JP2014191708A - Computer program and method for activating code analysis engine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide application software for two-dimensional codes capable of flexibly changing the number and the period of codes to be used in response to user's desire.SOLUTION: Application software 100a of this invention includes a code analysis engine 110a for extracting a two-dimensional code from image data photographed by a camera, analyzing the two-dimensional code, and acquiring information shown by the two-dimensional code. A relay module 113 of the code analysis engine 110a transfers an analysis result of a read module 111 to software for performing work for a specific use only when the two-dimensional code analyzed by the read module 111 is included within the range of a usable code and an operating time of the read module 111 is included in a use period with reference to a data file 120 with information about the range and the use period of usable two-dimensional codes written therein.

Description

  The present invention relates to a computer program that functions as application software including an engine for two-dimensional code analysis, and an activation method for the code analysis engine.

  Identification codes represented by bar codes and QR codes (registered trademark) are widely used as identification codes for products and individuals. On the other hand, one of the inventors of the present application, as an identification code having a large information capacity, a plurality of cells are arranged in a matrix at regular intervals on a black background region, and predetermined information is displayed for each cell color and color. A two-dimensional code coded by combination has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  This two-dimensional code can add unique information unique to each two-dimensional code by changing the combination of colors and the color arrangement pattern of each cell, increasing the number of colors and the number of rows of cells. Thus, the amount of information can be expanded. In addition, since it has the property of instantly recognizing a two-dimensional code from an image taken with a camera, it is expected to be used in various applications.

  Hereinafter, a code reader that reads a two-dimensional code and analyzes the contents will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the code reader, and FIG. 9 shows application software (hereinafter referred to as “application software”) that is installed in the form of a computer program on the terminal of the code reader and is used for a specific purpose. (Abbreviated) is shown.

  In FIG. 8, the code reader includes a user terminal 1 and a camera 2 that captures a two-dimensional code. Generally, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”), a portable information terminal, or the like is used as the user terminal 1. As the camera 2, a known camera such as a digital still camera that captures a predetermined shooting area and generates image data is used.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the user terminal 1 is configured by a computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, and an I / F (interface) 14. These members are connected via the bus 15 and can transmit and receive data to and from each other. The CPU 11 is further connected via an I / F 14 to an input device 16 composed of a keyboard, a mouse, etc., a display device 17 composed of a liquid crystal display, etc., and a storage device 18 composed of an HDD, a nonvolatile memory, etc. Has been. The storage device 18 stores image data captured by the camera 2.

  The user terminal 1 is installed with a computer program that realizes the function of the application software 100 having the configuration shown in FIG. 9, and exhibits the function by operating on the OS (Operating System). The CPU 11 reads out a computer program stored in the storage device 18 to the RAM 13 in accordance with a user instruction input from the input device 16 and executes it by the CPU 11 to perform various operations using the two-dimensional code.

  With reference to FIG. 9, the configuration of the two-dimensional code application software will be described. In order to use the two-dimensional code, software (hereinafter referred to as “code analysis engine”) that extracts the two-dimensional code from the image taken by the camera 2 and analyzes the contents is required. Furthermore, in order to use this two-dimensional code for a specific application such as logistics management, inventory management, attendance management, etc., dedicated software is required.

  The application software 100 incorporates a code analysis engine 110 provided by a licensor that has developed a two-dimensional code. The code analysis engine 110 extracts a two-dimensional code from an image captured by the camera 2 and analyzes the extracted two-dimensional code to obtain information indicated by the code.

  The code analysis engine 110 includes a read module 111 and a communication module 112. The lead module 111 plays a central role in the code analysis engine 110, and extracts a two-dimensional code from photographed image data and analyzes information indicated by the extracted two-dimensional code.

  The lead module 111 includes a template defining information characterizing the two-dimensional code, and information including information unique to each two-dimensional code and a color or a combination of colors unique to each cell group in the two-dimensional code. A data table in which the correspondence relationship is registered is included.

  The communication module 112 is a module required for activation, and is used to communicate with a licensor server and obtain an activation key from the server.

