JP2017102960A - Information code and information code reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information code difficult for an ordinary reader to read while being capable of being reliably read when a specific reader is used to read the information code.SOLUTION: A plurality of bright color modules indicating reflection properties of bright color and dark color modules indicating reflection properties of dark color when light in a second wavelength band is emitted is arranged within a code region 20. On the aforementioned predetermined region out of this code region 20, a covering part 11 is provided so as to permeate catoptric light from each module constituting the code region 20 and prevent light in a first wavelength band from being permeated when the light in the second wavelength band is emitted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

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

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

JP 2007-115105 A

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a QR code region cannot be determined (cut out) by adding a frame portion to a margin portion of a QR code positioning mark (position detection region). Specifically, the frame portion is printed on an adhesive seal that can be peeled off from the base material on which the QR code is printed, and the adhesive seal that constitutes the frame portion is attached to the margin portion in this way, While the appearance of the appearance is visible from the outside, it is made unreadable. Then, the QR code can be changed to be readable by peeling off the adhesive seal.

  However, when the technique of Patent Document 1 is adopted as a technique for adding a security function, when the adhesive seal is peeled off from the information code, this information code is normal, and information can be easily obtained from this information code. Can be read. For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult for only a specific user to read the information.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is to make reading with a general reading device difficult, while performing reading with a specific reading device. In some cases, it is an object to provide an information code and an information code reader that can be read reliably.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 of the scope of claims
When light of a second wavelength band different from the light of the first wavelength band is irradiated, a plurality of light color modules showing light color reflection characteristics and dark color modules showing dark color reflection characteristics are arranged in the code area. An information code,
A plurality of the light color modules constituting the code area when the light of the second wavelength band is irradiated onto a predetermined area where the information code cannot be decoded by being shielded from light in the code area, and A coating portion that transmits reflected light from the dark color module and prevents transmission of light in the first wavelength band is provided,
The covering portion is configured to have a character shape.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of light color modules showing light color reflection characteristics and dark color modules showing dark color reflection characteristics are arranged in the code region when light in the second wavelength band is irradiated. ing. The reflected light from a plurality of light color modules and dark color modules constituting the code area is transmitted to the predetermined area of the code area when the light of the second wavelength band is irradiated. A covering portion that prevents transmission of light is provided, and the covering portion is configured to have a character shape.

The information code configured as described above can illuminate the light in the second wavelength band because the code region from which the covering portion has been removed can be imaged by being irradiated with the light in the second wavelength band. Specific information can be read from the code area by a specific reading device. On the other hand, in a general reading device, since the code area cannot be completely imaged because of being blocked by the covering portion, the information code cannot be decoded or is difficult to decode. For this reason, only the specific user who uses the specific reader can read the specific information, and the security of the information code can be improved.
Therefore, it is difficult to read the information code by a general reading device. On the other hand, when reading is performed using a specific reading device capable of illuminating the light in the second wavelength band, the information code can be read reliably. it can.
In particular, even if the vicinity of the information code is copied by a copying machine or general camera photography, the code area can be decoded for the covering part (that is, the light color module and the dark color module are separated). Can't be duplicated (if possible). Therefore, data leakage, diversion, and the like due to information code duplication can be effectively prevented.

