JP2016004533A - Method of creating voucher, voucher, voucher reading system, and voucher utilization system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a configuration that can represent a voucher with an information code and more accurately distinguish cells constituting the information code from an image of the voucher to improve readability.SOLUTION: A voucher P includes an information code 100 comprising cells that are units to display information arranged inside a predetermined code area. Inside the code area of the information code 100, provided are a specific pattern area where specific patterns having a predetermined shape are arranged, a data recording area where data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells 102, and a voucher image display area 121 where a voucher image is displayed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a voucher generation method, voucher, voucher reading system, and voucher utilization system.

  At present, various vouchers such as stamps and tickets are used. In this type of voucher, it is required to more accurately determine whether or not a regular voucher is used. For example, the authenticity of the voucher is determined by visual confirmation or reading with a dedicated device. In recent years, a system using both a voucher and a barcode has been considered in order to improve efficiency. For example, the technique of Patent Document 1 discloses an example in which identification codes 26 and 27 are attached to stamps in FIGS. 15 and 16, and the stamps and identification codes 26 and 27 are used in association with each other. ing.

Japanese Patent No. 11-90341

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, a bar code is attached to the stamp with special ink, and the image in the stamp and the bar code are displayed so as to overlap each other. A color similar to each module is arranged near the barcode, and as a result, each module (each cell) of the barcode may not be recognized correctly.

  On the other hand, as a method of suppressing such a problem, there is a method in which the barcode can be clearly distinguished from the background by not displaying a picture near the barcode in the stamp, and the barcode can be recognized accurately. Conceivable. However, with such a method, it is compelled not to display a picture in the center of the stamp, and the degree of freedom in design is greatly reduced.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and can represent a voucher by an information code, and more accurately distinguish between cells constituting the information code and an image of the voucher, thereby improving readability. An object is to provide a configuration that can be enhanced.

A first invention is a voucher generating method for generating a voucher by a generating device including an information code generating unit,
An information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area is generated by the information code generation unit,
When the information code is generated by the information code generator, a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, and data that records data by a plurality of types of the cells A recording area and a voucher image display area in which a voucher image is displayed are provided.

2nd invention is equipped with the information code which arranges the cell used as the unit which displays information inside the predetermined code field,
Inside the code area, a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged, a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells, and a voucher image display area in which a voucher image is displayed Are provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a voucher to be read includes an information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area, and a predetermined shape is formed inside the code area. A specific pattern area in which a specific pattern is arranged, a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells, and a voucher image display area in which a voucher image is displayed, are provided,
An imaging unit capable of imaging the voucher;
A data recording area reading unit that reads data recorded in the data recording area in the information code of the imaged voucher when the voucher is imaged by the imaging unit;
It is characterized by having.

A fourth invention is a generation device for generating a voucher;
A reading device for reading the voucher generated by the generating device;
With
The generator is
An information code generating unit that generates an information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area;
When the information code is generated by the information code generator, a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, and data that records data by a plurality of types of the cells Generating the voucher with a configuration in which a recording area and a voucher image display area on which a voucher image is displayed are provided;
The reader is
An imaging unit capable of imaging the voucher;
A data recording area reading unit that reads data recorded in the data recording area in the information code of the imaged voucher when the voucher is imaged by the imaging unit;
It is characterized by having.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a highly convenient voucher having an information code can be formed, and the cells constituting the information code and the image of the voucher can be more accurately distinguished to improve readability. Can generate a voucher that can.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the information code is generated by the information code generation unit, unique information uniquely defined in a voucher represented by an image of the voucher image display region, or an image of the voucher image display region The voucher related information including at least one of the type information that can identify the type of the voucher represented by the above is recorded in the data recording area.
According to this method, a voucher can be configured in a form in which voucher related information including at least one of unique information and type information is recorded as data in the data recording area, and such voucher related information is converted into a voucher image. It is possible to make the configuration easy to read accurately in distinction.

According to a third aspect of the invention, when the information code is generated by the information code generator, the voucher related information is recorded in the data recording area in an encrypted state.
According to this method, since the security of the voucher-related information can be improved, unauthorized use of the voucher can be easily suppressed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the information code is generated by the information code generator, price information indicating the price of the voucher represented by the image in the voucher image display area is recorded in the data recording area.
According to this method, the price of the voucher can be easily and accurately grasped on the side of the reading device that reads the voucher, which is further advantageous in applications where the voucher price needs to be recognized.

In the invention of claim 5, when the information code is generated by the information code generator, an empty area that is an area in which the decoding target data is not recorded by the cell at a position other than the specific pattern area and the data recording area inside the code area Are provided in a size larger than the size of a single cell, and the voucher image display area is represented in the empty area.
According to this method, it is possible to secure an area (empty area) in which the data to be decoded is not recorded by the cell at a position other than the data recording area and the specific pattern area in the code area, and this empty area is used as a voucher image. A voucher that can be used as a display area can be generated. Since the empty area is an area in which the data to be decoded is not recorded by the cell, the voucher image display area is hardly affected by the cell, and the voucher image display area can be configured more freely.

In the invention of claim 6, when the information code is generated by the information code generator, the position data indicating the position of the voucher image display area in the code area is recorded in the data recording area.
According to the voucher generated by this method, the position of the voucher image display area in the code area can be more accurately specified by reading the position data from the data recording area when the voucher is used. This is even more advantageous in using the voucher image of the area.

In the invention of claim 7, the image data of the voucher image input from the predetermined user terminal to the generating device is acquired by the generating device, and the voucher image constituted by the image data acquired by the generating device is stored in the code area. An information code is generated by the information code generation unit as shown in the voucher image display area.
According to this method, the user can designate an image to be incorporated in the voucher via the user terminal, and the degree of freedom of image selection can be increased.

In the invention of claim 8, when the information code is generated by the information code generator, the specific pattern area and the cell arrangement area other than the specific pattern are arranged in a ring around the voucher image display area.
In the voucher generated by this method, the specific pattern area and the cell arrangement area other than the specific pattern are formed in a ring around the voucher image display area, and the circular area (the specific pattern area and the cell arrangement area other than the specific pattern is arranged). ) Has a configuration that is not easily affected by the voucher image display area. Therefore, at the time of reading, the outer shape of the annular area is easily specified, and the outer edge of the code area is easily recognized more accurately.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the information code is generated by the information code generator, a predetermined type of data is recorded in the data recording area and a mark is additionally formed when the voucher is used. An area and a second area in which data of a different type from the data recorded in the first area are provided.
In the voucher generated by this method, it is possible to grasp whether or not a mark is additionally formed by confirming the occurrence of an error in the first area at the time of reading. On the other hand, since the data in the second area is not easily affected by the mark, it can be easily read well.

  According to the invention of claim 10, a voucher having the same effect as that of the invention of claim 1 can be realized.

  According to the invention of claim 11, a voucher having the same effect as that of the invention of claim 2 can be realized.

  According to the invention of claim 12, a voucher having the same effect as that of the invention of claim 3 can be realized.

  According to the invention of claim 13, a voucher having the same effect as that of the invention of claim 4 can be realized.

  According to the invention of claim 14, a voucher having the same effect as that of the invention of claim 5 can be realized.

  According to the invention of claim 15, a voucher having the same effect as that of the invention of claim 6 can be realized.

  According to the invention of claim 16, a voucher having the same effect as that of the invention of claim 8 can be realized.

  According to the invention of claim 17, a voucher having the same effect as that of the invention of claim 9 can be realized.

  According to the invention of claim 18, a voucher reading system that is easy to read by using a highly convenient voucher having an information code as a reading target and more accurately distinguishing between cells constituting the information code and the voucher image is realized. can do.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus includes an authentication unit that determines whether the voucher is a predetermined regular voucher based on the voucher image captured by the imaging unit.
According to the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not a voucher is legitimate while realizing a configuration that can read a highly convenient voucher satisfactorily, and to easily prevent unauthorized use of the voucher.

In the invention of claim 20, in the voucher, voucher related information including at least one of specific information uniquely defined in the voucher or type information that can identify the type of the voucher is recorded in the data recording area. The data recording area reading unit is configured to read the voucher related information from the data recording area, and the authentication unit determines whether or not the voucher is a regular voucher based on the reading result of the voucher related information by the data recording area reading unit. It is the structure which determines.
According to the present invention, it can be more easily determined whether or not the voucher is genuine based on the data recorded in the data recording area.

In the invention of claim 21, the voucher is recorded in the data recording area in a state where the voucher-related information is encrypted, and the data recording area reading unit performs a predetermined decryption process on the data recording area. The authentication unit is configured to determine whether or not the voucher is a regular voucher based on the result of the decryption processing by the data recording area reading unit.
According to the present invention, a voucher with improved security of voucher-related information can be read, and whether or not the voucher is genuine is more accurately determined based on the result of the decryption process. It becomes easy to do. In particular, since the result of the decryption process of the encrypted certificate-related information is a determination condition as to whether or not it is a regular certificate, counterfeiting and unauthorized use of the certificate can be more effectively suppressed.

In the invention of claim 22, when the voucher is imaged by the imaging unit, the authentication unit performs predetermined image processing on the image in the voucher image display area in the voucher obtained by the imaging, and performs the image processing. Based on the result, it is determined whether or not the voucher is a regular voucher.
According to the present invention, it becomes easier to accurately determine whether or not a voucher is genuine based on an image in the voucher image display area.

In the invention of claim 23, when the voucher is imaged by the imaging unit, the image in the voucher obtained by the imaging is analyzed, and an overwriting discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not a predetermined overwriting unit exists is provided. .
According to this configuration, since it is possible to determine whether or not a predetermined overwriting has been performed on the voucher, whether it is before overwriting or after overwriting in an application in which the voucher is assumed to be overwritten is used. This is particularly advantageous in such applications.

In the invention of claim 24, the voucher is provided with an error correction code recording area in which an error correction code is recorded by a plurality of types of cells inside the code area. It is configured to perform error correction on the data in the data recording area based on the error correction code recorded in the recording area, and the overwrite determination unit is based on the result of error correction by the data recording area reading unit. Determine whether or not.
According to this configuration, it becomes possible to determine overwriting more accurately and more quickly using error correction.

According to the invention of claim 25, the voucher is recorded in the data recording area in the first area where a predetermined type of data is recorded and a mark is additionally formed when the voucher is used. A second area in which data of a different type from the data is recorded, and the overwrite determination unit is present based on the result of error correction in the first area by the data recording area reading unit It is determined whether or not to do so.
According to the present invention, it is possible to grasp whether or not a mark is additionally formed by confirming the occurrence of an error in the first area at the time of reading. On the other hand, since the data in the second area is not easily affected by the mark, it becomes easier to read.

In the invention of claim 26, the voucher has price information indicating the price of the voucher recorded in the data recording area, and the data recording area reading unit reads the price information from the data recording area. .
According to the present invention, the price of a voucher to be read can be easily and accurately grasped, which is further advantageous in applications where voucher price recognition is required.

In the invention of claim 27, the voucher has an empty area in which the data to be decoded is not recorded by the cell at a position other than the specific pattern area and the data recording area inside the code area, rather than the size of a single cell. A voucher image display area is provided in a vacant area.
According to the present invention, an area (empty area) where data to be decoded is not recorded by a cell is secured at a position other than the data recording area and the specific pattern area in the code area, and this empty area is used as a voucher image display area. With the voucher as a reading target, the contents of the data recording area and the voucher image display area can be used afterwards.

In the invention of claim 28, the voucher is obtained by recording position data indicating the position of the voucher image display area in the code area in the data recording area, and the data recording area reading unit reads the position data from the data recording area. In addition, an image extraction unit is provided that specifies the position of the voucher image display area based on the position data read by the data recording area reading unit and extracts the image of the voucher image display area. Yes.
According to this configuration, by reading the position data from the data recording area, the position of the voucher image display area in the code area can be specified more accurately, and an image at a more accurate position of the voucher image display area can be obtained. It can be extracted and used by the image extraction unit.

  In the invention of claim 29, a highly convenient voucher having an information code can be used, and when the voucher is used, a cell constituting the information code and an image of the voucher can be distinguished more accurately. A system that is easy to read can be constructed.

In the invention of claim 30, it is determined whether or not the voucher is a predetermined regular voucher based on at least one of a reading result by the data recording area reading unit of the reading device and an imaging result by the imaging unit of the reading device. Has an authentication unit.
According to the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not a voucher is legitimate while realizing a configuration that can read a highly convenient voucher satisfactorily, and to easily prevent unauthorized use of the voucher.

In the invention of claim 31, when the information code is generated by the information code generation unit, the generating device has specific information uniquely determined in the voucher represented by the image of the voucher image display region, or an image of the voucher image display region. The voucher related information including at least one of the voucher type information that can identify the voucher type represented by is recorded in the data recording area, and the data recording area reading unit of the reading device reads the voucher related information from the data recording area. The authentication unit determines whether or not the certificate is a regular certificate based on the result of reading the certificate related information by the data recording area reading unit.
According to the present invention, it can be more easily determined whether or not the voucher is genuine based on the data recorded in the data recording area.