  On the other hand, the application software 100 includes software for performing work for a specific application, and a data table for associating unique information possessed by each two-dimensional code with a product to which the two-dimensional code is attached, Software that performs work for a specific application receives the result analyzed by the code analysis engine 110, and refers to the data table to identify information represented by the two-dimensional code.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a flow of application software development related to a two-dimensional code and a license required at that time will be briefly described.

  As described above, in order to use the two-dimensional code for various purposes such as distribution management, inventory management, attendance management, etc., application software corresponding to each use is required. Currently, these application software are being developed by vendors.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the licensor who is the developer of the two-dimensional code develops the above-described code analysis engine 110 (step S01), and creates a software development kit incorporating the engine 110 and provides it to the vendor. (Steps S02 and S03). The software development kit 110 is software for developing application software for each application.

  When the licensor provides the software development kit to the vendor, a development license is concluded between the licensor and the vendor, and the range of usable two-dimensional codes is determined (step S04). The development license includes a redistribution license for the end users of the code analysis engine.

  The code analysis engine 110 incorporated in the software development kit is set so that only a two-dimensional code within a range defined by the contract can be recognized. Specifically, data regarding the range of usable two-dimensional codes is written to the code analysis engine 110 by the licensor, and the read module 111 refers to the data each time the two-dimensional code is analyzed and extracts it from the image data. When the two-dimensional code is out of the usable code range, the analysis result is set not to be passed to the next-stage software.

  The vendor uses the software development kit provided by the licensor to develop application software suitable for a specific application (step S05), and provides it to the user (step S06). At this time, a license for using the application software 100 is concluded between the vendor and the user (step S07).

  A user purchases a storage medium (DVD-ROM or the like) storing a computer program that realizes the function of the application software 100 from a vendor, and installs the computer program on the user terminal 1 constituted by a PC or a portable information terminal. (Step S08).

  In order to operate application software (computer program) installed in the user terminal 1, an activation process is required. The user uses the user terminal 1 to access the licensor's server, obtains an activation key, and executes activation in order to validate the function of the read module 111 of the code analysis engine 110 (step S09).

  The application software 100 becomes usable by the activation process, and then a two-dimensional code is extracted from the image captured by the camera 2 and analyzed by the code analysis engine 110. In this way, the information indicated by the two-dimensional code is acquired, and operations such as logistics management, inventory management, attendance management, etc. are performed based on this information.

JP 2012-33034 A

  In the current license form, in order to avoid confusion when the same two-dimensional code is used by different users, a method in which the vendor purchases the right to use the two-dimensional code from the licensor is adopted. As described above, the code analysis engine 110 cannot recognize a code out of the range defined by the license among the two-dimensional codes photographed by the camera. In other words, vendors and users can use the same code for a plurality of purposes as long as the code is within the permitted range.

  On the other hand, the range of codes that can be used is provided to the vendor in the state written in the analysis engine 110, and the data cannot be rewritten by the vendor or the user. Is difficult.

  For example, when trying to adopt a license form that limits the use period of the code, every time the license period expires, the analysis engine 110 including the update period data is provided from the licensor to the vendor, and the vendor makes it an application software. It must be installed and provided to the user again. Such a form has a complicated procedure and cannot be adopted practically.

  However, there are cases where the current license form cannot sufficiently meet the user's request. For example, when the number of codes required for each period varies, such as a time management code, use rights must be purchased for the maximum expected number of codes, resulting in unnecessary costs. Further, even if it is desired to use the code only for a short period of time, the right to use the code for an indefinite period must be purchased, so that the code cannot be used for such purposes.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and a computer program and a code analysis that realize the function of application software for two-dimensional code that can flexibly change the number of codes to be used and the period of use according to the user's request. The purpose is to provide an engine activation method.

