JP2018055237A - Information code generating method, information code, and information code using system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a structure capable of increasing the amount of information recordable as an information code even when a free area is provided in a code area.SOLUTION: A specific pattern area, a format information area, a recording area, and a free area 110 where at least a part of an outer edge is formed by an edge part of the recording area by arranging a plurality of code words consecutively based on predetermined arrangement information are provided inside a code area of an information code 100, wherein the arrangement information is recorded in the format information area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an information code generation method, an information code, and an information code utilization system.

  At present, the use of information codes is diversified, and a technique for arranging photographs and drawings in the code area has also been proposed. For example, in the information code disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, and a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells; An error correction code recording area for recording an error correction code by a plurality of types of cells is provided. Furthermore, a space that is an area in which data is not recorded by cells and is not subject to error correction by an error correction code at a position other than the specific pattern area, data recording area, and error correction code recording area within the code area. The region is provided with a size larger than the size of a single cell. As described above, the convenience of the information code is improved by arranging a photograph or a figure in an empty area provided in the code area.

JP 2014-139771 A

  By the way, in the information code disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to arrange the code word of the header data before the data code word of the input data (data to be decoded). In this header data, an arrangement conversion table used for decoding the information code, information that can specify the code type associated with the arrangement conversion table, and identification information that can specify the format in the empty area are recorded. Has been. For this reason, compared with a conventional QR code (registered trademark) or the like that does not use header data, the range that can be used as a data code word for arranging the code word of header data is narrowed, and information that can be recorded as an information code There is a problem that the amount is reduced.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to increase the amount of information that can be recorded as an information code even when an empty area is provided in the code area. It is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 of the scope of claims
An information code generation method for generating, by an information code generation device (2), an information code (100) in which cells (102) serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area,
A specific pattern area in which a specific pattern (104, 106) having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, and a format information area for recording information for decoding the information code by a plurality of types of cells (105), a recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of codewords composed of a plurality of types of cells, and the plurality of codewords are continuously arranged on the basis of predetermined arrangement information. An empty area where at least a part of the outer edge is formed by the edge, and
The arrangement information is recorded in the format information area.

The invention described in claim 5
An information code (100) in which cells (102) serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area,
A format information area in which a specific pattern area (104, 106) having a predetermined shape is arranged in the code area, and information for decoding the information code by a plurality of types of cells (105), a recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of codewords composed of a plurality of types of cells, and the plurality of codewords are continuously arranged on the basis of predetermined arrangement information. An empty area in which at least a part of the outer edge is formed by the edge, and
The sequence information is recorded in the format information area.

The invention according to claim 9 is:
An information code generation device (2) for generating an information code (100) in which cells (102) serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area;
An information code reader (10) for reading the information code generated by the information code generator;
An information code utilization system (1) comprising:
The information code generation device includes:
A specific pattern area in which a specific pattern (104, 106) having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, and a format information area for recording information for decoding the information code by a plurality of types of cells (105), a recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of codewords composed of a plurality of types of cells, and the plurality of codewords are continuously arranged on the basis of predetermined arrangement information. An empty area in which at least a part of the outer edge is formed by the edge, and generating the information code in a configuration in which the array information is recorded in the format information area,
The information code reader is
An imaging unit (23) capable of imaging the information code generated by the information code generation device;
When the information code is imaged by the imaging unit, the data recorded in the recording area is decoded based on contents of the format information area and the recording area.
In addition, the code | symbol in each said parenthesis shows the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

  In the first and fifth aspects of the invention, the specific pattern area, the format information area, the recording area, and a plurality of code words are continuously arranged in the code area based on the predetermined arrangement information. And an empty area in which at least a part of the outer edge is formed by the edge, and the arrangement information is recorded in the format information area.

  The empty area is formed by continuously arranging a plurality of codewords based on predetermined arrangement information. Therefore, the position and size of the empty area inside the code area and the empty area are necessary. The relationship with the sequence of codewords can be associated in advance using the sequence information. For example, if the lower right corner of the code area is an empty area, the code area is arranged so that the code word is reciprocated in the order of the upper right corner, the upper left corner, the lower left corner, the upper left corner, and the upper right corner of the code area. The empty area can be formed by adjusting the number of arrays according to the size of. Unlike the arrangement conversion table and the like described above, the arrangement information can be configured as simple information such as the arrangement order of codewords, and the amount of information required is reduced. Since the amount of information necessary for the array information is reduced in this way, the array information can be recorded even in a format information area with a small amount of information that can be recorded. There is no need to record. Therefore, even when an empty area is provided in the code area, the amount of information that can be recorded as an information code can be increased.