It is a block diagram which illustrates roughly the principal part of the information code reading device which reads the information code concerning a 1st embodiment. 2A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an information code according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where a covering portion is removed from the information code of FIG. 2A. FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the information code which concerns on the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of an information code according to the second modification of the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the information code which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an information code according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where a covering portion is removed from the information code of FIG. 6A. FIG. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an information code according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where a covering portion is removed from the information code of FIG. 7A. FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the information code which concerns on the 1st modification of 4th Embodiment, FIG. 8 (A) shows the state which apply | coated the base | substrate, FIG.8 (B) shows QR code on a base | substrate. Indicates the printed state. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an information code according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the covering portion is removed from the information code of FIG. 9A. FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the information code which concerns on 6th Embodiment, FIG. 10 (A) shows the state which isolate | separated the code area | region and the coating | coated part, FIG.10 (B) is a part of code area | region. The state which coat | covered with the coating | coated part is shown. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the information code which concerns on the 1st modification of 6th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the information code which concerns on 7th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the information code which concerns on 8th Embodiment. FIG. 14A is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a first modification of the information code used in the eighth embodiment, and FIG. 14B illustrates the information code used in the eighth embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates roughly a 2nd modification. It is a flowchart which illustrates the reading process in the information code reading apparatus which concerns on 9th Embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Information code)
FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information code 10 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a state in which the covering portion 11 is removed from the information code 10 of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the information code 10 includes a code area 20 composed of a plurality of light color modules and dark color modules, and a covering portion 11 that covers a part of the code area 20. .

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the code area 20 has a plurality of light color modules and dark color modules configured as square areas arranged in a matrix like the QR code. The whole is configured as a rectangular area.

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

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

  Further, the covering portion 11 is arranged so as to cover most of the data area 21 as a predetermined area in which the code area 20 becomes unreadable by being shielded from light in the code area 20. This covering portion 11 transmits ink reflected from each module constituting the code region 20 when irradiated with the light of the second wavelength band, and prevents the transmission of the light of the first wavelength band, For example, it is configured by applying infrared transmission ink or the like. For this reason, in the normal state where the visible light is dominant, as shown in FIG. 2A, most of the data area 21 is visually recognized so as to be hidden by the covering portion 11. Note that the covering unit 11 is disposed so as to cover, for example, about 30% of the area occupied by the data area 21 so that it cannot be decoded even when error correction processing that is generally applied is performed.

(Specific example of reading work)
Next, a specific example of a reading operation for optically reading the information code 10 configured as described above using the information code reader 40 will be described.
First, when information for starting a reading operation is input to the control unit 41 by operating the operation unit 47 of the information code reading device 40, the second control unit 41 controls the second illumination light source 44 to perform the second operation. Light of a wavelength band is irradiated. When the information code 10 is imaged by the imaging unit 42 in a state where the information code 10 is irradiated with the light of the second wavelength band, the light of the second wavelength band is transmitted through the coating unit 11, and thus the coating unit 11. The code area 20 excluding is picked up.

  Since the code area 20 thus imaged so as to exclude the covering portion 11 has the same configuration as a general QR code, the code area 20 is subjected to a known decoding process to thereby execute the code area 20. The area 20, that is, the information code 10 can be decoded to obtain specific information.

  On the other hand, when the information code 10 is imaged using a general reading device, the code area 20 in which the predetermined area is covered with the covering portion 11 is imaged. For this reason, the code area | region 20 cannot be decoded and the reading of the said information code 10 by a general reader can be made difficult.

  As described above, in the information code 10 according to the present embodiment, when the light of the second wavelength band is irradiated in the code region 20, the light color module that exhibits the light color reflection characteristics and the dark color reflection. A plurality of dark color modules exhibiting characteristics are arranged. When the light of the second wavelength band is irradiated on the predetermined area of the code area 20, the reflected light from each module constituting the code area 20 is transmitted, and the light of the first wavelength band is transmitted. The coating | coated part 11 which prevents is provided.