In order to achieve the above object, a computer program according to the present invention extracts the two-dimensional code from image data photographed by a camera, analyzes the two-dimensional code, and displays information indicated by the two-dimensional code. A program for causing a computer to realize a function of an application software composed of a code analysis engine to be acquired and software for performing work for a specific application based on information acquired by the code analysis engine,
The code analysis engine includes
A lead module for extracting and analyzing the two-dimensional code;
Reference is made to a data file in which information on the range of two-dimensional codes that can be used and the period of use is written, and the two-dimensional code analyzed by the read module is included in the range of usable codes, and A relay module that includes an analysis result of the lead module to the software only when an operation time is included in the usage period is included.

  Here, the code analysis engine further includes a communication module that obtains an activation key from a licensor server via a network and enables the function of the read module using the activation key. It is preferable.

  The two-dimensional code is preferably a code in which a plurality of cells are arranged in a matrix at regular intervals on a black background region, and predetermined information is coded by the color and color combination of each cell. .

In order to achieve the above object, the activation method of the code analysis engine according to the present invention includes a user terminal installed with a computer program for realizing the functions of the application software and the web browser, and the data file in a database. Code analysis engine activation method for activating the code analysis engine using a system that is connected via a network with a license management server that is stored and that has a computer program that implements the function of a web server installed Because
The user terminal sending an activation key issuance request and a download request for the data file to the license management server;
In response to a request from the user terminal, the license management server generates the activation key;
The license management server transmitting the generated activation key and a data file stored in the database to the user terminal;
The user terminal that has received the activation key and the data file stores the data file in a storage device and executes the activation of the code analysis engine using the activation key, and the function of the read module And a step of validating.

  Here, it is preferable that the license management server determines whether or not activation is possible based on identification information received together with the request from the user terminal.

Further, as the system, a system in which a plurality of user terminals are connected to the network and a computer program for realizing a function of application software having a different use is installed in each user terminal,
The license management server preferably transmits the data file read from the storage device to each user terminal together with an activation key for each user terminal.

Alternatively, as the system, a system in which a computer program that realizes functions of a plurality of application software having different uses is installed in the user terminal is used.
The license management server preferably transmits the data file read from the storage device to the user terminal together with an activation key for each application software.

  The two-dimensional code application software according to the present invention employs a method of checking the range of two-dimensional codes that can be used and the period of use by referring to the data file every time the code analysis engine analyzes the two-dimensional code. Since it can cope with various license forms, the use of the two-dimensional code can be expected to be expanded.

It is a figure which shows the software structure of the application software concerning this invention. It is a figure explaining the license form at the time of using the application software concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of development of the application software concerning this invention, and the license required in that case. It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure at the time of activating a code analysis engine. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of activation of a code analysis engine. It is a figure explaining sharing (the 1) of two-dimensional code. It is a figure explaining sharing (the 2) of a two-dimensional code. It is a figure which shows the structure of the code reader which analyzes a two-dimensional code. It is a figure which shows the software structure of the conventional application software. It is a figure which shows the flow of development of the application software for the conventional two-dimensional code, and the license required in that case.

  Hereinafter, a two-dimensional code application software and a code analysis engine activation method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(App software configuration)
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a two-dimensional code application software 100a according to the present invention. In the code analysis engine 110a of the application software 100a according to the present invention, a relay module 113 is added to the code analysis engine 110 of the conventional application software 100 shown in FIG.

  The relay module 113 is used to determine whether or not to pass the analysis result of the lead module 111 to software that performs work for a specific application in the next stage, and the determination is performed at the time of activation. 1 is performed based on the data file 120 downloaded from the licensor's server.

  In the data file 120, information on the range of two-dimensional codes that can be used by the application software 100a and the usage period is written. The data file 120 is stored in the storage device 18 of the user terminal 1, and is read from the storage device 18 and temporarily stored in the RAM 13 every time the application software 100a is operated (see FIG. 8).

  When operating the application software 100a, the code analysis engine 110a refers to the contents of the data file 120 via the relay module 113 each time for the contents of the two-dimensional code analyzed by the read module 111.

  When the two-dimensional code analyzed by the lead module 111 is out of the range of the two-dimensional code included in the data file 120, the relay module 111 uses the analysis result of the lead module 111 as a work for a specific application in the next stage. Do not pass to software that performs. As a result, the application software 100a cannot perform the next operation.