  According to the second and sixth aspects of the invention, the arrangement information includes information relating to the arrangement tip positions and arrangement orders of a plurality of code words in the code area. Each code word can be uniquely arranged according to the arrangement information as long as the arrangement tip position and arrangement order are determined, so that the arrangement information can be simplified and even in a format information area with a small amount of information that can be recorded. Can be recorded.

  According to the third and seventh aspects of the present invention, the arrangement information includes information relating to the arrangement tip position, arrangement order, and arrangement number of a plurality of code words in the code area. Each code word can be uniquely arranged according to the arrangement information as long as the arrangement tip position and arrangement order are determined, so that the arrangement information can be simplified and even in a format information area with a small amount of information that can be recorded. Can be recorded. In particular, since the end position of the array is determined according to the number of arrays, by providing a padding code word in accordance with the end position of the array, it is possible to form a free space according to the number of arrays regardless of the data recording amount. it can. That is, by setting the number of arrays according to the shape of the desired empty area, it is possible to form an empty area having a desired shape regardless of the data recording amount.

  In the fourth and eighth aspects of the invention, the arrangement order is set so as to extend along at least two consecutive sides of the four sides constituting the outer edge of the rectangular code region. For this reason, an empty area in which code words are arranged so as to reciprocate in an L shape along two continuous sides, an empty area in which code words are arranged so as to reciprocate in a U shape along three consecutive sides, It is possible to form a vacant area in which code words are arranged so as to circulate along a rectangular ring along the side.

  In the invention of claim 9, a specific pattern area, a format information area, a recording area, and a plurality of codewords are continuously arranged in the code area based on predetermined arrangement information, so that the edge of the recording area And a free area in which at least a part of the outer edge is formed, and a system having a generating device and a readable reading device capable of generating an information code in which the arrangement information is recorded in the format information area Can be realized.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the arrangement information of the information code includes information related to the arrangement tip position and arrangement order of a plurality of code words in the code area. Each code word can be uniquely arranged according to the arrangement information as long as the arrangement tip position and arrangement order are determined, so that the arrangement information can be simplified and even in a format information area with a small amount of information that can be recorded. Can be recorded.

  In the eleventh aspect of the invention, the information code arrangement information includes information relating to the arrangement tip position, arrangement order, and arrangement number of a plurality of code words in the code area. Each code word can be uniquely arranged according to the arrangement information as long as the arrangement tip position and arrangement order are determined, so that the arrangement information can be simplified and even in a format information area with a small amount of information that can be recorded. Can be recorded. In particular, since the end position of the array is determined according to the number of arrays, by providing a padding code word in accordance with the end position of the array, it is possible to form a free space according to the number of arrays regardless of the data recording amount. it can. That is, by setting the number of arrays according to the shape of the desired empty area, it is possible to form an empty area having a desired shape regardless of the data recording amount.

  In the twelfth aspect of the invention, the arrangement order is set so as to extend along at least two consecutive sides of the four sides constituting the outer edge of the rectangular code region. For this reason, an empty area in which code words are arranged so as to reciprocate in an L shape along two continuous sides, an empty area in which code words are arranged so as to reciprocate in a U shape along three consecutive sides, It is possible to form a vacant area in which code words are arranged so as to circulate along a rectangular ring along the side.

It is the schematic which illustrates schematically the information code utilization system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of an information code reader that constitutes the information code utilization system of FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing explaining the information code produced | generated by arranging a code word in square ring shape. It is explanatory drawing explaining the information code produced | generated by arranging a code word in U shape. It is explanatory drawing explaining the information code produced | generated by arranging a code word in L shape. It is a flowchart which illustrates the flow of the production | generation of the information code in the information code production | generation apparatus which comprises the information code utilization system of FIG. It is a flowchart which illustrates the flow of the reading of the information code in the information code reading apparatus which comprises the information code utilization system of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the principal part of the information code which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the principal part of the information code which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
An information code utilization system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is generated by an information code generation device 2 that generates an information code 100 in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged in a predetermined code area, and an information code generation device 2. The information code reading device 10 for reading the information code 100 is provided.

(Information code generator)
The information code generation device 2 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, a RAM, and an HDD. A storage unit 5 including a storage device such as a nonvolatile memory, a display unit 6 including a known display device (liquid crystal display or other display device), and a communication interface for performing wired communication or wireless communication with an external device. And a printing unit 8 (printing apparatus) that has the same hardware configuration as a known printer and can print the information code 100 or the like based on print data from the control unit 3. Yes.

(Information code reader)
Next, the overall configuration of the information code reader 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the information code reader 10 is configured as a code reader capable of optically reading an information code such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code in hardware. And various electronic components are accommodated in the case.