The information code 10 configured as described above can shoot the code region 20 from which the covering portion 11 has been removed by irradiating the light of the second wavelength band. Specific information can be read from the code area 20 by the information code reader 40 that can illuminate the light. On the other hand, in a general reading device, since the code area 20 cannot be completely imaged because of being obstructed by the covering portion 11, the information code 10 becomes unreadable or difficult to decode. Therefore, only a specific user who uses the information code reader 40 can read the specific information, and the security of the information code 10 can be improved.
Therefore, it is difficult to read the information code 10 by a general reading device. On the other hand, when reading is performed using the information code reading device 40 capable of illuminating the light in the second wavelength band, the information code 10 is reliably read. be able to.
In particular, even if the vicinity of the information code 10 is copied by a copying machine or general camera photography, the code area 20 can be decoded for the covering portion 11 (that is, the light color module and the dark color module are separated). Will not be able to be replicated (in a decipherable form). Therefore, data leakage, diversion, and the like due to duplication of the information code 10 can be effectively prevented.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information code 10 according to the first modification of the first embodiment.
As a first modification of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the covering portion 11 is a position detection pattern 22 c as a predetermined area in which the code area 20 becomes unreadable by being shielded from light. It may be arranged so as to cover. Even in this case, the code area 20 cannot be decoded except when the information code reader 40 is used, so that the information code 10 can be more difficult to be read by a general reader.

  Further, the covering portion 11 may be disposed so as to cover at least one of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c as the predetermined region, or may be disposed so as to cover at least one of the format codes 23a to 23d. The above effects are achieved. The position detection patterns 22a to 22c correspond to an example of “position detection area” described in the claims, and the format codes 23a to 23d correspond to an example of “format information area” described in the claims. It can be equivalent.

  In addition, when each module of the code area 20 is configured as a data matrix code, a maxi code, an Aztec code, or the like, the covering unit 11 sets most of the data area as a predetermined area where the code area 20 cannot be decoded. Even if it is arranged so as to cover at least a part of the position detection pattern that constitutes a part of each code, the above-described effect is obtained.

4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the information code 10 according to the second modification of the first embodiment.
As a second modification of the first embodiment, the code area 20a is configured so that a plurality of characters formed by arranging a plurality of light color modules and dark color modules are arranged along the reading direction, like a bar code. May be.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 4A, the covering portion 11 is arranged so as to cover a predetermined area in which the code area 20a cannot be decoded by being shielded from light in the code area 20a. Even in this case, the code area 20a cannot be decoded except when the information code reader 40 is used, so that the information code 10 can be more difficult to be read by a general reader.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the covering unit 11 includes, as the predetermined area, a start character 24a that is a symbol that indicates the beginning of the reading direction and a stop character that is a symbol that indicates the end of the reading direction. Even if it arrange | positions so that both of 24b may be coat | covered, there exists the said effect. Further, even when the covering portion 11 is arranged so as to cover at least one of the start character 24a and the stop character 24b, the above effect is obtained.
Even if the code area 20a is a one-dimensional code of a code type different from the barcode, the covering unit 11 is arranged so as to cover the predetermined area where the code area 20a cannot be decoded, The above effect can also be obtained by arranging so as to cover at least one of the symbol indicating the head in the reading direction and the symbol indicating the end in the reading direction.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment that embodies the information code of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information code 10a according to the second embodiment.
The information code 10a according to the second embodiment is different from the information code according to the first embodiment in that a covering portion 12 composed of an arbitrary figure is employed instead of the covering portion 11 described above.