  Similarly, even when the operation time of the read module 111 is out of the usage period written in the data file 120, the relay module 111 does not pass the analysis result of the read module 111 to the next-stage software.

  As described above, in the present invention, by incorporating the relay module 113 that refers to the contents of the data file 120 downloaded from the licensor server into the code analysis engine 110a, The usage period of the application software 100a is limited. In other words, the range of the two-dimensional code that can be used by the application software 100a and the usage period of the application software 100a can be easily changed simply by rewriting the information in the data file 120.

(License form)
Next, referring to the table of FIG. 2, a license form that can be realized by using the application software 100a of the present invention will be described. As described above, if the application software 100a according to the present invention is used, the range of two-dimensional codes that can be used and the period of use can be determined simply by rewriting the contents of the data file 120 downloaded from the licensor server during activation. Since it can be easily changed, it is possible to adopt a license form that was difficult in the past.

  No. 2 in FIG. The license form shown in 1 employs code purchase as a charging method, and the user can monopolize the use of the two-dimensional code in the future. This license form is the same as the conventional form. No. In the case of one license form, there is no restriction on the expiration date and purpose of use, so the user can use the same code for a plurality of different uses. Can be provided. On the other hand, the price increases because it monopolizes the use of the two-dimensional code.

  No. 2 in FIG. The license form shown in No. 2 employs monthly billing as a billing method, and can increase or decrease the number of two-dimensional codes to be used every month. The user only has to pay the licensor on a monthly basis the amount corresponding to the number of codes allowed to be used. In FIG. 2, the expiration date of the code is expressed in units of months. However, if the user desires, it can be set in units of six months or one year.

  When the two-dimensional code is used for employee attendance management, the number of employees may vary greatly from season to season depending on the job category. In such a case, in the conventional license form, the maximum number of employees was predicted, and exclusive use rights were obtained for the number of two-dimensional codes corresponding to the number of employees. In this case, when the number of employees is small, a price is paid for a code that is not used, resulting in useless expenses. No. In the license form 2, since the number of codes required every month is a license target, generation of useless expenses can be suppressed.

  No. When the license form 2 is adopted, the contents of the data file 120 referred to by the relay module 113 must be changed every month. Therefore, the user performs the activation process by the beginning of the month and uses the code for that month. The data file 120 in which the number is described is downloaded from the licensor server.

  No. The license form 2 seems complicated because it requires an activation process every month, but the amount of work is not as large as the left. For example, based on the agreement between the licensor and the user, twelve data files describing the number of code usages required for each month of the year are created and stored in the database 6 in advance. Thereafter, the user may download the data file for the month once a month at the user terminal 1.

  No. 2 in FIG. The license form shown in FIG. 3 is a limited use period of the two-dimensional code, and is effective when it is desired to use the two-dimensional code only for a specific period, such as entrance / exit management in an event. Since the user can use the two-dimensional code only for a specified period, it is only necessary to pay the licensor the amount corresponding to the period.

  No. The conventional license form shown in FIG. 1 is based on the premise that the two-dimensional code is used exclusively for an indefinite period, and the limited use is not allowed. On the other hand, if the application software 100a of the present invention is adopted, it can be used for a limited time, so that the use of the two-dimensional code can be expected to be expanded.

  No. When the license form 3 is adopted, the number of two-dimensional codes that can be used and the period of use are determined based on the discussion between the licensor and the user, and a file containing the data is stored in the licensor server in advance. deep.

  If the user accesses the licensor's server by the user terminal and performs activation processing before the start of the specified period, the function of the code analysis engine 110a becomes effective. On the other hand, when the usage period described in the data file 120 ends, the function of the code analysis engine 110a becomes invalid, and thereafter, the application software 100a cannot be used.

  As described above, if the application software 100a according to the present invention is used, it is possible to adopt a license form that could not be adopted in the past, so that the spread of two-dimensional codes can be expected.

(Flow of application software development)
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the flow of application software development when using the application software 10a according to the present invention and the required license will be described in comparison with the case where the conventional application software 100 is used.