  The information code reader 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 micro 35 such as a memory 35, a control circuit 40, an operation switch 42, and a liquid crystal display device 46. It is composed of a computer (hereinafter referred to as “microcomputer”) system and a power supply system such as a power switch 41 and a battery 49. These are mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) or housed in a case (not shown).

  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, an information code 100 as shown in FIG. 1 is formed on the reading object R by printing, direct marking, or the like. ing.

  The light receiving sensor 23 corresponds to an example of an “imaging unit” that can image the information code 100, 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, which are solid-state imaging elements 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, for example, 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 and blocks passage of light that exceeds the wavelength. 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 device 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 composed of a semiconductor memory device or the like, 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 memory 35 is configured to be able to secure a work area and a reading condition table that are used by the control circuit 40 in each processing such as arithmetic operation and logical operation. . 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 capable of controlling the entire information code reader 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 device 46, a communication interface 48, and the like are connected. In addition, a host computer HST corresponding to the host system of the information code reader 10 can be connected to the communication interface 48.

  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.

(Information code)
Next, the information code 100 used in the information code using system of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The information code 100 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is generated by, for example, the information code generation device 2 described above, and has a configuration in which cells 102 serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area. ing. In the information code 100 shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the “code area” is a rectangular area that can include all of the plurality of dark cells arranged. Specifically, three position detection patterns (cutout symbols) 104 are included. It is the smallest square or rectangular area that contains everything. In the example of FIG. 3 and the like, the plurality of cells 102 are configured by either rectangular (for example, square outer diameter) light (white) cells or dark (black) cells. The cells 102 are arranged in a matrix around an empty area 110 to be described later. 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 example of FIG. Are arranged adjacent to the periphery of the code area.

  This information code 100 is a fixed pattern having a predetermined shape (specifically, a fixed figure wider than a single cell) inside a rectangular (for example, square or rectangular) code area. ) Are arranged, a format information area for recording information (format information) for decoding an information code by a plurality of types of cells 102, and a plurality of code words (data codes) consisting of a plurality of types of cells 102 A data recording area in which data is recorded by a word) and an error correction code recording area in which an error correction code is recorded by a plurality of code words (error correction code words) composed of a plurality of types of cells 102 are provided. An area composed of a data recording area and an error correction code recording area is also referred to as a “recording area”.

  As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the specific pattern of the information code 100 has, for example, the same shape and position as the specific pattern of a known predetermined model number of a QR code (a predetermined model number of a QR code standardized by JIS or the like). In the example of FIG. 3 and the like, a position detection pattern (cutout symbol) 104 as a specific pattern is arranged at each of the three corners of the code area. Further, a timing pattern 106 and an alignment pattern (not shown) as specific patterns are also provided at predetermined positions in the predetermined model number. Note that the timing pattern 106 and the alignment pattern may not be provided.

  The format information area is provided at a predetermined position 105 (predetermined hatching position: hereinafter also referred to as format information area 105) in the code area. In this format information area, the information code 100 is decoded. As format information, format information (format information) is recorded in a specific format configuration. The format information includes arrangement information that is information relating to the arrangement of a plurality of code words in the code area, correction level information that specifies an error correction level, and mask number information that specifies a mask number.

  The sequence information is information for defining a method of arranging each code word, and in this embodiment, the sequence tip position corresponding to the tip position when arranging each code word and the sequence tip position as a starting point. It consists of information about the order of arrangement. As described later, based on this arrangement information, each code word is continuously arranged in the code area, so that an empty area 110 is provided in the code area in an area different from each code word. Details of the arrangement information will be described later.

  The correction level information is information for specifying the error correction level used in the information code 100, and corresponds to the error correction level used in the QR code. Further, the mask number information is information for specifying which mask type the mask applied to the recording area (data recording area and error correction code recording area) of the information code 100 is. Such correction level information and mask number may be set by a method similar to the QR code method, or may be set by another method as long as the error correction level and mask type can be specified. . In the code word area of the information code 100, a mask specified by the mask number is applied by a known mask method.

