JP2023165010A - Information code, information code reading system, and information code generation method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a configuration that can prevent data recorded in an information code from being read in an unauthorized manner.SOLUTION: A QR code 20 before substitution is configured such that cells forming a format information area 23 form a prescribed array pattern, and thereby format information recorded in the format information area 23 becomes prescribed information. At least some of the cells forming the prescribed array pattern are randomly substituted so as to prevent acquisition of the prescribed information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

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

Currently, the uses of information codes are diversifying, and information codes corresponding to the uses are generated using various methods. For example, in the information code disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, additional data different from predetermined data recorded in the data area of the base code area is recorded in the additional code area using cells of the same shape, and the additional data is recorded in the additional code area using cells of the same shape. The area is generated so as to be replaced and placed within an area of the data area of the base code area that can be corrected by error correction using an error correction code. As a result, in a normal reading device, by correcting the error in the additional code area due to dirt etc., only the predetermined data recorded in the data area of the base code area can be decoded, and the reading device can identify the additional code area. If so, predetermined data can be decoded from the error-corrected data area after decoding the additional data from the additional code area. In other words, the confidentiality of the additional data recorded in the additional code area is increased to realize an information code with high security.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-87972

Incidentally, the QR code (registered trademark) is used in various fields as an information code that can record a larger amount of information than a barcode or the like and can be read accurately and quickly. QR codes are often used in the security field, and QR codes with enhanced security are desired. On the other hand, even if a QR code is designed to increase the security of recorded data, if the QR code is illegally duplicated, the data may be read from the duplicated QR code. There is a possibility that it will happen. For example, even if the confidential data that has been read illegally has a password attached to it, if a third party who reads the confidential data with the password deciphers the password, there is a problem that the confidential data can be obtained illegally. be.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a configuration that can prevent data recorded in an information code from being read illegally.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 of the claims is as follows:
An information code (10) obtained by replacing some of the plural types of cells constituting the QR code (20) with other cells,
The QR code before replacement includes a specific pattern area (22) in which a specific pattern with a predetermined shape is arranged, and a format information area (22) in which format information for decoding the QR code is recorded using multiple types of cells. 23) and a recording area (24) for recording data using a plurality of types of cells are provided in the code area (21), and each cell constituting the format information area has a predetermined arrangement pattern. The format information is configured to be default information,
At least some of the cells constituting the predetermined arrangement pattern are randomly replaced so that the predetermined information cannot be acquired.

In addition, the invention according to claim 2,
An information code reading system (1) comprising the information code (10) according to claim 1 and an information code reading device (30) for reading the information code,
The information code reading device includes:
an imaging unit (33) that images the information code;
an acquisition unit (32) that acquires the predetermined information in advance;
a deciphering unit (31) that performs a deciphering process to decipher an information code on the captured image captured by the imaging unit;
Equipped with
The decoding unit is characterized in that when the format information cannot be acquired from the captured image in the decoding process, the decoding process is performed assuming that the predetermined information acquired in advance by the acquiring unit is the format information. shall be.

Moreover, the invention according to claim 3 is
An information code reading system (1) comprising the information code (10) according to claim 1 and an information code reading device (30) for reading the information code,
The information code reading device includes:
an imaging unit (33) that images the information code;
a deciphering unit (31) that performs a deciphering process to decipher an information code on the captured image captured by the imaging unit;
an operation unit (37, 35) for inputting a password;
a generation unit (31) that generates the predetermined information according to a password correctly inputted into the operation unit;
Equipped with
When the format information cannot be acquired from the captured image in the decoding process, the decoding unit is configured to convert the predetermined information generated by the generation unit to the It is characterized in that the decoding process is performed assuming that the information is format information.

Moreover, the invention according to claim 4 is
An information code generation method for generating an information code (10) by replacing some of the plurality of types of cells constituting the QR code (20) with other cells, the method comprising:
A specific pattern area (22) in which a specific pattern with a predetermined shape is arranged, a format information area (23) in which format information for decoding the QR code is recorded using multiple types of cells, and multiple types of cells. When a recording area (24) for recording data is provided in the code area (21), each cell constituting the format information area has a predetermined arrangement pattern, so that the format information becomes predetermined information. After generating the QR code,
The information code is generated by randomly replacing at least some of the cells constituting the predetermined arrangement pattern so that the predetermined information cannot be acquired.
Note that the reference numerals in parentheses above indicate correspondence with specific means described in the embodiments described later.

In the invention of claim 1, in the QR code before replacement, each cell constituting the format information area has a default arrangement pattern, so that the format information recorded in this format information area becomes default information. configured. Then, at least some of the cells forming the predetermined arrangement pattern are randomly replaced so that the predetermined information cannot be acquired.