As shown in FIG. 5, specifically, the coating | coated part 12 is formed in the star shape, for example as arbitrary figures in which the design according to the use environment was given. Thus, even if the covering portion 12 is formed of an arbitrary figure, the covering portion 12 transmits the reflected light from the code region 20 corresponding to the irradiation of the light in the second wavelength band, thereby improving security. The information code 10a with improved design can be realized. Note that the color of the covering portion 12 formed in a star shape is generally black based on the balance of ink and the like, but in FIG. 5, it is illustrated as a white star shape for convenience of explanation.
Further, the covering portion 12 is not limited to being formed in a star shape, but may be formed as an arbitrary figure with an arbitrary design in which the shape, pattern, or color is changed according to the use environment. The above effects are achieved.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment in which the information code of the present invention is embodied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the information code 10b according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 6B shows a state where the covering portion 13 is removed from the information code of FIG. It is explanatory drawing shown.
The information code 10b according to the third embodiment is different from the information code according to the first embodiment in that a covering portion 13 that covers the entire code area 20 is employed instead of the covering portion 11 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, since the covering portion 13 is arranged so as to cover the entire code area 20, the user cannot visually recognize the code area 20 in the first place, so that a general reading used by the user is possible. Since the apparatus cannot recognize the information code 10b, the information code 10b can be reliably read. Further, when the information code reader 40 is used, since the code region 20 is imaged as shown in FIG. 6B by imaging in the state where the light of the second wavelength band is irradiated, The information code 10b can be decoded.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment that embodies the information code of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the information code 10c according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 7B shows a state where the covering portion 14 is removed from the information code of FIG. 7A. It is explanatory drawing shown.
The information code 10c according to the fourth embodiment is different from the information code according to the third embodiment in that a covering portion 14 is employed instead of the covering portion 13 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the covering unit 14 is configured as a QR code capable of reading predetermined information, and is arranged so as to cover the entire code area 20. That is, the cover portion 14 is provided as another information code in which a plurality of light color modules showing light color reflection characteristics and dark color module showing dark color reflection characteristics are arranged when light in the first wavelength band is irradiated. Composed.

  As a result, in the general reading device, the covering portion 14 is read as a normal information code. Therefore, the code area 20 covered by the covering portion 14 is not read except when the information code reading device 40 is used. . In particular, when the light of the second wavelength band is irradiated, the code region 20 covered with the covering portion 14 can be imaged as shown in FIG. 7B, and is configured as the covering portion 14 when irradiated with the light of the first wavelength band. The other information code to be captured can be captured as shown in FIG. For this reason, two types of information can be read in the display space of one information code by using the information code reader 40 that can irradiate light in both wavelength bands, and the display space can be made more efficient. Can do.

  Further, the covering unit 14 may be configured as a QR code in which the characteristics of each module constituting the code area 20 to be covered are changed using a mask pattern that changes the characteristics of each module. Specifically, a mask pattern in which a plurality of light color modules and dark color modules are arranged in a matrix according to a predetermined pattern is prepared. When this mask pattern is overlaid on the code area 20, for each module, a dark color module is arranged at a position where the same color modules overlap, and a light color module is arranged at a position where different color modules overlap. Thus, the coating | coated part 14 is comprised.

  Accordingly, the covering unit 14 is configured to change the characteristics of each module constituting the code area 20 in accordance with the mask pattern. Therefore, in a general reading apparatus, the mask pattern is applied after imaging the covering unit 14. On the other hand, the information code reader 40 can pick up and decode the code area 20 without performing the release process, while the release process to be released is required.

  As a first modification of the fourth embodiment, the covering unit 14 may be configured as a QR code that can read predetermined information by applying infrared transmitting inks having different densities. A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an information code according to the first modification of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 8A illustrates a state where the base 14a is applied, and FIG. A state where a QR code is printed on the base 14a is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the base 14a is formed so that the code region 20 cannot be recognized by thinly applying the infrared transmitting ink on the code region 20 to be covered. Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, dark infrared module ink 14 is applied to form a dark module region 14b. Thereby, the covering portion 14 that covers the code area 20 is formed.

  Even in this case, it is difficult to read the code area 20 by a general reading device, and it is possible to display one information code by using the information code reading device 40 that can irradiate light in both wavelength bands. Two types of information can be read in the space, and the efficiency of the display space can be improved.

  Note that the covering portion 14 and the dark module area 14b are not limited to being configured as the same code type (QR code in this embodiment) as the code area 20 to be covered, but are information codes of other code types. May be. Further, the covering part 14 and the base 14a are not limited to be disposed so as to cover the entire code area 20, but are disposed so as to cover a predetermined area in which the code area 20 cannot be decoded in the same manner as the covering part 11. May be.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment in which the information code of the present invention is embodied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information code 10d according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 9B is a state in which the covering portion 11 is removed from the information code 10d in FIG. 9A. It is explanatory drawing which shows.
The information code 10d according to the fifth embodiment is different from the information code according to the first embodiment in that the second cover 30 is employed in addition to the cover 11 described above.