  The format information is recorded in a state reflecting a predetermined type of mask pattern (specific mask) (a state in which a predetermined type of mask pattern is applied to a light and dark array representing data indicating format information by a known mask method), By identifying the mask type of the format information in the same manner as a known QR code, it is possible to detect that it is a specific code type (a type provided with a free area 110). In the information code 100 (special type code having the empty area 110) of this embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and the like, data (cell array) expressed when a specific mask of a type different from the QR code of the known standard is applied. Is recorded at a predetermined position 105. In both cases of the QR code of the known standard and the type of the information code 100 of the present embodiment, the format information is configured with a correction digit (correction level information) to be recorded and a check digit corresponding to the mask number. On top of that, various different masks can be put on. Specifically, mask processing is performed by a known method using various types of mask patterns, and the array of bright cells and dark cells corresponding to the bit pattern after mask processing is recorded at a predetermined position 105. It has become. Therefore, when a specific mask is applied to the format information as in the information code 100 and the information is recorded at the predetermined position 105, the information recorded at the predetermined position 105 is canceled based on the specific mask. If it is decoded, the check digit matches, so that it can be identified as the type of the information code 100. On the contrary, even if the data at the predetermined position 105 of the information code 100 is removed based on the mask of the QR code of the known standard, the check digit does not match, so it can be specified that the data is not the QR code of the known standard. .

  As described above, in the information code 100, a specific pattern (position detection pattern 104, timing pattern 106, alignment pattern) having a predetermined shape and a pattern (predetermined position) corresponding to the format information at a predetermined position in the code area. 105) is arranged. In the code area, positions other than the empty area 110 to be described later are configured by such a specific pattern area, format information area, recording area (data recording area and error correction code recording area), and the like.

  The information code reading device 10 may grasp the number of rows and columns of the information code 100, the shape and position of the specific pattern, the position of the format information, and the like. 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, etc. are predetermined for each model number. Just do it. If the model number information is arranged at a predetermined position (reserved area) in the code area, the information code reader 10 grasps the position of the model number information as a known position, and based on the model number information. Thus, 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, and the like can be grasped. Note that the method is not limited to this method, and any other method may be used as long as the information code reader 10 can grasp the information.

  The recording area is arranged such that a terminator indicating the end of data is arranged after the data recording area in accordance with the arrangement information of the format information, and the error correction code recording area follows this terminator. In the data recording area, a data code word obtained by compressing and converting the input data (data to be decoded) by, for example, a known method is arranged, and an error correction code is recorded in the error correction code recording area following the data recording area. An error correction code word (ECC word) generated based on the data code word is arranged. The terminator is composed of one predetermined code word. As a method of generating an error correction code word based on the data code word, a method defined by a known two-dimensional code (QR code or the like) standard can be used. For example, as a method for generating an error correction codeword based on a data codeword, an error correction codeword generation method (JISX0510: 2004, 8.5 error correction) defined in JISX0510: 2004 can be used. Note that the method of generating the error correction codeword is not limited to this, and various known methods can be used.

  In the code area, an area in which decoding target data (data to be output as a read result) is not recorded by the cell at positions other than the specific pattern area, format information area, data recording area, and error correction code recording area More specifically, the empty area 110, which is an area in which no data is recorded by the cell 102 and is not subject to error correction by the error correction code, is provided in a size larger than the size of the single cell 102. ing. The empty area 110 can record data or display a design by a method different from the method of recording the data recording area and the error correction code recording area by cell.

  The empty area 110 is formed by continuously arranging a plurality of code words based on the arrangement tip position and arrangement order of the arrangement information (more specifically, the arrangement direction starting from the arrangement tip position). For this reason, the relationship between the position and size of the empty area 110 in the code area and the arrangement of the code words necessary for providing the empty area 110 is obtained using the arrangement information simply configured as described above. It can be associated in advance. That is, for example, the arrangement tip position and arrangement order for providing the empty area 110 in the center of the code area can be limited to one type. The size of the empty area 110 in the code area is determined according to the amount of codewords (the number of codewords arranged), and the size in the code area decreases as the amount of codewords increases.

  In the example of the information code 100 shown in FIG. 3, a data code word and an error correction code word (code word) are formed in a quadrangular ring (substantially omitted) along the four sides constituting the outer edge of the code area based on the arrangement information included in the format information. O-shaped). In this arrangement information, the lower right corner of the code area is the arrangement tip position of each code word, and the arrangement of numbers in the one-dot chain line frame in the recording area (data recording area and error correction code recording area) in FIG. It is set to be. The empty area 110 is provided in the center of the code area so that the outer edge (periphery) is formed by the edge of the recording area arranged based on such arrangement information. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the number of code words is 27. For example, if the number of code words is 25, a recording area is provided up to the 25th code word in the dashed-dotted line frame in FIG. If the number of words exceeds 27, the recording area is further extended along the inner side of the previously arranged code word.