In the invention of claim 32, when generating the information code by the information code generating unit, the generating unit records the voucher related information in an encrypted state in the data recording region, and the data recording region reading unit of the reading device includes: A predetermined decryption process is performed on the data recording area, and the authentication unit determines whether or not the certificate is a regular certificate based on the result of the decryption process performed by the data recording area reading unit.
According to the present invention, a voucher with improved security of voucher-related information can be read, and whether or not the voucher is genuine is more accurately determined based on the result of the decryption process. It becomes easy to do. In particular, since the result of the decryption process of the encrypted certificate-related information is a determination condition as to whether or not it is a regular certificate, counterfeiting and unauthorized use of the certificate can be more effectively suppressed.

In the invention of claim 33, the authentication unit obtains at least a part of the data recorded in the data recording area when the voucher is generated by the generating device, and the recording data and the data recording area reading unit Data determination processing is performed to determine whether or not the decrypted decrypted data is in a predetermined data coincidence state, and it is determined that the voucher is a regular voucher on the condition that the data coincidence state is determined by the data determination processing .
According to the present invention, when the authentication unit determines the voucher, the data at the time of generation by the generating device (recorded data) and the data at the time of reading by the reading device (deciphered data) are respectively checked to determine the coincidence state. Therefore, it can be determined more accurately whether or not the voucher is a regular one generated by the generation device.

According to the invention of claim 34, when the voucher is imaged by the imaging unit, the authentication unit performs predetermined image processing on the image in the voucher image display area in the voucher obtained by the imaging, and performs the image processing. Based on the result, it is determined whether or not the voucher is a regular voucher.
According to the present invention, it becomes easier to accurately determine whether or not a voucher is genuine based on an image in the voucher image display area.

In the invention of claim 35, the authentication unit has a predetermined image and an image incorporated in the voucher image display area when the voucher is generated by the generating device, and an image of the voucher image display area included in the voucher imaged by the imaging unit. An image determination process is performed to determine whether or not the image match state is satisfied, and it is determined that the voucher is a regular voucher on condition that the image determination process determines that the image match state exists.
In the present invention, when the authentication unit determines the voucher, the voucher image generated by the generating device and the image read by the reading device (image of the voucher image display area included in the voucher imaged by the imaging unit) Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the voucher is a regular one generated by the generating device.

According to a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, when the voucher is picked up by the image pickup unit, the image in the voucher obtained by the image pickup is analyzed to determine whether or not a predetermined overwriting portion exists. .
According to this configuration, since it is possible to determine whether or not a predetermined overwriting has been performed on the voucher, whether it is before overwriting or after overwriting in an application in which the voucher is assumed to be overwritten is used. This is particularly advantageous in such applications.

In a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the generation device generates a voucher with a configuration in which an error correction code recording area in which an error correction code is recorded by a plurality of types of cells is provided in the code area, and reads the data recording area of the reading device. The unit is configured to perform error correction on the data in the data recording area based on the error correction code recorded in the error correction code recording area, and the overwrite determination unit is based on the result of error correction by the data recording area reading unit. It is determined whether or not an overwriting part exists.
According to this configuration, the information code in the voucher can be configured in an error-correctable form, and when using the voucher, overwriting can be determined more accurately and quickly using error correction. It becomes like this.

In the invention of claim 38, the generation device records a predetermined type of data in the data recording area and records the first area in which a mark is to be additionally formed when the voucher is used and the first area. A voucher is generated with a configuration in which a second area in which data of a different type from the data to be recorded is provided, and the overwrite determination unit overwrites the data based on the result of error correction in the first area by the data recording area reading unit. It is determined whether or not a part exists.
According to the present invention, it is possible to grasp whether or not a mark is additionally formed by confirming the occurrence of an error in the first area at the time of reading. On the other hand, since the data in the second area is not easily affected by the mark, it becomes easier to read.

In the invention of claim 39, the generating device generates a voucher with a configuration in which price information indicating the price of the voucher is recorded in the data recording area, and the data recording area reading unit of the reading device reads the price information from the data recording area. It is a configuration.
According to the present invention, the voucher can be used in a form in which the price information can be easily read by the device. When using a voucher, the price of a voucher to be read can be easily and accurately grasped, which is further advantageous in applications where voucher price recognition is required.

In the invention of claim 40, the generating device sets an empty area, which is an area in which the decoding target data is not recorded by the cell, at a position other than the specific pattern area and the data recording area within the code area, based on the size of a single cell. A voucher is generated with a configuration in which a voucher image display area is provided in an empty area.
According to the present invention, an area (empty area) where data to be decoded is not recorded by a cell is secured at a position other than the data recording area and the specific pattern area in the code area, and this empty area is used as a voucher image display area. With the voucher as a reading target, the contents of the data recording area and the voucher image display area can be used afterwards.

In the invention of claim 41, the generating device generates a voucher with a configuration in which position data indicating the position of the voucher image display region in the code region is recorded in the data recording region, and the data recording region reading unit of the reading device includes: An image that is configured to read position data from the data recording area, and further specifies the position of the voucher image display area based on the position data read by the data recording area reading unit, and extracts an image of the voucher image display area An extraction unit is provided.
According to this configuration, it is possible to use a voucher that can easily specify the position of the voucher image display area more accurately. When using a voucher, the position data is read from the data recording area, so that the position of the voucher image display area in the code area can be specified more accurately, and the position of the voucher image display area is more accurate. Images can be extracted and used by the image extraction unit.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view schematically illustrating a voucher utilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the voucher reading apparatus constituting the voucher utilization system of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the data configuration of the information code in the voucher used in the voucher utilization system of FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another type of code corresponding to the information code in the voucher used in the voucher utilization system of FIG. FIG. 5 shows the correspondence between the arrangement of each data word in the information code in the voucher generated by the voucher generating apparatus constituting the voucher utilization system in FIG. 1 and the arrangement of each data word in another type of code. It is explanatory drawing demonstrated. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the format data of the information code in the voucher used in the voucher utilization system of FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the correspondence between the arrangement of each data word in the information code in the voucher generated by the voucher utilization system in FIG. 1 and the arrangement of each data word in another type of code. FIG. 6 is a diagram in which the correspondence relationship is changed from that in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a voucher generated and used in the voucher utilization system of FIG. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of issuing a voucher in the operation example of the voucher utilization system of FIG. FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of certificate authentication in the operation example of the certificate utilization system of FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart exemplifying the flow of voucher generation in the voucher generating device constituting the voucher utilization system of FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of reading a voucher by the voucher reading device constituting the voucher utilization system of FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of use of a voucher regarding the operation of the voucher utilization system of FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a usage example of the voucher in the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a usage example of the voucher according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of voucher authentication in the voucher utilization system according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an information code used in the voucher utilization system according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 16 (A) is a diagram showing a state where an empty area is left blank, and FIG. ) Is a diagram showing a state in which an image area is provided in the empty area. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an information code used in the voucher utilization system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17A is a diagram showing a state in which an empty area is left blank, and FIG. ) Is a diagram showing a state in which a design is added to the free space. 18A is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the data structure of the data to be decoded in the information code of FIG. 16, and FIG. 18B conceptually shows the data structure of the data to be decoded in the information code of FIG. FIG. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a voucher generated and used in the voucher utilization system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a voucher generated and used in a voucher utilization system according to another embodiment. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating another example 1 of a voucher generated and used in a voucher utilization system according to another embodiment. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating another example 2 of the voucher generated and used in the voucher utilization system according to another embodiment.

[First embodiment]
First, a representative example of the first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The voucher utilization system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is generated by a voucher generating device that generates a voucher P including an information code 100 in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged in a predetermined code area, and a voucher generating device. The voucher reading device 10 for reading the voucher P is provided. In the example of FIG. 1, the management device 2 functions as a voucher generating device and an information code generating device. Further, the voucher reading device 10 alone or the voucher reading device 10 and the management device 2 constitutes a voucher reading system.

(Management device)
The management device 2 (certificate generating device) is configured as an information processing device such as a personal computer, for example, and includes a control unit 3 including a CPU, an operation unit 4 including a keyboard, a mouse, and other input devices, a ROM, For performing wired communication or wireless communication with a storage unit 5 including a storage device such as a RAM, an HDD, and a nonvolatile memory, a display unit 6 including a known display device (liquid crystal display or other display device), and an external device. A communication unit 7 that functions as a communication interface, and a printing unit 8 (printing apparatus) that has the same hardware configuration as a known printer and that can print the information code 100 or the like based on print data from the control unit 3. It has.

(Voucher reading device)
Next, the overall configuration of the voucher reading device 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the voucher reading device 10 has a function of reading a voucher P (described later), and is specifically configured as a code reader capable of reading a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. P has a function of reading the information code 100 included in P. The voucher reading apparatus 10 has a configuration in which an outer case is formed by a case (housing) (not shown) and various electronic components are accommodated in the case.

  The voucher reading apparatus 10 mainly includes an optical system such as an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 23, a filter 25, and an imaging lens 27, and a microcomputer (such as a memory 35, a control circuit 40, an operation switch 42, and a liquid crystal display 46). (Hereinafter referred to as “microcomputer”) and a power supply system such as a power switch 41 and a battery 49. These components are mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) or built in a case (not shown), and are integrally assembled to the case (housing).

  The optical system includes an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 23, a filter 25, an imaging lens 27, and the like. The illumination light source 21 functions as an illumination light source capable of emitting illumination light Lf, and includes, for example, a red LED and a diffusion lens, a condensing lens, and the like provided on the emission side of the LED. In the present embodiment, illumination light sources 21 are provided on both sides of the light receiving sensor 23, and the illumination light Lf can be irradiated toward the reading object R through a reading port (not shown) formed in the case. It is configured. As the reading object R, for example, various objects such as a resin material and a metal material are conceivable. For example, a voucher P including an information code 100 (described later) as shown in FIG. It is formed by printing.

  The light receiving sensor 23 corresponds to an example of an “imaging unit” that can image the voucher P, and is configured to be able to receive the reflected light Lr irradiated and reflected on the reading object R or the information code 100. An area sensor in which light receiving elements that are solid-state image sensors such as C-MOS and CCD are two-dimensionally arranged corresponds to this. The light receiving sensor 23 is mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) so that incident light incident through the imaging lens 27 can be received by the light receiving surface 23a.

  The filter 25 is an optical low-pass filter that allows passage of light having a wavelength less than or equal to the wavelength of the reflected light Lr, for example, and can block passage of light exceeding the wavelength, and a reading port (not shown) formed in the case. And the imaging lens 27. Thereby, unnecessary light exceeding the wavelength equivalent of the reflected light Lr is prevented from entering the light receiving sensor 23. Further, the imaging lens 27 is constituted by, for example, a lens barrel and a plurality of condensing lenses accommodated in the lens barrel. In the present embodiment, the imaging lens 27 is provided at a reading port (not shown) formed in the case. The incident reflected light Lr is collected, and a code image of the information code 100 is formed on the light receiving surface 23 a of the light receiving sensor 23.

  The microcomputer system includes an amplification circuit 31, an A / D conversion circuit 33, a memory 35, an address generation circuit 36, a synchronization signal generation circuit 38, a control circuit 40, an operation switch 42, an LED 43, a buzzer 44, a liquid crystal display 46, and a communication interface 48. Etc. This microcomputer system is configured around a control circuit 40 and a memory 35 that can function as a microcomputer (information processing apparatus), and the image signal of the information code 100 captured by the optical system described above is signaled in hardware and software. It can be processed.

  An image signal (analog signal) output from the light receiving sensor 23 of the optical system is input to the amplification circuit 31 and amplified by a predetermined gain, and then input to the A / D conversion circuit 33, and the digital signal is converted from the analog signal. Is converted to The digitized image signal, that is, image data (image information) is input to the memory 35 and stored in the image data storage area of the memory 35. The synchronization signal generation circuit 38 is configured to generate a synchronization signal for the light receiving sensor 23 and the address generation circuit 36. The address generation circuit 36 is based on the synchronization signal supplied from the synchronization signal generation circuit 38. Thus, the storage address of the image data stored in the memory 35 can be generated.

  The memory 35 is configured by a semiconductor memory device or the like, and for example, a known semiconductor memory device such as a RAM, a ROM, or a nonvolatile memory corresponds to this. In the RAM of the memory 35, for example, in addition to the image data storage area described above, a work area and a reading condition table used by the control circuit 40 in each processing such as arithmetic operation and logical operation can be secured. ing. The ROM stores in advance a predetermined program that can execute a reading process and the like that will be described later, and a system program that can control each piece of hardware such as the illumination light source 21 and the light receiving sensor 23.