  The second covering portion 30 is made of a member that has translucency at a temperature higher than room temperature, and as can be seen from FIGS. 9A and 9B, the second covering portion 30 is almost the same as the covering portion 11 with respect to the code region 20. They are the same size and are located at the same position.

  In the information code 10d configured as described above, even if an image is captured in the state where the light of the second wavelength band is irradiated, the code region 20 is covered by the second covering portion 30 as shown in FIG. 9B. In this state, the image is taken. In other words, the code region 20 cannot be imaged so as to be readable for the second covering portion 30 only by being irradiated with the light of the second wavelength band, and the second covering portion 30 is made transparent. Furthermore, it is necessary to make the 2nd coating | cover part 30 higher than normal temperature.

  For this reason, only a specific user who uses a specific reading device that can illuminate the light in the second wavelength band and can heat the second covering portion 30 reads the specific information from the code area 20. Therefore, it is possible to reliably make it difficult to read the information code 10d by a general reading device.

  In addition, the 2nd coating | coated part 30 is not restricted to the code | cord | chord area | region 20, but the same magnitude | size as the coating | coated part 11, and not being arrange | positioned in the same position, On the assumption that the said predetermined | prescribed area | region is covered at least. They may be arranged in different sizes or different positions.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment in which the information code of the present invention is embodied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the information code 10e according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 10A shows a state where the code area 20 and the covering portion 15 are separated from each other, and FIG. Indicates a state in which a part of the code region 20 is covered with the covering portion 15.
The information code 10e according to the sixth embodiment differs from the information code according to the first embodiment in that a covering portion 15 configured as a separate body from the code area 20 is employed instead of the covering portion 11 described above. .

  Specifically, the covering portion 15 is formed of a sealing member made of an infrared transmitting material that transmits the light of the second wavelength band and prevents the transmission of the light of the first wavelength band. It is configured as a separate body that can be added by pasting it later.

As a result, even for an existing information code, it is difficult to read the information code by a general reading device by covering the predetermined area with the covering portion 15 configured as described above. When reading is performed using the information code reader 40 capable of illuminating the light in the second wavelength band, the reading can be reliably performed.
In particular, since the covering portion 15 is formed of a seal member, the predetermined area of the existing information code can be easily covered with the covering portion 15.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an information code 10e according to a modification of the sixth embodiment.
As a modification of the sixth embodiment, the covering portion 16 may be configured by adding (printing) an infrared transmitting ink to the predetermined area later. Even in this case, the predetermined area of the existing information code can be easily covered with the covering portion 16.

  Thus, for example, by applying (printing) “finished” as a covering portion 16 using infrared transmitting ink to a general QR code that has been read, as shown in FIG. It is possible to make the QR code unreadable or difficult to read by the reader. For example, if a problem occurs in management by reading the code once read (inspection, inventory work in a warehouse, etc.), the reading operation of the QR code is completed by making it impossible to read it again by a general reader. Can be easily recognized, and duplication work related to reading of the information code can be prevented. Of course, even a sealing member such as the covering portion 15 has the same effect as the covering portion 16 described above.

  On the other hand, even after the reading operation is completed and “completed” is applied (printed) on the QR code as the covering portion 16, if the reading operation is necessary again, the light of the second wavelength band is used. The QR code can be decoded by performing the reading operation using the information code reading device 40 that can illuminate.

  Further, the covering portion configured separately from the code region 20 is not limited to being formed in accordance with the addition of a seal member or the application of ink as in the covering portions 15 and 16, but the light in the second wavelength band. A member made of an infrared transmitting material that transmits light in the first wavelength band and prevents transmission of light in the first wavelength band may be formed to be able to be added to the predetermined area later, for example, by a printing method or a stamp method. .