  In the example of the information code 100 shown in FIG. 4, the data code word and the error correction code word are along three consecutive sides of the four sides constituting the outer edge of the code area based on the arrangement information included in the format information. They are arranged to reciprocate in a substantially U shape. The arrangement information is set so that the lower right corner of the code area is the arrangement tip position of each code word, and the arrangement of numbers in the one-dot chain line frame in the recording area of FIG. 4 is the arrangement order. The empty area 110 is provided in the lower center of the code area so that the upper edge and the left and right edges are formed as part of the outer edge by the edge of the recording area arranged based on such arrangement information. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the number of code words is 21. For example, if the number of code words is 18, a recording area is provided up to the 18th code word in the dashed-dotted line frame in FIG. If the number of words exceeds 21, the recording area is further extended along the inner side of the previously arranged code word.

  In the example of the information code 100 shown in FIG. 5, the data code word and the error correction code word are along two consecutive sides of the four sides constituting the outer edge of the code area based on the arrangement information included in the format information. They are arranged to reciprocate in a substantially L shape. The arrangement information is set so that the upper right corner of the code area is the arrangement tip position of each code word, and the arrangement of numbers in the one-dot chain line frame in the recording area of FIG. 5 is the arrangement order. The empty area 110 is provided in the lower right corner of the code area so that the upper edge and the left edge are formed as part of the outer edge by the edge of the recording area arranged based on such arrangement information. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the number of code words is 17. For example, if the number of code words is 15, a recording area is provided up to the 15th code word in the one-dot chain line in FIG. If the number of words exceeds 17, the recording area is further extended along the inner side of the previously arranged code word.

  In FIG. 3 and the like, each code word area arranged around the empty area 110 is conceptually shown by a one-dot chain line frame or the like. In the format information area and the data recording area, only the cells are shown, and the specific cell The arrangement is omitted. Further, in FIG. 3 and the like, a grid is added to the inside of the empty area 110 so as to be associated with the cell arrangement, but the configuration of the empty area 110 is free, and a pattern may be added as shown in FIG. A pattern may be added, or it may be blank.

  In the information code 100 generated in this way, a specific pattern (position detection pattern 104 or the like) is detected, a code area, a code direction, and each cell position are specified in the same manner as a known QR code, By decoding the predetermined position 105 where the format information is recorded in the same manner as the QR code, it is specified that the type of the information code 100 (special type having a free area 110) is determined by the type of mask that has been successfully decoded. be able to. The arrangement state of the data code word and the error correction code word can be specified based on the decoded arrangement information of the format information. Further, the error correction level used in the information code 100 can be specified by the decoded format information, and the mask type applied to the recording area (data recording area and error correction code recording area) of the information code 100 can be specified. It has become. Note that the predetermined position 105 may be grasped in advance by the information code reader 10.

(Information code generation process)
Next, an information code generation process and an information code generation method will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, the information code 100 having the free area 110 is also referred to as “frame QR”.

  The information code generation process of FIG. 6 is a process performed by the control unit 3 of the information code generation device 2 and is started by a predetermined operation on the operation unit 4, for example. In this process, first, input data (data to be decoded) to be coded from the outside, attribute data, code type data (information code 100 is generated, or a general two-dimensional code (for example, a general QR code)) (Data specifying whether or not to generate) (S1). In S1, when the information code 100 is generated, free area selection information for selecting the position, size, etc. of the free area 110 is acquired.

  As described above, since the position in the code area of the empty area 110 is associated with the arrangement tip position and the arrangement order on a one-to-one basis, arrangement information (arrangement tip position and arrangement order) according to the obtained empty area selection information. Is set (S2). Here, the free area selection information is information that can select, for example, the positions of three types of free areas 110 as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and the sizes of three types of free areas 110 of large, medium, and small. By limiting the types that can be selected, the amount of information necessary as format information can be reduced compared to the case where the position, size, and the like of the free space 110 are arbitrarily selected. As described above, the control unit 3 and the operation unit 4 are not limited to functioning as acquisition units to acquire data to be decoded, free space selection information, and the like. For example, the control unit 3 and the communication unit 7 The acquisition unit may function to acquire data to be decoded, free space selection information, and the like according to information input by communication from the outside.

  After the sequence information is set in S2, a method for compressing the input data acquired in S1 is determined by a known method (S3), and the compressed data (data to be decoded) is expressed by a plurality of data code words. (S4). Then, an error correction code is generated by a known method based on the configuration of the data codeword generated in S4, and a plurality of error correction codewords expressing this error correction code are generated (S5).

  After S5, 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 (S6), 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 S6, and a two-dimensional code (for example, QR code) is generated by a known method. When the process proceeds to No in S6, the model number of the two-dimensional code having a size that can store the data code word generated in S4 and the error correction code word generated in S5 (in this example, a standardized known QR code In a plurality of model numbers, a model number having a size capable of storing the data code word generated in S4 and the error correction code word generated in S5 is determined (S7). Then, the data code word generated in S4 and the error correction code word generated in S5 are arranged according to the arrangement pattern predetermined by the model number (S8).