  The control circuit 40 is a microcomputer that can control the entire voucher reading apparatus 10 and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and has an information processing function. Various input / output devices (peripheral devices) are connected to the control circuit 40 via a built-in input / output interface. In this embodiment, a power switch 41, an operation switch 42, an LED 43, a buzzer 44, A liquid crystal display 46, a communication interface 48, and the like are connected. The communication interface 48 has a function of communicating with an external device using a known wired communication method or wireless communication method. In this configuration, the communication interface 48 can communicate with an external device such as the management device 2 via an Internet communication network. It has become.

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

(Voucher and information code)
Next, the certificate P and the information code 100 constituting the certificate P will be described.
For example, the voucher P shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 8, etc. has an information code 100 on a medium (for example, a medium made of paper, resin, metal material, or other known material) configured in a sheet shape and in a predetermined shape. It is printed. 1 and 8 exemplify stamps such as stamps as the certificate P, but the certificate P may be of any type, for example, not limited to an example used as a stamp, Any of various existing certificates such as stamps, automobile weight tax stamps, employment insurance stamps, agricultural product inspection stamps, automobile inspection registration stamps, health insurance stamps, national pension stamps, patent stamps, registration stamps revenue stamps, income stamps, receipt stamps, etc. May be used as Alternatively, it may be used as any of existing tickets such as gift certificates, stationery tickets, book tickets, boarding tickets, boarding tickets, and admission tickets. Further, the present invention is not limited to existing ones, and any voucher that proves any matter can be applied to various types of vouchers.

  Here, the configuration of the voucher P, in particular, the information code 100 constituting the voucher P will be described with reference to FIGS. The example of FIG. 1 and the example of the right side of FIG. 5 are slightly different in the cell arrangement and the size of the specific pattern, but the basic idea is the same and has the same characteristics. The information code 100 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5, etc. is generated by, for example, the above-described management apparatus 2 (certificate generation apparatus), and cells 102 serving as units for displaying information are arranged in a predetermined code area. It has become the composition. In the information code 100 of FIGS. 1 and 5, the “code area” is a rectangular area that can include all of the plurality of dark cells arranged, and is the smallest square that includes all of the cells constituting the information code 100. It is a region or a rectangular region. Specifically, it is a minimum square area or rectangular area including all three position detection patterns (cutout symbols) 104. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 5, the plurality of cells 102 are configured by either a rectangular (for example, a square outer diameter) light (white) cell or a dark (black) cell, Within the code area, these cells 102 are arranged in a matrix around an empty area 110 described later. The light color cell and the dark color cell are not limited to the white cell and the black cell, respectively. When the dark color cell is configured with a predetermined lightness, the light color cell only needs to have a higher lightness. In the information code 100, a light or dark margin area is formed around the code area so as to surround the code area. In the examples of FIGS. A margin area (for example, another color having a lightness higher than that of a white or dark cell) is arranged adjacent to the periphery of the code area.

  The information code 100 includes data in a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside a rectangular code area (for example, a square shape or a rectangular shape), and a plurality of types of cells 102. A data recording area for recording and an error correction code recording area for recording an error correction code by a plurality of types of cells 102 are provided. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the specific pattern of the information code 100 is, for example, a known predetermined model number of a QR code (registered trademark) (in the example of FIG. 5, a predetermined model number of a QR code standardized by JIS or the like). ), The position detection pattern (cutout symbol) 104 as the specific pattern is arranged at each of the three corners of the code area in the examples of FIGS. ing. Further, a timing pattern 106 and an alignment pattern 108 as specific patterns are also provided at predetermined positions in the predetermined model number. As described above, in the information code 100, a specific pattern (position detection pattern 104, timing pattern 106, alignment pattern 108 (not shown in FIG. 5)) having a predetermined shape is arranged at a predetermined position. . It should be noted that, within the code area, positions other than the empty area 110, which will be described later, are configured by such specific pattern areas, recording areas (areas consisting of either data recording areas or error correction code recording areas), and the like. Yes.

  The number of rows and columns of cells of the information code 100, the shape and position of a specific pattern, the position of format information, the codeword candidate position (address for specifying the arrangement order of codewords), etc. You may grasp. For example, a plurality of model numbers may be provided in the type of the information code 100. In this case, the number of rows and columns of cells, the shape and position of a specific pattern, the position of format information, and a code word are arranged for each model number. The candidate position (address) may be determined in advance. If the model number information for specifying the model number is arranged at a predetermined position (reserved area) in the code area, the reader device can determine the number of rows and columns of cells of the information code 100 based on the model number information. It becomes possible to grasp the shape and position of the specific pattern, the position of the format information, and the candidate position (address) of the code word. Note that the present invention is not limited to this method, and any other method may be used as long as the reader can grasp the method.

  Within the code area, the area other than the specific pattern area, data recording area, and error correction code recording area is an area where data is not recorded by the cell 102 and is not subject to error correction by the error correction code. A certain free area 110 is provided in a size larger than the size of the single cell 102. In the examples of FIGS. 1 and 5 and the like, the data recording area and the error correction code recording area are arranged in an annular and rectangular shape along the periphery of the code area, and the center of the code area (the center of the code area is defined). A free area 110 is formed in a predetermined area. The “area in which no data is recorded by the cell 102” means an area in which a code word such as a data code word and an error correction code word to be described later is not recorded, and an area in which format information is not recorded. To do. The “region not subject to error correction by the error correction code” means a region where error correction using the error correction code recorded in the error correction code recording region is not performed. Therefore, even if some information (additional information to be described later) is recorded in the empty area 110, error correction for the information is performed by the error correction code in the error correction code recording area existing around the empty area 110. Absent.

  In the following description, a configuration corresponding to the predetermined model number as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5 is associated with another model number (Ver. Number) having a smaller size than the predetermined model number as illustrated in the left diagram of FIG. An example in which the position of each code word of the information code 100 in the right diagram of FIG. 5 and the position of each code word of the other code 120 in the left diagram of FIG. 5 are associated by the arrangement conversion table as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. Will be described as a representative example. In this example, the amount of data that can be stored in the other type code 120 in the left diagram of FIG. 5 can be expressed with the empty area 110 provided by the information code 100 as shown in the right diagram of FIG. Conversely, when the information code 100 shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5 is read, each code word of the information code 100 can be read as a code word of another type code 120 as shown in the left diagram of FIG. .

  In the right diagram of FIG. 5, each codeword area arranged around the empty area 110 is conceptually shown by a broken line frame or the like. An area (predetermined position 105) for recording format information is conceptually indicated by a predetermined type of hatching. In the right diagram of FIG. 5, in the area where the format information is recorded and the area where the code word is recorded, only the squares are shown, and the specific arrangement of light cells and dark cells is omitted. Further, in the example of the right diagram in FIG. 5, the interior of the empty area 110 (the central part of the code area) is also assigned to correspond to the cell arrangement, but the configuration of the empty area 110 is free, and FIG. It may be configured as described above, or may be other configurations.

  The format information (format information) is configured as shown in FIG. 6, for example, and is recorded at a predetermined position 105 (a predetermined type of hatching position) in the information code 100 with a specific format configuration. This format information includes correction level information for specifying an error correction level and mask number information for specifying a mask number. The correction level information is information for specifying an error correction level used in the information code 100, and corresponds to an error correction level used in the other type code 120 in the case of being converted into the other type code 120 and read, for example. The mask number is information for specifying which mask type is the mask applied to the codeword area of the information code 100 (area in which the data codeword and error correction codeword are recorded).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the format information is recorded in a state reflecting a predetermined type of mask pattern (specific mask), and the format information is identified by identifying the mask type of the format information in the same manner as a known QR code. 5 It is possible to detect a specific code type (type provided with a free area 110) as shown in the right figure. For example, when the model 1 is configured as a QR code of a known standard, data (cell array) expressed when the model 1 mask is applied to the format information as shown in FIG. 6 is recorded at a predetermined position. However, when configured as the model 2, data (cell array) expressed when the model 2 mask is applied to the format information as shown in FIG. 6 is recorded at a predetermined position. . On the other hand, in the information code 100 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 5 (special type code having a free area 110), a specific mask of a different type from the models 1 and 2 (FIG. 6) for the format information as shown in FIG. Then, the data (cell array) expressed when the frame QR is used is recorded at a predetermined position 105. Then, in any of the types 1 and 2 of the known standard and the type of the information code 100, a check digit corresponding to the correction level (correction level information) and mask number (mask number information) to be recorded is added. Format information is configured, on which various types of masks can be applied. Specifically, mask processing is performed by a known method using various types of mask patterns, and the bit pattern after the mask processing is recorded at a predetermined position 105. Therefore, when the format information is recorded at the predetermined position 105 after applying a specific mask (example for frame QR in FIG. 6) to the format information like the information code 100, the information recorded at the predetermined position 105 in this way is recorded. If the mask process is canceled and decoded based on the specific mask, the check digit is matched, so that the type of the information code 100 can be specified. On the contrary, even if the data at the predetermined position 105 of the information code 100 is removed based on the masks of the model 1 and model 2, the check digit does not match. be able to.

  In this information code 100, after detecting a specific pattern (position detection pattern 104, etc.) and specifying the code area, code direction, and each cell position in the same manner as the known QR code, the same as the known QR code. By decoding the predetermined position 105 where the format information is recorded by the method, it is possible to identify the type of the information code 100 (special type having the empty area 110) according to the type of the mask that has been successfully decoded. Then, the error correction level used in the information code 100 can be specified by the decoded format information, and applied to the code word area of the information code 100 (the area where the data code word and the error correction code word are recorded by the cell). It is possible to specify the mask type.

  Furthermore, a voucher image display area 121 (described later) in which a voucher image is displayed is provided inside the empty area 110. In FIG. 1 and the like, a stamp is illustrated as a voucher, and a voucher image representing a predetermined type of stamp is drawn in the voucher image display area 121. In the example of FIG. 1 and the like, an example in which the entire empty area 110 is the voucher image display area 121 is shown, but a part of the empty area 110 may be the voucher image display area 121.

  The content recorded in the information code 100 has, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG. 3, header data (frame QR header) is set at the beginning of the data array, and input data (decryption target data) after the header data. ) Continues. In the example of FIG. 3, input data (data to be decoded) is compressed by, for example, a known method and converted into a data word (data code word). However, such compression may not be performed. The header data used in the information code 100 is also referred to as a “frame QR header” in the following description. Further, in this specification, such an area for recording data words (data code words) of header data and input data (data to be decoded) and an area for recording the above-described format information correspond to “data recording areas”. To do. Further, in the example of FIG. 3, as header data (frame QR header), another type code 120 (a code type used for decoding the information code 100, which will be described later), and the information code 100 according to the arrangement conversion table (FIG. 5). Information (identified as Ver. Number in FIG. 3) and identification information that can specify the format in the empty area are recorded. In the example of FIG. 3, as the header data, in addition to the type of other code (Ver. Number), the format of the empty area 110 is the image format (certificate image display area shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5, FIG. 8). Information (first information) for specifying that the format is provided) and information (“image area position information corresponding to the second information”) for specifying the position of the voucher image display area (image area position). It is recorded. Among these, the information (first information) specifying that the format of the empty area 110 is an image format (a format in which a voucher image display area is provided) is an example of “identification information” indicating the existence of the voucher image display area. Equivalent to. The information (second information) that can specify the position of the voucher image display area (image area position) corresponds to an example of “position data” indicating the position of the voucher image display area in the code area.

  In the example of FIGS. 3 and 5, information that can specify the column position and row position of the voucher image display area 121 is recorded as image area position information (position data). More specifically, the combination of the row position and column position in the upper left of the voucher image display area 121 when the information code 100 configured in a rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 5 is divided into a plurality of rows and columns in a grid pattern. And the combination of the lower right row position and column position of the voucher image display area 121 are recorded as image area position information (position data). Here, the combination of the upper left row position and column position of the voucher image display area 121 and the lower right row position and column position of the voucher image display area 121 are used as image area position information (position data). The combination of the row position and the column position at each of the four corner positions of the voucher image display area 121 may be used as the image area position information (position data). Further, the width of each row and each column when the information code 100 is divided in a lattice shape as shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the width in the row direction and the width in the column direction of a single cell, respectively.

  An error correction code word (ECC word) that becomes an error correction code follows the input data (data word that is data to be decoded). In the information code 100, an area for recording the error correction code is an error correction code recording area. Note that a method for generating an error correction code (error correction code word) based on a data word (in the example of FIG. 3, header data and input data (data to be decoded)) is a known two-dimensional code (such as a QR code). A method defined in the standard can be used. For example, as a method for generating an error correction codeword based on a data word (data codeword), an error correction codeword generation method (JISX0510: 2004, 8.5 error correction) defined in JISX0510: 2004 is used. be able to. Note that the method of generating the error correction codeword is not limited to this, and various known methods can be used.