[Seventh Embodiment]
Next, a seventh embodiment in which the information code of the present invention is embodied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information code 10f according to the seventh embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 12, in the information code 10 f according to the seventh embodiment, the covering portion 17 described above is disposed so as to cover a part of the position detection patterns 22 a to 22 c with respect to the code region 20. This is different from the information code according to the first embodiment.

  Even in this case, the position detection patterns 22a to 22c cannot be recognized except when the information code reader 40 reads the information code 10f, so that the information code 10f can be read by a general reader. Can be made more difficult.

  On the other hand, since the remaining portions of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c are not covered by the covering portion 17, the presence of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c can be visually recognized by the user. For this reason, since the user recognizes the positions of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c, when using the information code reading device 40, the reading port of the information code reading device 40 is accurately set to the information code 10f. This information code 10f can be read reliably.

  The covering portion 17 is not limited to be disposed so as to cover a part of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c, but is a feature pattern area having a shape defined at a predetermined position included in the code area 20. Even if it arrange | positions so that a part may be coat | covered, there can exist the same effect.

[Eighth Embodiment]
Next, an eighth embodiment that embodies the information code of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information code 10g according to the eighth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13, in the information code 10 g according to the eighth embodiment, the covering portion 18 described above is arranged so as to cover the area other than the position detection patterns 22 a to 22 c with respect to the code area 20. However, it is different from the information code according to the first embodiment.

  Even if it does in this way, since the information code reading apparatus 40 reads the information code 10g, it cannot recognize the area | region covered with the coating | coated part 18 among the area | regions except the said position detection patterns 22a-22c. The reading of the information code 10g by a general reading device can be made more difficult.

  On the other hand, since the position detection patterns 22a to 22c are not covered by the covering portion 18, the presence of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c can be surely recognized by the user. For this reason, since the user recognizes the positions of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c, when using the information code reading device 40, the reading opening of the information code reading device 40 is accurately set to the information code 10g. This information code 10g can be read reliably.

FIG. 14A is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a first modification of the information code used in the eighth embodiment, and FIG. 14B illustrates the information code used in the eighth embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates roughly a 2nd modification.
As a first modification of the above-described eighth embodiment, the covering portion 18a extends from the left side edge 25a to the lower side edge 25b of the cord region 20 as a covering portion 18a shown in FIG. The regions other than the position detection patterns 22a to 22c may be covered by arranging them in an L shape so as to cover them continuously. Even if it does in this way, there exists an effect similar to the said 8th Embodiment.
Further, as a second modification of the above-described eighth embodiment, like the covering portion 18b shown in FIG. 14B, the covering portion 18b has a plurality of figures (in the example of FIG. 14B, an annular shape). May be arranged so as to be continuously covered from any edge that forms the boundary of the code region 20 to the other edge. Even if it does in this way, there exists an effect similar to the said 8th Embodiment.

[Ninth Embodiment]
Next, a ninth embodiment that embodies an information code reader for optically reading the information code of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the reading process by the information code reading device 40 according to the ninth embodiment.
In the information code reader 40 according to the ninth embodiment, the code area 20 is arranged so as to cover the area excluding the characteristic pattern areas (position detection patterns 22a to 22c) such as the information code 10g described above. This is different from the information code reading apparatus described in the first embodiment in that an information code having a covering portion to be read is to be read and a reading process using the already extracted feature pattern area is executed.

Hereinafter, the reading process performed by the information code reading device 40 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The reading process is started when the information code to be read is brought close to a predetermined position with respect to the reading port of the information code reading device 40. First, the first illumination light source 43 (first illumination light irradiation means) performs a first process. Irradiation light is irradiated (S101). Then, the information code is imaged by the imaging unit 42 in a state where the first illumination light is irradiated to the information code and the second illumination light is not irradiated (S103). Then, a feature pattern region is detected by a known detection method in the imaged information code image (S105). The feature pattern region detection method is generally defined by the standard for each type of information code. In the case of a QR code as illustrated in FIG. 13, a known method for detecting a QR code position detection pattern is known. A position detection pattern is detected as a feature pattern area by the method. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the feature pattern has been successfully detected in the process of S105 (S107). If the feature pattern area has been successfully detected, the process proceeds to Yes in S107, and decoding is performed by a known method determined for the type of information code to be read (S109). If the decoding is successful in S109, it is considered that the covering portion 18 as shown in FIG. 13 does not exist. In this case, the process proceeds to Yes in S111, and the data is transmitted to the outside (S125) and the like. The reading process ends.