  On the other hand, if the code type data acquired in S1 is the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the empty area 110, the process proceeds to Yes in S6, and the data code word generated in S4 and S5 The size (model number) of the information code 100 that can store the error correction codeword generated in step S1 and the free space of a size corresponding to the free space selection information acquired in step S1 is determined (S9). Then, in the size (model number) determined in this way, data code words, terminators, and error correction code words are arranged (arranged) according to the arrangement information acquired in S1 (S10). In S10, for example, when the empty area 110 is provided in the center of the code area, the code words are arranged in a square ring shape as illustrated in FIG. 3, and the empty area 110 is provided in the lower center of the code area. 4, when each code word is arranged in a substantially U shape as illustrated in FIG. 4 and the empty area 110 is provided in the lower right corner of the code area, each code word is approximately L-shaped as illustrated in FIG. 5. Arranged in a shape.

  After S8 or S10, a mask pattern to be applied to the code word whose location is determined in S8 or S10 is determined by a known predetermined method (for example, a known method used in QR code), and the determined mask is determined. Masking is performed by a known mask processing method so that the pattern is reflected in the code word whose location is determined in S8 or S10 (S11). Then, a check digit is calculated based on the mask pattern information (mask number) and error correction level information set in S11, and format information including the error correction level, mask number and check digit is generated (S12). When the code type data acquired in S1 is the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the empty area 110, in S12, in addition to the error correction level, the mask number, and the check digit, it is set in S2. Generate format information including sequence information.

  If the code type data acquired in S1 is the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the empty area 110, the process proceeds to Yes in S13, and the format information generated in S12 includes the above-described format information. Mask processing is performed so as to set a specific mask (frame QR mask) (S15). 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 empty area 110, the process proceeds to No in S13 and is of a known standard different from the mask pattern set in S15. Mask processing is performed so as to set a mask (QR mask) of the mask pattern in the QR code (S14). After the format information is masked in S14 or S15, the format information after the mask processing is arranged at a predetermined position in the code area (for example, the predetermined position 105 in the case of the information code 100) (S16). After the information code 100 or other two-dimensional code is generated in this way, the code is printed by the printing unit 8 (S17). In S17, instead of printing, the information code 100 or the like may be displayed on the display unit 6, or the data of the information code 100 generated by the processing up to S16 may be transmitted to an external device.

(Information code reading process)
Next, processing when the information code 100 shown in FIG. 3 and the like is read by the information code reader 10 of FIG. 2 will be described. The reading process in FIG. 7 is executed by the control circuit 40 when, for example, a predetermined operation (for example, operation of the operation switch 42) is performed by the user. First, as shown in S21 in FIG. The code 100 is imaged, an image of the information code 100 is acquired, and the outer shape of the information code 100 is detected. Specifically, the position detection pattern 104 is detected by a known method (a known method performed by a QR code), and the outer shape of the information code 100 is detected by a known method performed by a QR code. The light receiving sensor 23 corresponds to an example of an “imaging unit” and functions to image the information code 100 generated by the information code generation device 2.

  After S21, the information (format information) at a predetermined position of the information code 100 is decoded, and the type, arrangement information, mask correction level, etc. of the information code 100 are acquired (S22). As described above, when the check digit is correct when the information recorded at the predetermined position 105 is decrypted after the mask process is canceled based on the above-described specific mask (frame QR mask), the type of the information code 100 It is possible to specify that it is (type having free area 110), and it is also possible to acquire array information, error correction level, and mask number included in the format information. Then, based on the mask number included in the format information acquired in S22, the mask of the entire code (specifically, the area of the code word) is released (S23).

  Then, each code word recorded based on the cell arrangement is specified and created (S24). When the reading target is the information code 100 having the empty area 110 (that is, when the mask removal is successful by the above-described specific mask (frame QR mask)), each code is based on the arrangement information included in the format information. Identify and create words. On the other hand, when the read target is not the information code 100 having the empty area 110 (that is, when the mask is successfully unmasked by the mask in the QR code), each code word is specified and created based on the publicly known QR code standard.

  Then, error correction calculation is performed by a known method based on the error correction code word in the error correction code recording area (S25), and the data code word in the data recording area is decoded to restore the data (S26). Then, the data decoded / restored in S26 (data to be decoded) is output by display on the display unit, data transmission, printing, etc. (S27). As the process of S27, the data decoded and restored in S26 may be output as they are, or other processes may be added.