  Further, in the information code 100, each data word (data code word) representing the data to be decoded (data code word) and an error correction code word are arranged in the code area based on predetermined arrangement position information. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, the arrangement candidate positions of the respective code words are determined in advance within the code area of the information code 100, and a number (address) is assigned to each arrangement candidate position. The arrangement position information is information for specifying which arrangement candidate position each code word constituting the recording contents shown in FIG. 3 should be arranged. In the example of the right diagram in FIG. 5, the arrangement candidate positions Nos. 1 to 25 are schematically illustrated. In each arrangement candidate position, the first and last bit portions are numbered and clearly shown. In the right diagram of FIG. 5, the arrangement candidate positions after the 26th are omitted.

  Specifically, in the model number of the other type code 120 (known QR code) (the model number of the other type code 120 specified by the header data shown in FIG. 3), the code word in each order is included in the other type code 120. Whether or not to be arranged at a position is determined in advance by a known standard or the like, and when the other-type code 120 is decoded, the code words in each order are decoded based on the arrangement determined in this way. For example, in the example of the other type code 120 shown in the left diagram of FIG. 5, the 0th code word is arranged at the lower right, the first code word is arranged thereon, and the second code word is arranged thereon. The arrangement position of each code word is determined in advance. Therefore, when decoding this other type code 120, the 0th code word, the 1st code word, the 2nd code word, the 3rd code word, etc. based on the arrangement determined in this way. It will be deciphered in order.

  On the other hand, in the arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table) shown in FIG. 5, the numbers of the arrangement positions (arrangement positions of the code words in each order) determined in advance by the other-type code 120 in this way are pre- Each number is associated with a number of a determined candidate position (position candidate position of each code word). Specifically, “the arrangement position of the first code word in the other type code 120 corresponds to the first arrangement candidate position of the information code 100”, “the arrangement position of the second code word in the other type code 120 is information. Information such as “corresponding to the second arrangement candidate position of the code 100” and “the arrangement position of the third code word in the other type code 120 corresponds to the third arrangement candidate position of the information code 100” is, for example, table data Each code word is recorded, and the arrangement position of each numbered code word in the other type code 120 is associated with each arrangement candidate position of the information code 100. Thus, when the information code 100 is decoded, the code word (code word at each address) in each placement candidate position in the code area is associated with the placement position information (placement conversion table). The other-type code 120 may be rearranged at each arrangement position, and the other-type code 120 rearranged in this way may be decoded by a known method. For example, when the information code 100 is decoded using the arrangement conversion table shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 5, the code word at the first arrangement candidate position of the information code 100 is changed to the arrangement position of the first code word in the other type code 120. The code word at the second placement candidate position of the information code 100 is placed at the placement position of the second code word in the other code 120, and the code word at the Nth placement candidate position of the information code 100 is placed in the other kind. The code 120 is rearranged in such a manner as to be arranged at the arrangement position of the M-th code word associated with the N-th arrangement candidate position, and the other type code (re-arranged in this way) QR code) may be decoded by a known method. As for the above-described arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table), data common to the management apparatus 2 (certificate generation apparatus) that generates the information code 100 and the voucher reading apparatus 10 that reads the information code 100 (common arrangement conversion table). It is desirable that each be provided.

(Generation of voucher)
Here, an operation example of the voucher utilization system 1 will be described.
In the voucher utilization system 1 having this configuration, for example, the operation is performed according to the flow shown in FIG. In this example, for example, when the voucher P is formed according to the flow shown in FIG. 9A and the user uses the formed voucher P, the authentication is performed according to the flow shown in FIG. 9B.

  FIG. 9A illustrates a basic flow for issuing a voucher. In this example, first, a user purchases a voucher by operating a computer placed at home or work, or a portable computer (mobile phone, smartphone, portable tablet terminal, or other portable computer). The request information is transmitted from the computer to the management apparatus 2 (S101). This request information includes, for example, information specifying the type of voucher (for example, the amount of stamp). Then, the management device 2 generates image data (print data) of the voucher P according to the request information (S110). Details of this generation process will be described later. Then, the image data (print data) of the voucher P generated in S110 is transmitted to the requesting computer (the computer on which the user performed the request process) (S111), and the image data (print data) of the voucher P is transmitted by the computer. Is printed to form the certificate P (S102). 9A shows an example in which the image data (print data) of the certificate P is printed on the user side, but the image data (print data) of the certificate P is printed by the management apparatus 2. May be. In the example of FIG. 9A, the request information is input from the user computer, but similar request information may be input from the operation unit of the management apparatus 2.

  Here, the generation process in S110, in particular, the information code generation process for generating the information code 100 will be described in detail. In the following, a case where the other type code 120 is a QR code (registered trademark) and the information code 100 has a specific pattern similar to the QR code as shown in FIG. 5 will be described as an example. In this example, the information code 100 having the empty area 110 is also referred to as “frame QR”.

  The information code generation process of FIG. 10 is a process performed by the management apparatus 2 (certificate generation apparatus), and is started by a predetermined operation on the operation unit 4, for example. In this process, first, whether to generate data to be encoded (data to be decoded), attribute data, code type data (information code 100 or general two-dimensional code (for example, general QR code)) is determined. Data to be specified), image data (data such as a voucher image), and the like are acquired (S1). The acquisition of data in S1 may acquire data stored in the management device 2 in advance, may acquire data input from the outside of the management device 2, or both. . For example, as described above, when the request process is performed in S101 and request information is input to the management apparatus 2, the request information is acquired in the process of S1.

  After acquiring the data in S1, a method for compressing the acquired data is determined by a known method (S2), and the compressed data (decoded data) is expressed by a plurality of data words (data code words). (S3). Then, after S3, it is determined whether or not the code type data acquired in S1 is the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free space 110. If the code type data acquired in S1 is the type of the information code 100 having the free area 110 (frame QR), the process proceeds to Yes in S4, and the type of the information code 100 having the free area 110 (frame QR). ) Is generated and set at the head of the data array including a plurality of data words as shown in FIG. 3 (S5). In the header data of FIG. 3, as described above, information (version number information, etc.) that can specify the type (model number) of the other type code 120 shown in the right diagram of FIG. Information (first information) for specifying the format (form having a voucher image display area) and information for specifying the position of the voucher image display area in the code area (“image corresponding to second information” Area position information ") is recorded. On the other hand, when the code type data acquired in S1 is not the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free area 110 (data for selecting a general two-dimensional code (for example, model 1 or model 2 is selected). If (data), the process proceeds to No in S4.

  When the process proceeds to No in S4, an error correction code is generated by a known method based on the configuration of the data word (data code word) generated in S3, and a plurality of error correction words (error correction) representing the error correction code are generated. Codeword) is generated (S6). On the other hand, when proceeding from S4 to S5, an error correction code is generated by a known method based on the configuration of the final data word (a plurality of data code words representing header data and input data) generated in S3 and S5. Then, a plurality of error correction words (error correction code words) representing the error correction code are generated (S6).

  After S6, it is determined whether or not the code type data acquired in S1 is the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free area 110 (S7), and the code type data acquired in S1 is If it is not the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free area 110, the process proceeds to No in S7, and a two-dimensional code (for example, QR code) is generated by a known method. When the process proceeds to No in S7, the model number of the two-dimensional code having a size capable of storing the data word (data code word) generated in S3 and the error correction word (error correction code word) generated in S6 (in this example, In a plurality of standardized known QR code model numbers, a model number of a size that can store the data word generated in S3 and the error correction word generated in S6) is determined, and the arrangement predetermined by the model number is determined. According to the pattern, the data word generated in S3 and the error correction word generated in S6 are arranged (S9).

  On the other hand, if the code type data acquired in S1 is the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free area 110, the process proceeds to Yes in S7, and the data word (data) generated in S3 and S5 (Code word), the error correction word (error correction code word) generated in S6, and the empty area, the model number of the information code 100 that can be stored is determined (S10). Note that the size of the empty area may be a predetermined fixed size, or may be designated by an input or the like by the user before S10. Further, the size of the empty area may be specified by the number of rows and the number of columns, or may be specified by information such as how many words it corresponds to, or how many cells it corresponds. In the example of FIGS. 5 and 10, for example, in a plurality of model numbers (sizes) determined in advance by the type of the information code 100, the data word (data code word) generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction generated in S6 A model number of a size that can store a word (error correction code word) and an empty area is determined. When a plurality of model numbers can be used in the type of the information code 100, the number of rows and the number of columns, the shape and layout of a specific pattern, the layout of format data, and the layout candidate position of each code word are provided for each model number. It should be determined. Also, in any model number, the arrangement candidate positions of the respective code words are determined in order from the outer circumference side as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5 (for example, the arrangement candidate positions are set in a spiral shape from the outer circumference side to the inside). The placement candidate position of each code word is determined so that the placement candidate position with a smaller number is located outside, and a portion where the code word is not placed (that is, a portion that is not used) among the prepared placement candidate positions. If it uses, it becomes easy to ensure a large empty area | region by the center part. In addition, when there are a plurality of model numbers having a size capable of storing the data word (data code word) generated in S3 and S5, the error correction word (error correction code word) generated in S6, and the empty area, The smallest model number (size) may be determined from among them, or the user may be able to specify any model number (size) from among them. When the information code 100 is generated, a predetermined size (number of rows and columns), a specific pattern arrangement, and each arrangement position position of the codeword are used in the model number thus determined. The arrangement position of each code word is determined according to the above-described arrangement conversion table. In the following, an example in which the model number as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5 is determined in S10 will be specifically described.

  After S10, the data word (data code word) generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction word (error correction code word) generated in S6 are arranged based on the arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table) described above. It will be. In the management device 2 (certificate generating device), the above-described arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table) is stored in the storage unit 5, and in the arrangement conversion table, each arrangement defined by the other type code 120 as described above. The position (arrangement position of each code word) is associated with a predetermined candidate position (arrangement candidate position of each code word) in the information code 100, respectively. In the process of S11, the code words to be recorded (the data words (data code words) generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction words (error correction code words) generated in S6) are shown in the left of FIGS. Is represented by another code 120 (a two-dimensional code having a size smaller than that of the information code 100 and a size capable of storing the data word generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction word generated in S6). After specifying the arrangement position of each code word (code word in each order), the code word in each order is associated with the arrangement position of the code word in each order by arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table). It arrange | positions in each arrangement | positioning candidate position in the information code 100. FIG. For example, in the arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table) in FIG. 5, the arrangement position of the first code word in the other type code 120 is associated with the first arrangement candidate position of the information code 100. The first code word of the code words to be recorded (the data word generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction word generated in S6) is arranged at the first arrangement candidate position in the information code 100. In addition, since the second code word arrangement position in the other-type code 120 and the second arrangement candidate position of the information code 100 are associated with each other, the second code word in the code words to be recorded Is placed at the second candidate position in the information code 100. In this way, the arrangement position (an arrangement position of the Nth code word) in the other type code 120 in which the Nth code word is arranged in the codeword to be recorded and the Mth arrangement candidate position of the information code 100 are as follows. If they are associated, the Nth codeword among the codewords to be recorded is arranged at the Mth arrangement candidate position in the information code 100.

  That is, only the data word generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction word generated in S6 can be expressed by another type code 120 (configured as a known QR code) smaller than the information code 100. When the data word generated in S3, S5, the error correction word generated in S6, and the empty area 110 are stored, it must be expressed by the information code 100 having a larger size. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the data word generated in S3 and S5, the error correction word generated in S6, and the empty area 110 are represented by the information code 100 having a size larger than the other type code 120, and S3 and S5. The data word generated in step S6 and the error correction word generated in step S6 are stored in the arrangement of the code words when expressed by another type code 120 (known QR code) and the information code 100 having a size larger than this. In this case, the correspondence relationship with each arrangement of codewords can be specified by a predetermined arrangement conversion table.

  In this configuration, the “arrangement conversion table” as shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to an example of “arrangement position information for specifying each arrangement position when a plurality of data words expressing the data to be decoded are arranged in the code area”. The arrangement conversion table (arrangement position information) includes data words in each order when the data to be decoded is expressed by a plurality of data words, and each arrangement position in the code area of the data words in each order. Are configured as information determined in association with each other. The storage unit 5 corresponds to an example of an “arrangement position information recording unit” and functions to record data (arrangement position information) of such an arrangement conversion table.

  After S9 or S11, a mask pattern to be applied to the code word whose placement location has been determined in S9 or S11 is determined by a known predetermined method (for example, a known method used in QR code), and the determined mask. Masking is performed by a known mask processing method so that the pattern is reflected in the code word whose location is determined in S9 or S11 (S12). Then, the check digit is calculated based on the mask pattern information (mask number) and error correction level information set in S12, and the format information including the error correction level, mask number, and check digit is generated as shown in FIG. (S13). Note that data such as a mask number and an error correction level to be recorded as format information may be input in S1.