  On the other hand, for example, when the captured information code is the information code 10g illustrated in FIG. 13, the data area 21 is covered with the covering portion 18 even if the position detection patterns 22a to 22c are extracted in step S105. Therefore, the decoding fails, and the process proceeds to No in S111, and the second illumination light source 44 emits the second illumination light (S113). Then, the information code 10g is imaged by the imaging unit 42 in a state where the second illumination light is irradiated to the information code 10g and the irradiation of the first illumination light by the first illumination light source 43 is stopped (S115). Since the feature pattern extraction has succeeded in S105, the process proceeds to Yes in S117, and decoding is performed using the feature pattern extraction result in S105 (S119). In this case, since the positions of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c (feature pattern areas) are already grasped, there is no need to newly detect the positions of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c, and this process is shortened or omitted. Therefore, it is possible to speed up decoding. In the second irradiation process shown in step S113, when each of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c is extracted, only the code area estimated from each of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c is irradiated with the second illumination light. May be. In this way, power consumption can be reduced.

  Since the extraction of the feature pattern is not successful, the process proceeds to No in S107, and when the second illumination light is irradiated and the information code is captured in the irradiation state, the process proceeds to No in S117, and the decoding process is performed in S121. I do. In the decoding process of S121, the process including the characteristic pattern area detection process is performed. After the process of S119 or S121, it is determined whether or not these decoding processes have been successful (S123). If successful, the process proceeds to Yes in S123, and data transmission to the outside (S125) is performed. The reading process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S123 that the decoding has not been successful, the process proceeds to No in S123, and the processes after S101 are performed again.

  The second illumination light source 44 corresponds to an example of “illuminating means” recited in the claims, and the imaging unit 42 corresponds to an example of “imaging means” recited in the claims, and includes a control unit. 41 may correspond to an example of “decoding means” recited in the claims.

  As described above, in the information code reading device 40 according to the present embodiment, each position detection pattern 22a to 22c is extracted as a feature pattern region from an image captured in a state where light in the first wavelength band has been struck. When the region 20 is not extracted, light in the second wavelength band is irradiated. The position of the code region 20 is specified based on the position detection patterns 22a to 22c extracted in a state where the light of the first wavelength band is applied to the image captured in this irradiation state. The code area 20 is decoded on the basis of the arrangement of the modules constituting the code area 20 extracted by specifying.

  When an information code having a covering portion arranged so as to cover the area excluding the feature pattern area is covered with respect to the code area 20 like the information code 10g illustrated in FIG. On the other hand, when imaging is performed in a state where light in the first wavelength band is applied, even if each of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c of the code area 20 is extracted, the code area 20 is not extracted and cannot be decoded. In this case, if each of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c is extracted and then imaged in the state where the second wavelength band is irradiated at the imaging position, the position of the code region 20 is the position extracted as described above. It can identify from the detection patterns 22a-22c. This eliminates the need to extract each of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c, so that not only the processing time of the reading process for reading the information code can be shortened but also the load in the reading process can be reduced.

  The information code reading device 40 is not limited to being configured to be able to irradiate the first illumination light by the first illumination light source 43, but abolishes the first illumination light source 43 by using ambient illumination or the like. It may be configured.