  Thus, when the information code 100 is imaged by the imaging unit, the control circuit 40 is recorded in the data recording area based on the contents of the format information area and the recording area (data recording area and error correction code recording area). It functions as a decryption unit that decrypts data. Specifically, when the control circuit 40 determines that the captured information code is the type of the information code 100 (the type having the free area 110), the control area 40 is based on the sequence information recorded in the format information area. It functions to specify the position of each code word in the code and to decode the data to be decoded.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a specific pattern area, a format information area, a recording area, and a plurality of code words are continuously arranged in the code area of the information code 100 based on predetermined arrangement information. Thus, an empty area 110 in which at least a part of the outer edge is formed by the edge of the recording area is provided, and the arrangement information is recorded in the format information area.

  The arrangement information recorded in the format information area can be configured as simple information such as the arrangement tip position and arrangement order, unlike the arrangement conversion table as described above, and the required amount of information is reduced. Since the amount of information necessary for the array information is reduced in this way, the array information can be recorded even in a format information area with a small amount of information that can be recorded. There is no need to record. Therefore, even when the empty area 110 is provided in the code area, the amount of information that can be recorded as the information code 100 can be increased.

  In particular, since the sequence information consists of information on the sequence tip position and sequence order of a plurality of code words in the code area, each code word can be uniquely arranged according to the sequence information as long as the sequence tip position and sequence order are determined. The sequence information can be further simplified, and the sequence information can be easily recorded even in a format information area with a small amount of recordable information.

  For this reason, by setting the arrangement order to be along at least two consecutive sides of the four sides constituting the outer edge of the rectangular code area, the code word is reciprocated in an L shape along the two consecutive sides. Vacant area 110 (see FIG. 5) arranged in a circle, vacant area 110 (see FIG. 4) in which code words are arranged so as to reciprocate in a U-shape along three consecutive sides, and a circular ring around four sides. An empty area 110 (see FIG. 3) in which codewords are arranged can be formed.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, information codes according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the arrangement information included in the format information is composed of the arrangement number of each code word in addition to the arrangement tip position and arrangement order. For this reason, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the information code generation method according to the first embodiment, when the arrangement tip position and the arrangement order are determined as the arrangement information, the position of the empty area 110 inside the code area is decided. On the other hand, since the outer edge (size) of the empty area 110 in the code area is determined according to the amount of codewords (the number of codewords arranged), the outer edge of the empty area 110 has a desired shape (for example, a straight line) depending on the amount of input data. ) May not occur. For example, in the example of FIG. 3 described above, the lower right corner of the empty area 110 is not linear due to the 27th code word.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to make the outer edge of the empty area 110 formed by the edge of the recording area into a desired shape (for example, a straight line shape), the code word is used up to the arrangement end position where the empty area 110 becomes the desired shape. The number of arrays is set in advance to increase the number of.

  For example, like the information code 100 shown in FIG. 8, the padding code word or the like is continuously provided to the end position of the array corresponding to the desired shape with respect to the end of the code word (27th code word) in FIG. Arrange to add. In FIG. 8, the padding code word and the like are illustrated by a two-dot chain line frame in which numerals are not described.

  If the code size, the arrangement tip position, and the arrangement order are determined, the outer edge shape of the empty area 110 formed by the edge of the recording area is determined according to the number of codeword arrays including padding codewords, There is a one-to-one correspondence between the outer edge shape of the empty area 110 and the number of codewords arranged. That is, by disposing each code word in accordance with the array end position determined from the number of arrays in addition to the array tip position and the array order, a free area 110 having a desired outer edge shape can be provided in the code area.

  As described above, since the end position of the array is determined according to the number of arrays, by providing a padding code word or the like according to the end position of the array, the free space 110 can be shaped according to the number of arrays regardless of the data recording amount. It can be. That is, by setting the number of arrays according to the shape of the desired empty area 110, the empty area 110 having a desired shape can be formed regardless of the data recording amount.

  For example, when it is desired to clear the empty area 110 including the timing pattern 106, a padding codeword or the like is further desired at the end of the codeword in FIG. 8, as in the information code 100 illustrated in FIG. It may be arranged so that one round is continuously added to the end position of the arrangement corresponding to the shape.

  In FIG. 9, in order to make the outer edge of the empty area 110 linear, a dummy cell (refer to a broken-line frame for four cells in which numbers are not described) is provided at the end of the code word. As described above, the outer edge of the empty area 110 can be formed into a desired outer edge shape using not only the arrangement end position according to the number of arrangements but also the dummy cells.

  In addition, as described above, the information code 100 generated by arranging so as to continuously add padding code words and the like up to the end position of the array corresponding to a desired shape is the center of the code area as illustrated in FIG. The space area 110 is not limited to being provided in the area, and the space area 110 may be provided in the lower center of the code area (see FIG. 4), or the space area 110 may be provided in the lower right corner of the code area. (See FIG. 5).

