information code reading device comprising: An information code reader for optically reading the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The light in the first wavelength band is visible light,
Illumination means capable of irradiating light in the second wavelength band;
Imaging means for imaging the information code;
Decoding means for decoding the code area based on the arrangement of the modules constituting the code area imaged by the imaging means;
First determination means for determining whether or not the specific area is a dark color area with respect to a first code image of the information code imaged by the imaging means in a state where the light of the first wavelength band is struck; ,
After the first determination unit determines that the specific region is a dark region, the information code of the information code captured by the imaging unit in a state where the illumination unit is irradiated with light of the second wavelength band. When the code area is decoded by the decoding means based on a two-code image, second determination means for determining that the information code having the covering portion has been decoded;
An information code reading device comprising: An information code reader for optically reading the information code according to claim 3,
The light in the first wavelength band is visible light,
Illumination means capable of irradiating light in the second wavelength band;
Imaging means for imaging the information code;
Decoding means for decoding the code area based on the arrangement of the modules constituting the code area imaged by the imaging means;
First determination means for determining whether or not the specific area is a dark color area with respect to a first code image of the information code imaged by the imaging means in a state where the light of the first wavelength band is struck; ,
After the first determination unit determines that the specific region is a dark region, the information code of the information code captured by the imaging unit in a state where the illumination unit is irradiated with light of the second wavelength band. When the code area is decoded by the decoding means based on a two-code image, second determination means for determining that the information code having the covering portion has been decoded;
Obtaining means for obtaining the predetermined information based on a portion covered by the covering portion obtained from a difference between the first code image and the second code image;
An information code reading device comprising:

Images