In addition, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment and its modification, You may actualize as follows.
(1) The light of the second wavelength band is not limited to adopting infrared light of a wavelength band of 750 nm or more, for example, ultraviolet light of a wavelength band of 380 nm or less is adopted as the light of the second wavelength band. Also good. In this case, each coating | coated part 11-19, 19a-19c can be comprised so that the reflected light from each module which comprises the code area | region 20 may be permeate | transmitted when the said ultraviolet light is irradiated.
Further, not only the visible light having a wavelength of 380 nm to 750 nm is adopted as the light of the first wavelength band, but also the light of a wavelength band different from the light of the second wavelength band, and the covering portions 11 to 19 and 19a to 19c You may employ | adopt the light of the wavelength band which cannot permeate | transmit.

(2) The code area 20 is not limited to a two-dimensional arrangement of a light color module and a dark color module as in the case of the QR code, but a one-dimensional code (such as a barcode) and a two-dimensional code ( It may be configured in the same manner as other code types such as a data matrix code and a maxi code.

10, 10a to 10g ... Information code 11-18, 18a, 18b ... Covering portion 20, 20a ... Code region 21 ... Data region 22a-22c ... Position detection pattern (position detection region)
23a to 23d ... Format code (format information area)
24a... Start character (symbol indicating the head in the reading direction)
24b: Stop character (symbol indicating the end of the reading direction)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... 2nd coating | coated part 40 ... Information code reader 41 ... Control part (decoding means)
42 ... Imaging unit (imaging means)
43 ... 1st illumination light source 44 ... 2nd illumination light source (illumination means)

Claims (12)

When light of a second wavelength band different from the light of the first wavelength band is irradiated, a plurality of light color modules showing light color reflection characteristics and dark color modules showing dark color reflection characteristics are arranged in the code area. An information code,
A plurality of the light color modules constituting the code area when the light of the second wavelength band is irradiated onto a predetermined area where the information code cannot be decoded by being shielded from light in the code area, and A coating portion that transmits reflected light from the dark color module and prevents transmission of light in the first wavelength band is provided,
The information code, wherein the covering portion is configured to have a character shape.   The information code according to claim 1, wherein the covering portion is printed.   The information code according to claim 1, wherein the covering portion is configured as a separate body that can be added later to the predetermined area.   The information code according to claim 3, wherein the covering portion is added by pasting a sealing member on the predetermined area.   The information code according to claim 3, wherein the covering portion is added by applying ink to the predetermined area later. The code area is configured by arranging a plurality of characters formed by arranging a plurality of the light color modules and the dark color modules along the reading direction,
The covering portion is arranged as the predetermined area so as to cover at least one of a symbol indicating the head in the reading direction and a symbol indicating the end in the reading direction among the characters. The information code according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The information code is a two-dimensional code in which a position detection area for specifying a position is included in the code area,
The information code according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the covering portion is arranged to cover the position detection region as the predetermined region. The information code is a two-dimensional code in which a position detection area for specifying a position and a format information area for acquiring format information for decoding the information code are included in the code area,
The said covering part is arrange | positioned so that at least any one of the said position detection area and the said format information area may be covered as said predetermined area. Information code. The information code is a two-dimensional code in which a feature pattern area having a shape defined at a predetermined position is included in the code area,
The information code according to claim 1, wherein the covering portion is arranged to cover a part of the feature pattern region as the predetermined region. The information code is a two-dimensional code in which a feature pattern area having a shape defined at a predetermined position is included in the code area,
The information code according to claim 1, wherein the covering portion is arranged to cover a region excluding the feature pattern region as the predetermined region.   The second covering part having translucency at a temperature higher than room temperature is disposed on the predetermined region in addition to the covering part. Information code. An information code reader for optically reading the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
An illuminating means capable of irradiating at least the light of the second wavelength band among the light of the first wavelength band and the light of the second wavelength band;
Imaging means for imaging the information code irradiated with one of the light in the first wavelength band and the light in the second wavelength band;
Decoding means for decoding the code area based on an array of the light color modules and the dark color modules constituting the code area extracted from the information code image picked up by the image pickup means;
An information code reading device comprising:

Images