In addition, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment, For example, you may actualize as follows.
(1) The empty area 110 is set so that the arrangement order is along at least two consecutive sides of the four sides constituting the outer edge of the code area, so that the central area of the code area (see FIGS. 3, 8, and 9) It is not limited to being arranged at the lower center (see FIG. 4) and the lower right corner (see FIG. 5), but may be arranged at other positions in the code area. In the free area selection information in the information code generation process, not only the positions of the three types of free areas 110 as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 are prepared, but also one or two types of positions may be prepared. And four or more types of positions may be prepared. In this case, the array information can be set according to the array tip position and the array order that are associated with other positions on a one-to-one basis. In the free area selection information in the information code generation process, the size of the free area 110 is not limited to three types of large, medium, and small, but may be prepared as one, two, or four types. The above may be prepared.

(2) The arrangement tip position and arrangement order for providing the empty area 110 at a predetermined position in the code area are not limited to being set to one type, but depending on the amount of information that can be recorded in the format information area In addition, two or more types may be set to be selectable.

(3) The arrangement information included in the format information is not limited to the arrangement tip position and arrangement order (first embodiment), the arrangement tip position, arrangement order, and the number of arrangements (second embodiment). Any information on the arrangement of each codeword that can specify the position in the area may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information code utilization system 2 ... Information code production | generation apparatus 10 ... Information code reader 23 ... Light receiving sensor (imaging part)
40 ... Control circuit 100 ... Information code 102 ... Cell 104 ... Position detection pattern (specific pattern)
105 ... Format information area 106 ... Timing pattern (specific pattern)
110 ... free space

Claims (12)

An information code generation method for generating, by an information code generation device, an information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information within a predetermined code area are arranged,
A specific pattern area in which a specific pattern of a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, a format information area for recording information for decoding the information code by a plurality of types of cells, and a plurality of types A recording area for recording data by a plurality of codewords composed of the cells, and at least a part of the outer edge by the edge of the recording area by arranging the plurality of codewords continuously based on predetermined arrangement information A free space where
An information code generation method, wherein the sequence information is recorded in the format information area.   2. The information code generation method according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement information includes information related to an arrangement tip position and an arrangement order of the plurality of code words in the code area.   2. The information code generation method according to claim 1, wherein the array information includes information related to an array tip position, an array order, and an array number of the plurality of code words in the code area. The code area is rectangular,
4. The information code generation method according to claim 2, wherein the arrangement order is set so as to extend along at least two consecutive sides among the four sides constituting the outer edge of the code area. An information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged in a predetermined code area,
A specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, a format information area for recording information for decoding the information code by the plurality of types of cells, and a plurality of types A recording area for recording data by a plurality of codewords composed of the cells, and at least a part of the outer edge by the edge of the recording area by arranging the plurality of codewords continuously based on predetermined arrangement information A free space in which is formed, and
An information code, wherein the sequence information is recorded in the format information area.   6. The information code according to claim 5, wherein the array information includes information related to an array tip position and an array order of the plurality of code words in the code area.   6. The information code according to claim 5, wherein the arrangement information includes information related to an arrangement tip position, arrangement order, and arrangement number of the plurality of code words in the code area. The code area is rectangular,
The information code according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the arrangement order is set so as to extend along at least two continuous sides among four sides constituting an outer edge of the code region. An information code generation device for generating an information code in which cells serving as units for displaying information within a predetermined code area are arranged;
An information code reader for reading the information code generated by the information code generator;
An information code using system comprising:
The information code generation device includes:
A specific pattern area in which a specific pattern of a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, a format information area for recording information for decoding the information code by a plurality of types of cells, and a plurality of types A recording area for recording data by a plurality of codewords composed of the cells, and at least a part of the outer edge by the edge of the recording area by arranging the plurality of codewords continuously based on predetermined arrangement information A free space formed, and generating the information code in a configuration in which the array information is recorded in the format information region,
The information code reader is
An imaging unit capable of imaging the information code generated by the information code generation device;
An information code utilization system for decoding the data recorded in the recording area based on the contents of the format information area and the recording area when the information code is imaged by the imaging unit.   10. The information code utilization system according to claim 9, wherein the information code includes information related to an arrangement tip position and an arrangement order of the plurality of code words in the code area.   10. The information code utilization system according to claim 9, wherein the information code includes information on the arrangement tip position, arrangement order, and arrangement number of the plurality of code words in the code area. The code area of the information code is rectangular,
The information code utilization system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the information code is set so that the arrangement order is along at least two consecutive sides of four sides constituting an outer edge of the code region.

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