  If the code type data acquired in S1 is the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free area 110, the process proceeds to Yes in S14, and the format information generated in S13 includes the above-described format information. Mask processing is performed to reflect the specific mask (frame QR mask) (see FIG. 6). On the other hand, if the code type data acquired in S1 is not the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the vacant area 110, the process proceeds to No in S14 and has a mask pattern different from the mask pattern set in S16. Set the mask (model 1 mask or model 2 mask). After masking the format information in S15 or S16, the format information after the mask processing is arranged at a predetermined position 105 in the code area (S17).

  After the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and the error correction area are thus configured, the constituent elements of the empty area 110 are arranged (S18). In the example of FIG. 3, since the position of the image area is designated by the row position and the column position, in S18, the image of the voucher image display area 121 is arranged at the designated position. An image such as a pattern (voucher image) to be represented in the voucher image display area 121 may be represented by image data received from the external device by the management device 2 in S1, or image data stored in the management device 2 in advance. May be represented. In addition, when it progresses to No by S14 (when it is not the format which provides an empty area), the process of S18 is abbreviate | omitted.

  In this configuration, for example, a plurality of types of voucher images are prepared. When the image of the voucher image display area 121 is arranged in S18, the voucher image of the type requested in S101 (FIG. 9A) is arranged. To do. For example, a plurality of amounts such as X1 (yen), X2 (yen), X3 (yen), X4 (yen), X5 (yen), X6 (yen),... 2, when a stamp image corresponding to each amount is prepared in advance, if the amount of the stamp is specified in S101, this amount is acquired in S1 (FIG. 10). In S18, the amount of money is acquired. A stamp image corresponding to is placed in the voucher image display area 121 as a voucher image.

  After the information code 100 or other two-dimensional code is generated in this way, the code is printed or transmitted (S19). In this S19, the printed medium may be formed as the certificate P by printing the information code 100 generated by the processing up to S18 by the printing unit 8, and the information code 100 generated by the processing up to S18. The image data may be transmitted to an external device (for example, the requesting computer that made the request in S101).

  When the information code 100 is generated by the processing of S1 to S18 in FIG. 10, characters, graphics, or the like may be added outside the information code (the information code 100 or other two-dimensional code). In this case, the entire image in which characters and figures are added outside the information code (information code 100 or other two-dimensional code) generated in the processes from S1 to S18 may be printed in S19, and the electronic data As an external device.

  In this configuration, for example, the information code 100 generated when proceeding to Yes in S14 is formed on a medium such as paper or electronic data, or another image (for example, a character or a graphic) outside the information code 100 Etc.) is formed on a medium such as paper or converted into electronic data, which is a voucher P. In the management apparatus 2, such voucher P is generated as a print medium or electronic data.

  In this configuration, the control unit 3 of the management device 2 (certificate generation device) corresponds to an example of an information code generation unit, and generates an information code 100 in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area. It has the function to do. Specifically, when generating the voucher P including the information code 100, the control unit 3 includes a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged within the code area, and a plurality of types of cells. An information code 100 is generated with a configuration in which a data recording area for recording data by 102 and a voucher image display area 121 on which a voucher image is displayed, and an image of this information code 100 or this information code 100 and another It functions to generate an image obtained by combining images as an image of the voucher P.

  In this configuration, each time the management apparatus 2 generates a voucher P in the process of FIG. 10, the unique information (for example, the unique ID) uniquely assigned to the generated voucher and the type of voucher to be generated are identified. It is desirable to record the voucher related information including at least one of the possible type information in the data recording area. Such voucher-related information may be recorded in the data recording area in a state of being encrypted by a known encryption method using a predetermined encryption algorithm with a predetermined encryption key as a key. As the unique information, an ID unique to each voucher may be issued every time a voucher is issued in the process of FIG. Further, as the type information, for example, in S101 (FIG. 9), when the amount of the voucher (for example, the amount of the stamp) is specified, the amount information for specifying the amount may be recorded as the type information. In this case, the voucher image associated with the type specified by the type information recorded in the data recording area may be displayed in the voucher image display area.

(Certification of voucher)
Next, the flow of certificate authentication will be described.
The voucher P generated as described above can be used in various places, and at the time of use, authentication can be performed according to the flow as shown in FIG. For example, when the voucher P is used as a stamp, an authentication process as shown in FIG. 9B can be performed at a post office or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, when authenticating the voucher P, first, the information code 100 constituting the voucher P is read (S103). This reading process can be performed by the above-described reading device 10 in the flow as shown in FIG. 11, for example.

The reading process in FIG. 11 is executed, for example, when a predetermined operation (for example, operation of the operation switch 42) is performed by the user. First, the two-dimensional code in the imaging area of the light receiving sensor 23 is imaged. Thus, the captured image of the two-dimensional code is acquired and the shape of the two-dimensional code is detected. Specifically, a known method is used to recognize the position detection pattern 104 and detect the outer shape of the two-dimensional code. For example, the position detection pattern 104 is detected by a known method for detecting a 1: 1: 3: 1: 1 waveform, which is performed with a QR code (registered trademark), and the outer shape of the imaged two-dimensional code is displayed as a QR code. Detection is performed by a known method performed by (registered trademark). When such an outer shape detection process is performed, when the information code 100 is captured, the outer shape of the information code 100 is detected. Note that the outer shape detection method may be another method as long as it can detect the shape of a specific pattern or the outer shape of a two-dimensional code.
In this configuration, the light receiving sensor 23 corresponds to an example of an “imaging unit” and functions to image the voucher P.

  When the outer shape of the information code 100 is detected and the code area of the information code 100 can be extracted, the information (format information) at the predetermined position 105 of the information code 100 is decoded, and the type and mask correction of the captured information code A level is acquired (S40). Specifically, for example, as described above, the information recorded at the predetermined position 105 is attempted to be decrypted by canceling the mask processing based on the above-described specific mask (frame QR mask). When the check digit matches when the mask processing is canceled by the above-described method for canceling the mask of the specific mask (that is, calculated based on the correction level data and the mask number data when the predetermined position 105 is decoded) When the check digit matches the check digit recorded at the predetermined position 105), it is possible to specify the type of the information code 100 (the type having the free area 110), and an error included in the format information The correction level and mask number can also be acquired. When the mask process can be canceled based on the specific mask as described above (that is, when it is recognized that the information code 100 is the type (frame QR)), the process proceeds to Yes in S41. On the other hand, when the mask processing can be canceled by a mask other than the specific mask (frame QR mask) such as the model 1 mask and the model 2 mask shown in FIG. 6, the process proceeds to No in S41. When the mask process can be canceled by another mask, the two-dimensional code imaged in S40 is a case of a known QR code (registered trademark). Will be decoded and the decoding result will be output. In FIG. 11, the process in the case of No in S41 is omitted.

  When the process proceeds to Yes in S41, first, the data recorded in the data recording area is decoded (S42). Specifically, based on the mask number included in the format information acquired in S40, the mask of the entire code (specifically, the area of the code word) is released. Then, based on the header data (frame QR header) provided at the beginning of the data word, the original code size (the model number and format of the other type code 120) is specified, and the diagram is converted according to the same layout conversion table as in FIG. 5 Return from the information code 100 as shown in the right figure to the original code (another code 120) as shown in the left figure. Specifically, the code word (data code word and error correction code word) of each arrangement candidate position of the information code 100 is arranged in the other type code 120 associated with each arrangement candidate position in the arrangement conversion table. Reposition to the position. By performing the arrangement conversion in this way, another type code 120 in which the data code word and the error correction code word arranged in the information code 100 are recorded is obtained. Since the other type code 120 is a known QR code, the data is decoded by a method similar to the known QR code (that is, error correction calculation is performed by a known method based on the error correction code word). Decode the data code word).

  The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of a “data recording area reading unit” and a “decoding unit”, and when the document P is captured by the imaging unit (that is, when the information code 100 is captured), the control circuit 40 captures the image. It functions to read the data recorded in the data recording area based on the contents of the data recording area and the error correction code recording area in the code image of the information code 100. Specifically, when the determination unit determines that the predetermined position 105 has a specific format configuration (more specifically, when a predetermined type of mask pattern is reflected at the predetermined position 105), the correspondence information recording unit The position of each data word in the code area is specified based on the correspondence information (arrangement conversion table) recorded in (1), and the decoding target data is decrypted.

  The arrangement conversion table corresponds to an example of “correspondence information”, and a data word in each order represented by each arrangement position in the code area is determined in advance in another type code 120 different from the information code 100. It is configured as information for determining each corresponding position in the other type code 120 when expressed in (for example, a method defined in a known standard or the like). Then, when the determination unit determines that the predetermined position 105 has a specific format configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponding to the decoding unit converts the data word in each order represented by each arrangement position of the code area to the correspondence information The other-type code 120 functions in such a manner as to be replaced with each corresponding position in the other-type code 120 defined in (1).

  After decoding the data in the data recording area in S42, the format information included in the header data (frame QR header) is read. If the format information is format information indicating an “image format” (that is, a format in which a voucher image display area is provided), the process proceeds to Yes in S44. For other formats, the process proceeds to No in S44. In FIG. 11, the process in the case where the process proceeds to No in S44 is omitted.

  When the process proceeds to Yes in S44 (that is, when the format information included in the header data (frame QR header) is format information indicating “image format”), the image area position information (position data) included in the header data is read. (S45). Then, the position of the voucher image display area 121 in the information code 100 is specified (S46). Specifically, in this configuration, it is assumed that rectangular voucher image display areas are formed, and in S46, the code image is analyzed to identify the positions of the four corners of the voucher image display area 121 in the code image. For example, when the position information of the four corners of the voucher image display area 121 (for example, the combination of the column position and the row position at each position of the four corners) is recorded as the image area position information (position data), the voucher image is represented by this position data. The positions of the four corners of the display area 121 can be specified.

  After specifying the positions of the four corners of the image area in S46, the image of the voucher image display area 121 is extracted from the captured image of the voucher P (S47). In the process of S47, the voucher image display area 121 specified in S46 can be extracted as a bitmap image, for example, and handled as a bitmap file. Moreover, it is not restricted to a bitmap format, Various well-known formats can be adopted, and a GIF format, a JPEG format, or the like may be used. Alternatively, the image of the voucher image display area 121 may be extracted in an image file format other than these.

  In this configuration, the control circuit 40 that performs the processes of S45 to S47 corresponds to an example of an image extraction unit, specifies the position of the voucher image display area 121 based on the position data read by the data recording area reading unit, It functions to extract the image of the voucher image display area 121.

  After the reading process shown in S103 of FIG. 9B (reading process of FIG. 11), it is determined whether or not the voucher image is confirmed in the reading process (S104). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the image extraction process shown in S47 of FIG. 11 has been normally completed. If the voucher image display area is normally extracted in S47, the process proceeds to Yes in S104. . Otherwise, for example, when the process proceeds to No in S41 in FIG. 11, or when the process proceeds to No in S44 in FIG. 1, or when the extraction process in S47 results in an error although the process proceeds to Yes in S44. In step S104, the process proceeds to No, and in this case, authentication failure is determined (S107).

  When the process proceeds to Yes in S104, it is determined whether or not there is a postmark (S105). In this system, when the certificate P is used, a postmark as shown in FIG. 12 is scheduled. In S105, it is determined whether or not such a certificate P is not attached to the certificate P to be read (that is, used). Judgment is not complete.

  There are various determination methods in S105. For example, it may be determined that there is a postmark when an error of a predetermined ratio or more has occurred in the data recording area, and it may be determined that there is no postmark otherwise. . If it is determined in S105 that a postmark exists, the process proceeds to No in S105, and in this case, it is determined that the authentication has failed (S107).

  In this configuration, as described above, when the certificate P is generated by the management device 2, the certificate is configured with an error correction code recording area in which error correction codes are recorded by a plurality of types of cells 102 inside the code area. P is generated, and the data recording area reading unit of the reading device 10 performs data decoding based on the error correction code recorded in the error correction code recording area when performing the decoding process in S42 in the reading process of FIG. An error correction is performed on the data in the recording area. On the other hand, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of an overwrite determination unit. When the voucher P is imaged by the imaging unit, the image in the voucher P obtained by the imaging is analyzed and a predetermined overwrite unit (for example, , And a function of determining whether or not a part of the data recording area is overwritten). Specifically, the result of error correction by the data recording area reading unit (that is, error correction in S42) Whether or not there is an overwriting part. When determining the presence of an overwrite portion (for example, a postmark) based on the amount of error correction generated in the data recording area, it is determined that an overwrite portion (for example, a postmark) is present if any error has occurred in the data recording area. Alternatively, as in an example to be described later, it may be determined that an overwriting part (for example, a postmark) exists when the amount of error correction is a predetermined ratio or more.

  If it is determined in S105 in FIG. 9B that no postmark exists, the process proceeds to Yes in S105, and the recorded information (for example, unique information and price information) stored in the information code 100 constituting the voucher P is determined. ) Is transmitted to the management apparatus 2 (S106). If such transmission is successful, the management apparatus 2 determines whether or not the transmitted record information is that of a properly issued voucher (S112).