  The licensor develops the code analysis engine 110a including the relay module 113 (step S11), creates a software development kit incorporating the engine (step S12), and wishes to develop a two-dimensional code application software. (Step S13).

  At this time, the licensor signs a development license with the vendor (step S14). In the conventional flow shown in FIG. 10, the vendor has to conclude a development license including a redistribution license to the user of the code analysis engine with the licensor (step S04). When using software, it is not necessary to include a redistribution license in the development license.

  The vendor develops application software 100a for a specific application incorporating the code analysis engine 110a (step S15), and provides it to the user in a state stored in a storage medium (step S16). In parallel with the purchase of the application software 100a, the user concludes a code use license with the licensor via the vendor (step S17). At that time, the range of the two-dimensional code that can be used and the period of use are determined, and the user pays a price corresponding to the contents of the license.

  On the other hand, the licensor creates a data file in which information on the range of two-dimensional codes that can be used and the period of use is written (step S19), and issues a user ID that is identification information to the user (step S18). This user ID is required when accessing the licensor's server.

  Next, the user installs the application software 100a purchased from the vendor in the user terminal 1 (see FIG. 8) (step S20). Thereafter, the user accesses the licensor server to perform activation processing, downloads the data file 120, and enables the function of the read module 111 of the code analysis engine 110a (steps S21 and S22).

(Activation process)
Next, a procedure for activating the code analysis engine 110a will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When using the application software 100a of the present invention, the activation method is different from the conventional one. As described above, the relay module 113 is incorporated in the code analysis engine 110a of the application software 100a. At the time of activation, the user terminal 1 acquires an activation key from the licensor server, and the relay module 113 Download the data file 120 to be referenced.

  FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram when the application software 100a is activated. In the system of FIG. 4, a license management server 3 for managing licenses by a licensor and three user terminals 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 in which computer programs for realizing the functions of the application software 100a are installed. Are connected via a network composed of the Internet 4, a gateway 5 having a firewall function, and a LAN (Local Area Network) 6.

  A camera 2 that captures a two-dimensional code is connected to each of the user terminals 1-1 to 1-3, and a printer 8 that prints the two-dimensional code is connected to one user terminal 1-1. On the other hand, the license management server 3 is connected to a database 7 that stores information about users.

  In FIG. 8, the user terminal 1 and the camera 2 constitute a code reader. However, a mobile phone terminal incorporating a camera such as a smart horn may be used as the code reader. Similarly, a web camera connected to the LAN 6 may be used as the camera.

  Although not shown, the license management server 3 is installed with a computer program that realizes the function of the web server, and the user terminals 1-1 to 1-3 are installed with computer programs that realize the function of the web browser. The license management server 1 and the user terminals 1-1 to 1-3 can communicate with each other according to HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). The user accesses the license management server 3 for each of the user terminals 1-1 to 1-3 and performs activation processing.

  As described above, when a code use license is concluded between the licensor and the user, the range of usable two-dimensional codes and the code use period are determined. The licensor creates a data file 120 in which the content is written and stores it in the database 7 prior to the activation process.

  The user terminal 1-1 acquires an activation key and a data file necessary for activation from the license management server 3 and executes the activation. After the activation, the user can analyze the two-dimensional code using the code analysis engine 110a.

  With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4, the procedure at the time of activation about the user terminal 1-1 is demonstrated.

  In the user terminal 1-1, the user specifies the URL of the license management server 3 that is the transmission source of the activation key using the input device 16 (see FIG. 8) (step S31). The URL of the license management server 3 is the one presented from the licensor when the license is concluded.

  The user terminal 1-1 sends a file requesting activation key issuance and data file download to the destination URL (step S32). The file includes the user ID of the user terminal 1-1.

  Upon receiving the activation key issuance request and data file download request, the license management server 3 identifies the user terminal 1-1 based on the user ID received together with the request, and activates the user terminal 1-1. It is determined whether or not a key is issued (step S33). Specifically, the license management server 3 confirms from the information about the user stored in the database 7 whether the user ID is the user ID of the registered user terminal 1-1.

  When the license management server 3 determines that the received user ID is a registered user ID and can issue an activation key to the user terminal 1-1, the web page data of the activation execution confirmation screen is displayed. It transmits to the user terminal 1-1 (step S34).

  When receiving the web page data, the user terminal 1-1 displays an activation execution confirmation screen on the display based on the data. Although not shown, a frame for inputting a user ID and a password and a send button are displayed on the screen.

  The user inputs the user ID of the user terminal 1-1 and the password notified to the licensor at the time of licensing on the activation execution confirmation screen using a keyboard or the like for confirmation operation (step S35). When the user clicks the transmission button using a mouse or the like, the operation information input on the confirmation screen is transmitted to the license management server 3 (step S36).

  The license management server 3 that has received the operation information generates an activation key based on the data (step S37). For example, a function value including the user ID of the user terminal 1-1 as an argument is calculated as an activation key.

  Next, the license management server 3 reads the data file 120 stored in the database 7 and transmits it to the user terminal 1-1 together with the generated activation key (step S38).

  The user terminal 1-1 that has received the activation key and the data file stores the data file in the storage device 18 (step S39), and executes activation using the received activation key (step S40). As a result, the function of the lead module 111 in the code analysis engine 110a is enabled. Thereafter, the code analysis engine 110a can analyze the two-dimensional code, and the contents of the data file 120 are referred to by the relay module 113 at that time.

  When the activation is completed, the user terminal 1-1 transmits an activation completion notification to the license management server 3 (step S41). The license management server 3 that has received the activation completion notification updates the activation management table stored in the database 7 and registers the number of times of activation of the user terminal 1-1 (step S42). Thereafter, the user performs the above-described activation process every time the code use license is updated.

(Shared 2D code)
If the application software 100a according to the present invention is used, two-dimensional codes can be shared by different users, or two-dimensional codes can be shared by different application software, which is difficult with the conventional application software 100. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a case where two users share a two-dimensional code and a case where two application software having different uses share a two-dimensional code will be described as examples.

  First, with reference to FIG. 6, a case where two companies, user A and user B, share a two-dimensional code will be described. For example, this corresponds to a case where users A and B of a logistics business having different activity bases want to share a two-dimensional code as a product code. In the figure, a single processing step relating to the user A is omitted because it is not related to the sharing description.

  As a premise, it is assumed that user A purchases and uses application software 100a for logistics management from a vendor. When the user A and the user B agree to share the product code (step S51), the user B requests the vendor to apply for code sharing with the licensor (step S52).

  The licensor that has received the code sharing application from the vendor permits the code sharing to the vendor (step S53). The vendor provides the application software to the user B with permission for code sharing (step S54). In parallel, the licensor signs a code use license with the user B (step S55), and issues a user ID for the user B (step S56). Further, the licensor creates a data file 120 having the same contents as the data file provided to the user A and stores it in the database 7 (step S57).

  On the other hand, the user B installs the application software 100a (computer program) purchased from the vendor in his / her user terminal 1 (step S58). Further, activation processing is performed, the above-mentioned data file 120 is downloaded from the license management server 3, and the function of the read module 111 in the code analysis engine 110a is validated (steps S59 and S60).

  In this way, user A and user B can share a two-dimensional code in logistics management, that is, give the same two-dimensional code to the same product.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a case where a two-dimensional code is jointly used in application software 100a having different uses will be described. For example, this corresponds to a case where a user of a logistics business wants to use a product code used in logistics management for inventory management. In the figure, a single processing step related to the vendor A is omitted because it is not related to the sharing description.

  It is assumed that application software for logistics management is developed by vendor A, and application software for inventory management is developed by vendor B. In order to use the same product code for each application software 100a, the two-dimensional code recognized by each code analysis engine 110a needs to indicate the same product code.

  A user who wishes to use the product code used in the distribution management application software purchased from Vendor A in the inventory management application software developed by Vendor B can be assigned to Vendor A and Vendor B. Apply for sharing.