  There are various determination methods in S112. For example, it is determined whether or not the transmitted unique information is the issued unique information that has been normally issued. It is determined that the certificate is issued, and the process proceeds to Yes in S112. On the other hand, if it is not the issued unique information, it is determined that it is not a properly issued voucher, and the process proceeds to No in S112. Note that the determination method of S112 is not limited to this example. For example, it is determined whether or not the combination of the unique information and the price information transmitted in S106 is a regular combination, and is a regular combination that has been issued. Is determined to be that of a properly issued certificate, the process proceeds to Yes in S112, and if it is not a regular combination that has been issued, it is determined that it is not of a properly issued certificate, and No in S112. You may make it progress to.

  When the process proceeds to Yes in S112, it is determined whether or not the unique information transmitted in S106 is not used (S113). In this configuration, every time it is determined that the authentication is successful in S108, the unique information of the voucher determined to be successful is registered as used. In the determination process of S113, the unique information transmitted in S106 is used. Judgment is made as to whether or not the registered unique information has been registered. If the unique information transmitted in S106 has been used, the process proceeds to No in S113, and in this case, authentication failure is determined (S107). On the other hand, if the unique information transmitted in S106 is not used, the process proceeds to Yes in S113, and in this case, it is determined that the authentication is successful (S108).

  In this configuration, the reading device 10 and the management device 2 correspond to an example of an authentication unit. Based on the reading result of the data recording area reading unit of the reading device 10 and the imaging result of the imaging unit of the reading device 10, imaging is performed. It functions to determine whether or not the certificate to be authenticated is a predetermined regular certificate, and more specifically, the result of reading the certificate related information in S42 by the data recording area reading unit (more specifically, , Based on the result of the decryption process by the data recording area reading unit), it functions to determine whether or not the imaged authentication target certificate is a regular certificate.

  Further, the reading device 10 and the management device 2 corresponding to the authentication unit record at least a part of the data recorded in the data recording area when the certificate P is generated by the management device 2 (generation device) as in S112. Data is acquired, and a data determination process is performed to determine whether the recorded data and the decoded data decoded by the data recording area reading unit are in a predetermined data matching state. On the condition that it is determined, it is determined that the certificate to be authenticated is a regular certificate.

  Furthermore, when the voucher is imaged by the imaging unit, the reading device 10 and the management device 2 corresponding to the authentication unit display an image of the voucher image display area in the voucher obtained by the imaging, as in S103 and S104. Then, predetermined image processing is performed, and it is determined whether or not the voucher is a regular voucher based on the result of the image processing.

[Modification 1 of the first embodiment]
The method for determining the postmark in S105 in FIG. 9B is not limited to the above-described example. For example, when there is an error of a predetermined ratio or more in a predetermined area, it is determined that there is a postmark, and when it is not It may be determined that there is no postmark.

  When this method is used, when the voucher P is generated by the management apparatus 2, a predetermined type of data is recorded in the data recording area and a mark M is added when the voucher P is used as shown in FIG. A first area AR1 (cross-hatched area shown in FIG. 13) to be formed and a second area AR2 (hatching area shown in FIG. 13) in which data of a type different from the data recorded in the first area is recorded. The voucher P may be generated with a configuration in which In this case, the voucher-related information (first identification information) such as the unique information and the type information (money information) described above is recorded in the second area AR2, and the other second information is recorded in the first area AR1. What is necessary is just to record identification information. In this case, the control circuit 40 corresponding to the overwrite determination unit, based on the result of error correction in the first area AR1 by the data recording area reading unit (that is, the result of error correction in S42) in the determination process of S105. It is only necessary to determine whether or not there is an overwriting part (part to which the mark M is attached). Specifically, when an error of a predetermined ratio or more has occurred in the first area AR1, the postmark (mark M ) Exist, otherwise it can be determined that there is no postmark.

[Modification 2 of the first embodiment]
The method for determining postmarking in S105 in FIG. 9B is not limited to the above-described example. For example, it becomes invisible or difficult to see in a visible light environment, and is irradiated with light in a predetermined wavelength band different from the wavelength band of visible light. Whether or not postmarking (overwriting) is performed may be determined based on whether or not special ink that can be visually recognized is applied.

  In the example of FIG. 14, an information code (for example, a bar code or a two-dimensional code) B formed by ultraviolet light emitting ink or infrared light emitting ink is postmarked. In step S105, the information code B is read while irradiating light having a wavelength corresponding to the special ink to which the postmark is applied. If the information code B is successfully read, it is determined that the postmark has been added. If reading of the information code B is not successful, it may be determined that the postmark is not attached. For example, when the operation is performed such that the information code B (postmark) shown in FIG. 14 is formed by ultraviolet light emitting ink, the reading device 10 images the stamp P while irradiating ultraviolet light, and the information code is displayed in the captured image. If the reading of B is successful, it is determined that the postmark has been added, and if the reading of the information code B is not successful, it can be determined that the postmark has not been added.

[Modification 3 of the first embodiment]
The specific content of the voucher generation flow in FIG. 9 (A) is different from the representative example of the first embodiment, and the authentication flow is as shown in FIG. 13 instead of FIG. 9 (B). . The rest is the same as the representative example of the first embodiment.

  In the third modification, the voucher is generated in the same flow as in FIG. Even in the third modification, the user operates a user terminal such as a computer arranged at home or work, or a portable computer (a mobile phone, a smartphone, a portable tablet terminal, or another portable computer) to provide a voucher. The request information is transmitted from the computer to the management apparatus 2 (S101). This request information includes information for specifying the type of voucher (for example, the amount of stamp) as well as the representative example, and further includes data of an image (voucher image) to be displayed in the voucher image display area. It is out.

  Then, the management apparatus 2 acquires such request information, and performs the process of generating the voucher P by the same method as that of the representative example (S110, FIG. 10). This generation process is different from the representative example only in that the image (designated image by the user) included in the request information is used as an image to be incorporated in the voucher image display area, and the other processing is the same as the representative example. Note that the transmission processing in S111 and the printing processing in S102 after the image data (print data) of the voucher P is generated in S110 are the same as the representative example.

  As described above, in the third modification, the image data of the voucher image transmitted from the predetermined user terminal to the management apparatus 2 (generation apparatus) is acquired by the management apparatus 2 and is configured by the image data acquired by the management apparatus 2. The information code 100 is generated by the information code generation unit so that the voucher image is displayed in the voucher image display area 121 in the code area.

  On the other hand, when using the voucher P, authentication is performed by the method of FIG. 15 instead of the method of FIG. 9B. In the authentication process of FIG. 15, the processes of S203 to S205 are the same as S103 to S106 of FIG. 9B, and the process of S212 is the same as the process of S112. The processing in S206 is the same as that in S106, but in S206, not only the data recording area information but also the image data in the voucher image display area (the image data extracted in S47) is sent to the management apparatus 2. Also send.

  And the determination process of S213 is added after the process of S212. Specifically, when the process proceeds to Yes in S212, the management apparatus 2 determines whether the image data in the voucher image display area is a voucher image of a voucher that has been issued normally (S213). There are various determination methods in S213. For example, it is determined whether or not the combination of the unique information transmitted in S206 and the image data of the voucher image display area is a regular combination. In this configuration, each time the management apparatus 2 generates and issues a certificate P in the process of S110, the unique information recorded in the issued certificate is associated with the certificate image (registered image) represented in the certificate. In S213, it is determined whether or not the combination of the specific information transmitted in S206 and the image data of the voucher image display area is a regular combination by referring to such registered contents. Become. Specifically, referring to the voucher image (registered image) associated with the unique information transmitted in S206, the voucher image (registered image) matches the image of the voucher image display area transmitted in S206. Judge whether to do. The determination of image matching may be a known pattern matching or the like, or a method of comparing feature points. If they match, the process proceeds to Yes in S213, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to No in S213. If the process proceeds to No in S213, it is determined that the authentication has failed (S107). If the process proceeds to Yes in S213, the process of S214 similar to S113 of the representative example is performed.

As described above, in this configuration, the reading device 10 and the management device 2 corresponding to the authentication unit capture the image incorporated in the voucher image display area when the voucher P is generated by the management device 2 and the image taken by the imaging unit. An image determination process for determining whether or not the image in the voucher image display area included in the voucher P is in a predetermined image matching state is performed on the condition that the image matching process determines that the image is in a matching state. It is determined that the voucher is a regular voucher.
[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
The voucher utilization system of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment with respect to the hardware configuration, and the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above is used.

  In the voucher utilization system of the second embodiment, an information code 200 as shown in FIG. 16B is generated by the management device 2 (voucher generating device) (see FIG. 1 and the like). Even in this configuration, a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern (position detection pattern 204) having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells, and a voucher image are provided. A voucher image display area 121 is provided.

  In this configuration, except for the configuration in the empty area 210, it is configured as a known QR code (registered trademark). First, as shown in FIG. 16A, a specific pattern area and data A recording area and an error correction code recording area for recording an error correction code by a plurality of types of cells are provided. The recording method of the data code word in the data recording area and the recording method of the error correction code word in the error correction code recording area are the same as those of the known QR code (registered trademark), for example, a method defined in JISX0510 The arrangement of the position detection pattern 204 in the code area, the arrangement of the data code word in the data recording area, and the arrangement of the error correction code word in the error correction code recording area are determined.

  However, as shown in FIG. 16 (A), an information code 200 ′ in which a code word of a partial region is configured as a code word expressed only by white cells is generated, and thus the region expressed only by white cells. With the AR as a free area 210, a voucher image display area 121 is provided in the free area 210 as shown in FIG. When configured in this way, the configuration is different from the original data display as shown in FIG. 16A, but the error in the data in the empty area 210 is corrected by the error correction recorded in the error correction code recording area. A known error correction may be performed using a code.

  Further, in the information code 200 shown in FIG. 16B, the position of the empty area 210 is specified in advance, and therefore, when the design and information are added and displayed in the empty area 210, the error position due to this display is set in advance. I know that. Therefore, the error correction code in the error correction code recording area can be configured to perform erasure correction using the position of the empty area 210 as the error position. In this case, information indicating the position of the vacant area 210 is recorded in the data recording area in advance, or stored in the reading apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) in advance, so that the reading apparatus 10 can read the vacant area at the time of reading. The position of 210 (that is, the position of the data code word in which an error has occurred) can be specified, and the reader 10 can determine the position of the data code word existing in the empty area 210 whose position is specified in this way. In order to correct the error, the erasure correction may be performed using the error correction code recorded in the error correction code recording area.

  Further, when a part of the existing QR code (registered trademark) is configured as the empty area 210 as shown in FIG. 16, the identification information as shown in FIG. 18A is included in the data recorded in the data recording area. Just keep it. FIG. 18A conceptually shows the structure of the data to be decrypted recorded in the data recording area. In this example, data of a predetermined structure (%% IMAGE %%) is present at the beginning of the data to be decrypted. It is attached. With this configuration, the reader 10 detects the image in the voucher image display area 121 when detecting this identification information (%% IMAGE %%) from the decryption target data recorded in the data recording area. The recognition process can be performed. Conversely, when the identification information (%% IMAGE %%) cannot be detected, the normal decoding process is performed. In this example, it is desirable that the data in the data recording area includes position data for specifying the position of the image area and other accompanying information in addition to the normal data. Further, the data shown in FIG. 18 (A) indicates the data to be decoded that is arranged before the end terminal in the data recorded in the data recording area, and the padding that is arranged after the end terminal. The code is omitted. In this configuration, for example, the entire area of the padding code can be displayed with only white cells, and this area can be handled as the empty area 210.

  Moreover, the example of identification information is not restricted to this example, For example, you may make it use a mode number for exclusive use as a mode number. For example, in the QR code standard, 1: numerical mode, 2: alphanumeric mode, 3: concatenation mode, etc. are defined, and 14: image recognition mode may be provided as one of such mode numbers. Good. In such an example, when the mode number “14” is set, the image recognition process of the voucher image display area 121 may be performed.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described.
The voucher utilization system of the third embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment in terms of hardware configuration, and the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above is used.

  In the voucher utilization system of the third embodiment, an information code 300 as shown in FIG. 17B is generated by the management device 2 (voucher generation device) (see FIG. 1 and the like). Even in this configuration, a specific pattern having a predetermined shape (L-shaped alignment pattern 304a and light cells and dark cells are alternately arranged one by one inside the code region, and L along the boundary of the code region. A specific pattern area in which a timing pattern (timing cell) 304b) constituting a character-shaped area is arranged, and a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells are provided. The empty area 310 in which at least one of data recording and design display can be performed at a position different from the method of recording data in the data recording area is set to a predetermined size larger than the size of a single cell. Is provided.

  In this configuration, except for the configuration of the empty area 310, it is configured as a known data matrix code. First, as shown in FIG. 17A, inside the code area, a specific pattern area, a data recording area, An error correction code recording area for recording an error correction code by a plurality of types of cells is provided. The recording method of the data code word in the data recording area and the recording method of the error correction code word in the error correction code recording area are the same as the known data matrix code, and the alignment pattern 304a and timing pattern 304b in the code area. The arrangement of the data code word in the data recording area and the arrangement of the error correction code word in the error correction code recording area are determined in accordance with, for example, the ECC200 version.

  However, as shown in FIG. 17A, an information code 300 ′ in which a code word of a partial region is configured as a code word represented only by white cells is generated, and thus the region represented only by white cells. AR is a free area 310, and a voucher image display area 121 is provided in the free area 310 as shown in FIG. When the voucher image display area 121 is provided in the empty area 310 as shown in FIG. 17B, the configuration is different from the original data display as shown in FIG. 17A, but the data in the empty area 310 is displayed. As for the error, a known error correction may be performed using the error correction code recorded in the error correction code recording area.

  In the information code 300 shown in FIG. 17B, the position of the empty area 310 is specified in advance. Therefore, when a design or information is added to the empty area 310 and displayed, the error position by this display is set in advance. I know that. Therefore, the error correction code in the error correction code recording area can be configured to perform erasure correction using the position of the empty area 310 as the error position. In this case, information indicating the position of the empty area 310 is recorded in the data recording area in advance, or is stored in the reading apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) in advance, so that the reading apparatus 10 can read the empty area at the time of reading. The position of 310 (that is, the position of the data code word in which an error has occurred) can be specified, and the reader 10 can determine the position of the data code word existing in the empty area 310 in which the position is specified in this way. In order to correct the error, the erasure correction may be performed using the error correction code recorded in the error correction code recording area.

  Further, when a part of the existing data matrix code is configured as the empty area 310 as shown in FIG. 17, the identification information as shown in FIG. 18B is included in the data recorded in the data recording area. Good. FIG. 18B conceptually shows the structure of the data to be decrypted recorded in the data recording area. In this example, data of a predetermined structure (%% IMAGE %%) is present at the beginning of the data to be decrypted. It is attached. With this configuration, the reader 10 detects the image in the voucher image display area 121 when detecting this identification information (%% IMAGE %%) from the decryption target data recorded in the data recording area. The recognition process can be performed. Conversely, when the identification information (%% IMAGE %%) cannot be detected, the normal decoding process is performed. In this example, it is desirable that the data in the data recording area includes position data for specifying the position of the image area and other accompanying information in addition to the normal data.

  Moreover, the example of identification information is not restricted to this example, For example, you may make it use a codeword for exclusive use. As the specification of the data matrix code, for example, when 0 to 128 is defined as an ASCII character and 233 is a connection mode, “234” may be newly defined as a special code word for image recognition. In such an example, when the code word “234” is included in the data in the data recording area, the image recognition process of the voucher image display area 121 may be performed. In addition, when there is an unused code word, the unused code word is included as identification information, and when the unused code word is included in the data of the data recording area, the voucher image display area 121 is displayed. The image recognition process may be performed.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the specific contents of the voucher to be generated, and the voucher generation method and reading method are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The voucher P generated by the voucher utilization system according to the fourth embodiment is configured as an admission ticket at an art museum, an aquarium, a science hall, an amusement park, other facilities or events, as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 19, for example, in a medium such as paper having a longitudinal shape, a specific pattern region and a cell arrangement region other than the specific pattern are provided in a rectangular frame shape along the vicinity of the outer edge of the medium. . In this configuration, a voucher image display area 121 showing the contents of a ticket as an image is provided at the center, and a specific pattern area and a cell arrangement area other than the specific pattern are provided in a ring shape around the area. In this example, for example, when the management device 2 generates the voucher P, the user desires to acquire an image specified by the user (for example, a photograph taken by the user in the past at the facility or the like). The image to be performed can be arbitrarily incorporated in the voucher P. Forming a voucher incorporating an original image in this way is useful for various purposes such as gifts.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the first embodiment and the like, the position data indicating the position of the information input area (for example, the image area position information shown in FIG. 3) is included in the information code 100. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. I can't. For example, the management device 2 (the voucher generating device) may be configured to generate the information code so that the image area is arranged at a predetermined position in the empty area. In this case, information for specifying a predetermined position (information such as image region position information shown in FIG. 3) may be stored in the storage unit 5. Further, in this case, the voucher reading device 10 stores in the memory 35 specific information (information such as image area position information shown in FIG. 3) for specifying a predetermined position, as in the management device 2 (voucher generating device). Just keep it. Then, the voucher reading device 10 reads out such specific information from the memory 35 in S45 of FIG. 9 to specify the information input area, and then performs the subsequent processing. In this case, the image area position information shown in FIG. 3 may not be included in the header data.

  The present invention can also be configured as a display device capable of displaying any one, plural, or all of the information codes described above. Moreover, it can also be configured as a printing apparatus capable of printing any one, plural or all of the information codes described above. Furthermore, it can also be configured as a computer-readable program for generating any one, plural or all of the information codes described above. Moreover, it can also be comprised as a recording medium which recorded the program for producing | generating the 1 or several or all the information code mentioned above. Furthermore, it can also be grasped as an information code medium (a printed material, a formed material formed by direct marking, etc.) to which one or a plurality of or all information codes are attached. Moreover, it can also be grasped as a display image on which one, a plurality, or all of the information codes described above are displayed.

  In the configuration of FIG. 1 and the like, an example is shown in which the management device 2 (the certificate generation device) and the certificate reading device 10 are configured as separate devices, but the management device 2 (the certificate generation device) is configured as the certificate reading device 10. May be. Further, the management device 2 (the voucher generating device) may be constituted by a plurality of devices, and the voucher reading device 10 may be constituted by a plurality of devices.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the empty area 110 is provided in the center of the code area has been described. However, the arrangement of the empty area 110 is not limited to this example. Similarly, the position of the voucher image display area 121 is not limited to the above example. For example, an empty area may be provided near the periphery of the code area, and the voucher image display area 121 may be provided at this position. In addition, as the design of the image area, various other designs can be adopted as long as the configuration includes a figure, a pattern, a color, or a combination thereof. In addition, when information is displayed instead of the design or together with the design, the contents of the information are various.

  In the above embodiment, a QR code is taken as an example of the other type code, and a specific pattern of the QR code is given as an example of the specific pattern used in the information code 100. However, other types of two-dimensional codes may be used. For example, a data matrix code may be used as the other type code, and a specific pattern used in the information code 100 may be used as the specific pattern of the data matrix code.

  The correspondence in the arrangement conversion table set as shown in FIG. 5 can be arbitrarily changed as shown in FIG. For example, when the arrangement conversion table set as shown in FIG. 5 in the management device 2 (voucher generating device) and the voucher reading device 10 is changed as shown in FIG. 5 is recorded from the arrangement shown in the right figure of FIG. 5 (the arrangement recorded in the 22nd to 23rd arrangement candidate positions) to the arrangement shown in the right figure of FIG. This changes the position and shape of the empty area 110. In this case, the arrangement candidate positions Nos. 22 to 23 may be empty areas, or arrangement positions of other code words. That is, in this configuration, the position and shape of the empty area 110 can be adjusted by adjusting the arrangement conversion table, and the degree of freedom in configuring the empty area can be further increased.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the empty area 110 is provided and the image area is provided in the empty area 110 has been described. For example, an image as described above is provided by overwriting or the like in a cell arrangement area of a general two-dimensional code (for example, QR code) capable of error correction, and error correction is performed on data in the area crushed by such an image area. You may make it restore by.

  In the above embodiment, an example of the “code area” is shown. However, the “code area” may be a minimum square area or rectangular area that includes all of the plurality of types of cells constituting the information code, and the inner edge of the code area. The cell may not be arranged in a part of the part. For example, as shown in the information code 800 of FIG. 20, the empty area 810 may be formed adjacent to the peripheral edge of the code area. In this case, the minimum square area or rectangular area including all of the plurality of types of cells constituting the information code 800 is as indicated by a one-dot chain line AR, and the outer edge of the empty area 810 is as indicated by a two-dot chain line AR2, for example. A part or all of the empty area 810 corresponds to the voucher image display area 121. Further, the voucher image display area 121 only needs to exist at least partially in the code area, and the remaining portion is outside the code area as in the voucher image display area 121 (display area with the solid line AR3 as a boundary) in FIG. It may be the configuration as exists in FIG. In the example as shown in FIG. 21, information specifying what range the voucher image display area 121 is in advance may be recorded in the data recording area.

  In the above embodiment, a bright cell such as a white cell and a dark cell such as a black cell are exemplified as a plurality of types of cells constituting the code area. However, a specific pattern area, a data recording area, and an error correction code in the code area are exemplified. The recording area may be configured as a first type cell having a predetermined density, luminance, and color, and a second type cell that is different in density, luminance, or color from the first type cell. Alternatively, the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and the error correction code recording area in the code area may be configured by three or more types of cells each having different density, luminance, or color.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which a plurality of cells having a square outer shape are arranged in the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and the error correction code recording area in the code area has been described. However, the outer shape of each cell is a square other than a square. It may be a polygon other than a rectangle, or a figure such as a circle or an ellipse.

  In the above embodiment, the position detection pattern 104, the timing pattern 106, the alignment pattern 108, and the like are illustrated as examples of the specific pattern. However, the area is configured as a fixed pattern regardless of the contents of the data recording area and the error correction code recording area. If so, the figure constituting the specific pattern may be another unique figure.

  In the above embodiment, an example of an empty area is shown. However, an empty area is an area where data to be decoded is not recorded by a cell, and information display or image display is performed by a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area. Any area may be used as long as it is a display area. For example, as in the first embodiment, a vacant area may be configured as an area where no code word is arranged. In a known QR code, an error correction code word that represents an error correction code or data to be decoded is used. An area where a data code word to be expressed is not arranged and a padding code word is arranged may be a free area. Further, in any free area, “information display by a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area by cell” can be performed, and this information display is exemplified in the above embodiment. In addition to information, other information such as letters, numbers, and other symbols may be used, or a method of displaying information that represents a specific product or service by a trademark or the like may be used. Further, in the free area, “image display by a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area by cell” can be performed, and the display of this image is not limited to the image exemplified in the above embodiment, Various shapes, patterns, colors, combinations thereof, and the like can be represented.

Further, the information code constituting the voucher P may be configured as an information code 900 in FIG. In this example, the same empty area as that of the first embodiment is provided, but only the specification of the empty area is different from that of the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 22, specific contents of areas other than some specific patterns are omitted, and in fact, light cells and dark cells are arranged in an external area outside the empty area 910. Become. In the free space 910, for example, an image similar to the free space 110 of the first embodiment or an image similar to the free space of other embodiments is displayed.
Also in this configuration, a plurality of model numbers are prepared for the type of the information code 900. For each model number, the number of rows and columns of cells, the shape and position of a specific pattern, the position of format information, and the candidate position (address) of a code word Is predetermined. When the management apparatus 2 generates the information code 900, the model number information is arranged at a predetermined position in the code area (the reserved area 107 in the example of FIG. 22). Therefore, when the reading device 10 reads the information code 900, the code image of the information code 900 is analyzed, and the model number information arranged at a predetermined position is read, so that the number of rows and columns of cells of the information code 900, The shape and position of the specific pattern, the position of the format information, and the candidate position (address) of the code word can be grasped.
When generating the information code 900, one of the model numbers is selected from a plurality of model numbers prepared in advance. Thereby, the basic configuration (the position of the specific pattern 104, the number of rows and columns of cells, the candidate position of the code word) in the code area is determined. For example, the model number of the configuration shown in FIG. 22 has a cell array of 29 rows and 29 columns, and a specific pattern 104 having the same structure as a QR code (registered trademark) cut-out symbol at three predetermined corners. Is arranged. An area (predetermined position 105) for recording format information is provided at a predetermined position near the specific pattern 104. In addition, in the 29 × 29 matrix area, codeword candidate positions are determined in advance at positions other than the specific pattern 104 and the predetermined position 105, and addresses from 0 to 67 are assigned to the candidate positions. . In this way, since the configuration in the code area is defined in advance in the configuration corresponding to the model number, if the model number is specified, it is possible to specify which order code word is arranged at which position. Become. The information of the determined model number is recorded at a predetermined fixed position in the model number array. For example, in the example of FIG. 22, model number information is recorded in an area 107 specified by a predetermined type of hatching.
After the model number is determined and the basic configuration in the code area is determined, the shape and position of the empty area are determined. The method for determining the shape of the vacant area may be determined by, for example, a method of selecting from a plurality of candidate shapes prepared in advance, or input from the outside to the management device 2 (the voucher generating device) You may determine by the system set to the shape according to shape designation information. Or you may determine only to the fixed shape decided. Further, the position of the empty area may be determined as a predetermined fixed position, or may be determined by inputting information for designating the position by the user.
After the vacant area is determined, the information code 900 is configured such that the code word in the data recording area and the code word in the error correction code recording area are respectively arranged at the candidate position of the code word that deviates from the determined position of the vacant area. Is generated. For example, in the model number configured as shown in FIG. 22, specific patterns 104 are arranged at three corners, and 68 codeword candidates numbered 0 to 67 with reference to the positions of these specific patterns 104 are used. The position is defined in advance. In such a layout, when the empty area 910 is determined as shown in FIG. 22, the candidate position of the code word that at least partially enters the empty area 910 is excluded from the arrangement target position, and the position of the excluded code word The code words are arranged in order as if skipping. For example, in the example of FIG. 22, since the empty area 910 is set so as to enter the candidate positions of the codewords 50, 51, 53, 54, and 60 to 67, these 50, 51, 53, Code words are not arranged at the candidate positions of the 54th and 60th to 67th codewords. That is, after the code words are arranged in order at positions 0 to 49, the code words 50 and 51 are skipped and the code words are arranged at the position 52, and then the codes 53 and 54 are skipped and the codes 55 to 59 are skipped. The code words are arranged in order at the positions. In this way, the data code word obtained by encoding the data to be decoded and the error correction code word representing the error correction code can be reliably arranged at the candidate positions outside the empty area 910.
After determining the specific pattern area (specific pattern 104 or other specific pattern area), the format area (predetermined position 105), the model number area 107, each codeword area, and the like, the specific contents of the empty area 910 are determined. To decide. In this information code 900 as well, an information code 900 having the same function as in FIG. 1 can be configured by representing an image similar to the empty area 110 in the empty area 910. Note that the method of using the information code 900 is the same as in the first embodiment and other embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Certificate utilization system 2 ... Management apparatus (certificate generation apparatus, authentication part 3 ... Control part 10 ... Certificate reading apparatus (authentication part)
23. Light receiving sensor (imaging unit)
40. Control circuit (data recording area reading unit)
100, 200, 300, 400, 800, 900 ... information code 102 ... cell 104 ... position detection pattern (specific pattern)
110 ... Empty area (image area)
P ... Voucher