  Vendor A and Vendor B that have received a request for sharing the product code from the user agree to use the same two-dimensional code as the product code for each application software (step S71), and then one of the vendors (here Then, vendor A) applies to the licensor for code sharing (step S72).

  The licensor that has received the code sharing application from the vendor A permits the code sharing by the vendor B (step S73) and provides the software development kit to the vendor B (step S74). Further, a development license is concluded with the vendor B (step S75).

  Vendor B who has received the software development kit from the licensor develops application software for inventory management (step S76) and provides it to the user (step S77).

  At the same time, the licensor enters into a code use license with the user regarding the application software developed by vendor B (step S78), and the data file 120 has the same contents as the data file prepared for the application software of vendor A. Is created and stored in the database 7 (step S79).

  The user installs the application software (computer program) purchased from the vendor B in the user terminal 1 (step S80), performs further activation processing, and downloads the data file 120 from the license management server 3 The function of the lead module 111 in the code analysis engine 110a is validated (steps S81 and S82).

  In this way, the user can use the same two-dimensional code as the product code, that is, the product code jointly in the distribution management application software and the inventory management application software.

  As described above, if the application software according to the present invention is used, the user can select the license form according to the business contents, and further, the two-dimensional code can be shared by different users, or the two-dimensional code can be shared by different application software. As a result, the convenience of the two-dimensional code is dramatically increased.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where a code in which color cells are arranged in a matrix on a black background region is used as the two-dimensional code has been described. However, the two-dimensional code to which the present invention can be applied is this. Needless to say, the present invention can be similarly applied to other commonly used two-dimensional codes.

1 User terminal 2 Camera 3 License management server 4 Internet 5 Gateway 6 LAN
7 Database 8 Printer 100, 100a Application software 110, 110a Code analysis engine 111 Read module 112 Communication module 113 Relay module 120 Data file

Claims (7)

A code analysis engine that extracts the two-dimensional code from image data captured by a camera, analyzes the two-dimensional code, and acquires information indicated by the two-dimensional code, and information acquired by the code analysis engine A program for causing a computer to realize the function of application software composed of software that performs work for a specific application based on
The code analysis engine includes
A lead module for extracting and analyzing the two-dimensional code;
Reference is made to a data file in which information on the range of two-dimensional codes that can be used and the period of use is written, and the two-dimensional code analyzed by the read module is included in the range of usable codes, and A computer program, comprising: a relay module that passes an analysis result of the read module to the software only when an operation time is included in the usage period.   The code analysis engine further includes a communication module that obtains an activation key from a licensor server via a network and enables the function of the read module using the activation key. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein:   The two-dimensional code is characterized in that a plurality of cells are arranged in a matrix at regular intervals on a black background region, and predetermined information is coded by the color of each cell and a combination of colors. The computer program according to claim 1 or 2. A user terminal installed with a computer program for realizing the functions of the application software and web browser according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and the data file according to any one of claims 1 to 3 are stored in a database, A code analysis engine activation method for activating the code analysis engine using a system connected via a network with a license management server installed with a computer program that realizes the function of a web server. ,
The user terminal sending an activation key issuance request and a download request for the data file to the license management server;
In response to a request from the user terminal, the license management server generates the activation key;
The license management server transmitting the generated activation key and a data file stored in the database to the user terminal;
The user terminal that has received the activation key and the data file stores the data file in a storage device and executes the activation of the code analysis engine using the activation key, and the function of the read module And a step of activating the code analysis engine.   5. The code analysis engine activation method according to claim 4, wherein the license management server determines whether or not activation is possible based on identification information received together with the request from the user terminal. As the system, a system in which a plurality of user terminals are connected to the network and a computer program for realizing a function of application software having a different use is installed in each user terminal,
The code analysis according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the license management server transmits the data file read from the storage device to each user terminal together with an activation key for each user terminal. How to activate the engine. As the system, a system in which a computer program that realizes functions of a plurality of application softwares having different uses is installed in the user terminal is used.
The code analysis engine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the license management server transmits the data file read from the storage device to the user terminal together with an activation key for each application software. Activation method.

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