Claims (41)

A voucher generation method for generating a voucher by a generation device including an information code generation unit,
An information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area is generated by the information code generation unit,
When the information code is generated by the information code generator, a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, and data that records data by a plurality of types of the cells A voucher generating method, characterized by providing a recording area and a voucher image display area in which a voucher image is displayed.   When the information code is generated by the information code generation unit, specific information uniquely determined in the voucher represented by the image of the voucher image display area, or the type of voucher represented by the image of the voucher image display area The voucher generating method according to claim 1, wherein voucher related information including at least one of identifiable type information is recorded in the data recording area.   3. The voucher generation method according to claim 2, wherein when the information code is generated by the information code generation unit, the voucher-related information is recorded in the data recording area in an encrypted state.   The price information indicating the price of the voucher represented by the image in the voucher image display area is recorded in the data recording area when the information code is generated by the information code generation unit. Item 4. The method for generating a voucher according to any one of Items 3 to 4.   When the information code is generated by the information code generator, an empty area that is an area in which the data to be decoded is not recorded by the cell is provided at a position other than the specific pattern area and the data recording area within the code area. 5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the voucher image display area is configured to be larger than a single cell and the voucher image display area is represented in the empty area. How to generate the voucher described in 1.   The position data indicating the position of the voucher image display area in the code area is recorded in the data recording area when the information code is generated by the information code generation unit. Item 6. The method of generating a voucher according to any one of Items5. The image data of the voucher image transmitted from the predetermined user terminal to the generation device is acquired by the generation device,
The information code generation unit generates the information code so that the voucher image constituted by the image data acquired by the generation device is represented in the voucher image display area in the code area. The method for generating a voucher according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   2. When generating the information code by the information code generation unit, the specific pattern region and a cell array region other than the specific pattern are arranged in a ring around the voucher image display region. The method for generating a voucher according to claim 7.   When generating the information code by the information code generator, a first area in which a predetermined type of data is recorded in the data recording area and a mark is to be additionally formed when using the voucher; 9. The voucher generating method according to claim 1, further comprising: a second area in which data of a different type from the data recorded in the first area is recorded. An information code formed by arranging cells as units for displaying information inside a predetermined code area,
Inside the code area, a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged, a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells, and a voucher image display area in which a voucher image is displayed , A voucher characterized by being provided.   11. The voucher-related information including at least one of specific information uniquely determined in the voucher or type information that can identify the type of the voucher is recorded in the data recording area. Voucher of description.   12. The voucher according to claim 11, wherein the voucher-related information is recorded in the data recording area in an encrypted state.   The voucher according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein price information indicating a price of the voucher is recorded in the data recording area.   In the code area, an empty area, which is an area where the data to be decoded is not recorded by the cell, is provided at a position larger than the size of the single cell at a position other than the specific pattern area and the data recording area. The voucher according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the voucher image display area is provided in the empty area.   The voucher according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein position data indicating a position of the voucher image display area within the code area is recorded in the data recording area.   The voucher according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the specific pattern area and the cell arrangement area other than the specific pattern are arranged in a ring around the voucher image display area. .   In the data recording area, a predetermined type of data is recorded, and a first area in which a mark is to be additionally formed when the voucher is used, and a different type of data from the data recorded in the first area. The voucher according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein a second area to be recorded is provided. A voucher to be read includes an information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area, and a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area. A specific pattern area, a data recording area for recording data by a plurality of types of cells, and a voucher image display area in which a voucher image is displayed,
An imaging unit capable of imaging the voucher;
A data recording area reading unit that reads data recorded in the data recording area in the information code of the imaged voucher when the voucher is imaged by the imaging unit;
A voucher reading system comprising:   19. The voucher reading system according to claim 18, further comprising an authentication unit that determines whether the voucher is a predetermined regular voucher based on the image of the voucher imaged by the imaging unit. The voucher is recorded in the data recording area, voucher related information including at least one of specific information uniquely defined in the voucher, or type information that can identify the type of the voucher,
The data recording area reading unit is configured to read the voucher related information from the data recording area,
The voucher reading system according to claim 19, wherein the authentication unit determines whether or not the voucher is the regular voucher based on a result of reading the voucher-related information by the data recording area reading unit. . The voucher is recorded in the data recording area in a state where the voucher related information is encrypted,
The data recording area reading unit performs a predetermined decryption process on the data recording area,
21. The voucher reading system according to claim 20, wherein the authentication unit determines whether or not the voucher is the regular voucher based on a result of the decryption process performed by the data recording area reading unit.   When the voucher is imaged by the imaging unit, the authentication unit performs predetermined image processing on the image of the voucher image display area in the voucher obtained by the imaging, and results of the image processing The voucher reading system according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the voucher is determined whether or not the voucher is the regular voucher.   When the voucher is imaged by the imaging unit, the voucher has an overwrite determination unit that analyzes an image in the voucher obtained by the imaging and determines whether or not a predetermined overwrite unit exists. The voucher reading system according to any one of claims 18 to 22. The voucher is provided with an error correction code recording area in which an error correction code is recorded by a plurality of types of cells inside the code area,
The data recording area reading unit is configured to perform error correction on data in the data recording area based on the error correction code recorded in the error correction code recording area,
24. The voucher reading system according to claim 23, wherein the overwrite determination unit determines whether or not the overwrite unit exists based on an error correction result by the data recording area reading unit. The voucher is different from the first area in which a predetermined type of data is recorded in the data recording area and a mark is additionally formed when the voucher is used, and the data recorded in the first area. And a second area in which data of a type is recorded,
25. The voucher according to claim 24, wherein the overwrite determination unit determines whether or not the overwrite unit exists based on an error correction result in the first area by the data recording area reading unit. Reading system. The voucher is one in which price information indicating the price of the voucher is recorded in the data recording area,
The voucher reading system according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the data recording area reading unit is configured to read the price information from the data recording area.   In the voucher, an empty area in which the data to be decoded is not recorded by the cell at a position other than the specific pattern area and the data recording area inside the code area is larger than the size of the single cell. 27. The voucher reading system according to any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the voucher image display area is provided in a size and the voucher image display area is provided in the empty area. The voucher is obtained by recording position data indicating the position of the voucher image display area in the code area in the data recording area,
The data recording area reading unit is configured to read the position data from the data recording area,
Furthermore, an image extraction unit is provided that identifies the position of the voucher image display area based on the position data read by the data recording area reading unit and extracts an image of the voucher image display area. 28. The voucher reading system according to any one of claims 18 to 27, wherein: A generating device for generating a voucher;
A reading device for reading the voucher generated by the generating device;
With
The generator is
An information code generating unit that generates an information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area;
When the information code is generated by the information code generator, a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, and data that records data by a plurality of types of the cells Generating the voucher with a configuration in which a recording area and a voucher image display area on which a voucher image is displayed are provided;
The reader is
An imaging unit capable of imaging the voucher;
A data recording area reading unit that reads data recorded in the data recording area in the information code of the imaged voucher when the voucher is imaged by the imaging unit;
The voucher utilization system characterized by having.   An authentication unit that determines whether or not the voucher is a predetermined regular voucher based on at least one of a reading result of the data recording area reading unit of the reading device and an imaging result of the imaging unit of the reading device 30. The voucher utilization system according to claim 29, comprising: When the information code is generated by the information code generation unit, the generation device expresses unique information uniquely defined in a voucher represented by an image in the voucher image display area or an image in the voucher image display area. Voucher related information including at least one of the type information that can identify the type of voucher to be recorded is recorded in the data recording area,
The data recording area reading unit of the reading device is configured to read the voucher related information from the data recording area,
The voucher utilization system according to claim 30, wherein the authentication unit determines whether or not the voucher is the regular voucher based on a result of reading the voucher-related information by the data recording area reading unit. . When generating the information code by the information code generation unit, the generating device records the voucher related information in an encrypted state in the data recording area,
The data recording area reading unit of the reading device performs a predetermined decryption process on the data recording area,
32. The voucher utilization system according to claim 31, wherein the authentication unit determines whether or not the voucher is the regular voucher based on a result of the decryption processing by the data recording area reading unit.   The authentication unit obtains at least a part of the recorded data recorded in the data recording area when the voucher is generated by the generating device, and is decoded by the recorded data and the data recording area reading unit. A data judgment process for judging whether or not the decoded data is in a predetermined data coincidence state, and that the voucher is the regular voucher on the condition that the data coincidence state is judged by the data judgment process 33. The voucher utilization system according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the voucher use system is determined.   When the voucher is imaged by the imaging unit, the authentication unit performs predetermined image processing on the image of the voucher image display area in the voucher obtained by the imaging, and results of the image processing 34. The voucher utilization system according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the voucher is determined whether or not the voucher is the regular voucher.   The authentication unit has an image embedded in the voucher image display area when the voucher is generated by the generating device and an image of the voucher image display area included in the voucher imaged by the imaging unit. Determining whether or not the image is in the image matching state, and determining that the voucher is the regular voucher on condition that the image determination processing determines that the image matches the image. The voucher utilization system according to claim 34, characterized in that the voucher is used.   When the voucher is imaged by the imaging unit, the voucher has an overwrite determination unit that analyzes an image in the voucher obtained by the imaging and determines whether or not a predetermined overwrite unit exists. The voucher utilization system according to any one of claims 29 to 35. The generation device generates the voucher in a configuration in which an error correction code recording area in which error correction codes are recorded by a plurality of types of cells is provided in the code area,
The data recording area reading unit of the reading device is configured to perform error correction on data in the data recording area based on the error correction code recorded in the error correction code recording area,
37. The voucher utilization system according to claim 36, wherein the overwrite determination unit determines whether or not the overwrite unit exists based on an error correction result by the data recording area reading unit. In the data recording area, the generating device records a predetermined type of data and a first area in which a mark is to be additionally formed when the voucher is used, and data recorded in the first area Generating the voucher in a configuration provided with a second area in which different types of data are recorded;
38. The voucher according to claim 37, wherein the overwrite determination unit determines whether or not the overwrite unit exists based on an error correction result in the first area by the data recording area reading unit. Usage system. The generation device generates the voucher with a configuration in which price information indicating a price of the voucher is recorded in the data recording area,
The voucher utilization system according to any one of claims 29 to 38, wherein the data recording area reading unit of the reading device is configured to read the price information from the data recording area.   The generation device may include an empty area in the code area other than the specific pattern area and the data recording area, which is an area where the data to be decoded is not recorded by the cell, rather than a single size of the cell. 40. The voucher utilization system according to any one of claims 29 to 39, wherein the voucher is generated with a configuration in which the voucher image display area is provided in the empty area and the voucher image display area is provided. The generation device generates the voucher with a configuration in which position data indicating a position of the voucher image display area in the code area is recorded in the data recording area,
The data recording area reading unit of the reading device is configured to read the position data from the data recording area,
Furthermore, an image extraction unit is provided that identifies the position of the voucher image display area based on the position data read by the data recording area reading unit and extracts an image of the voucher image display area. 41. The voucher utilization system according to any one of claims 29 to 40, wherein:

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