As a result, a normal reading device that captures an image of the information code according to the present invention can detect that the QR code is within the imaging field of view by detecting the finder pattern (position detection pattern) of the QR code from the captured image. Even if it is possible, the format information cannot be obtained, so no decoding process is performed to decode the data recorded in the recording area. On the other hand, with a specific reading device that has acquired the above-mentioned default information in advance, if the format information cannot be acquired from the captured image, the decoding process is performed on the assumption that the previously acquired default information is the format information. This makes it possible to decode the data recorded in the recording area. In particular, since the information code according to the present invention is constructed by replacing some of the cells that constitute the format information area of the QR code with other cells, it is indistinguishable from the QR code at first glance. Therefore, the reason why the information code according to the present invention cannot be deciphered cannot be easily understood, so it is possible to suppress unauthorized reading of data recorded in the information code and improve security.

In the invention of claim 2, in the information code reading device, the predetermined information is acquired in advance by the acquisition section, and when the decoding section cannot acquire the format information from the captured image in the decoding process, the acquisition section acquires the predetermined information. The decoding process is performed assuming that the predetermined information obtained in advance is format information.

As a result, even if the information code has enhanced security as described above, the data recorded in the recording area can be decoded by using the above-mentioned default information acquired in advance by the acquisition unit as format information. can do.

In the information code reading device, in the information code reading device, when the format information cannot be acquired from the captured image in the decoding process by the decoding unit, the generation unit generates the format information according to the password correctly input to the operation unit. The decoding process is performed assuming that the predetermined information is format information.

As a result, even if the information code has increased security as described above, it will be recorded in the recording area by using the above default information generated according to the correctly entered password as format information. Data can be deciphered.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, it is possible to satisfactorily generate an information code that provides the same effects as the first aspect.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an information code reading system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the information code according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2(B) is an enlarged view of the periphery of the finder pattern 22a, and FIG. 2(C) is an explanatory diagram showing the periphery of the finder pattern 22b. FIG. 2D shows an enlarged view of the periphery of the finder pattern 22c. FIG. 3(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the QR code before replacement, FIG. 3(B) is an enlarged view of the area around the finder pattern 22a, and FIG. 3(C) is an enlarged view of the area around the finder pattern 22b. FIG. 3D shows an enlarged view of the periphery of the finder pattern 22c. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the electrical configuration of an information code reading device that reads an information code according to a first embodiment; FIG. It is a flowchart illustrating the flow of reading processing performed by the control unit of the information code reading device in the first embodiment. It is an explanatory diagram showing an information code concerning a modification of a 1st embodiment. It is an explanatory view explaining an information code reading system concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart which illustrates the flow of the reading process performed by the control part of the information code reading device in a 2nd embodiment.

[First embodiment]
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of an information code, an information code reading system, and an information code generation method of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The information code reading system 1 according to the present embodiment is an authentication system using an information code, and as shown in FIG. An information code reading device 30 for optically reading the information code 10, and an authentication device 2 for performing authentication using the reading result of the information code reading device 30. has been done.

First, the configuration of the information code 10 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
As shown in FIGS. 2(A) to 2(D), the information code 10 according to this embodiment includes multiple types of QR codes 20 (see FIG. 3) standardized by the JIS standard (JISX0510:2004). Generated by replacing part of a cell with another cell.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, the QR code 20 before replacement has a specific pattern area 22 in which a specific pattern with a predetermined shape is arranged, and a plurality of types of cells. A format information area 23 in which format information for decoding the QR code is recorded, and a recording area 24 in which data is recorded using a plurality of types of cells are provided in the code area 21. As the specific pattern, finder patterns (position detection patterns) 22a to 22c arranged at the three corners of the code area 21, a timing pattern, an alignment pattern, etc. are assumed. In this embodiment, the recording area 24 records personal information for user authentication.

Further, in this embodiment, the format information includes format information and model number information, the format information is information for specifying the error correction level, mask pattern, etc., and the model number information includes the size (model number), etc. This is information to identify. Format information is stored in cells arranged in an area 23a of one cell width that is one cell to the right of finder patterns 22a and 22c in the format information area 23, and one cell for finder patterns 22a and 22b. Recording is performed using cells arranged in an area 23b of one cell width apart from the bottom. The model number information is stored in cells arranged in a 6×3 block area 23c that is one cell to the left of the finder pattern 22b in the format information area 23 and one cell above the finder pattern 22c. Recording is performed using cells arranged in areas 23d of 3×6 blocks separated from each other.

The QR code 20 according to this embodiment is configured such that each cell forming the format information area has a predetermined arrangement pattern, so that the format information becomes predetermined information. Specifically, the QR code 20 is generated with the error correction level, mask pattern, etc. determined in advance, and is generated so that the format information becomes predetermined default information. Therefore, in the QR code 20, as shown in FIG. 3, the area 23a and the area 23b of the format information area 23 have a predetermined arrangement pattern according to the above predetermined information.

The information code 10 according to the present embodiment is configured such that at least some of the cells constituting the predetermined arrangement pattern cannot acquire the predetermined information with respect to the QR code 20 generated as described above. is generated by replacing it with the cell. Specifically, as can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, in the information code 10, all dark-colored cells in the area 23a and area 23b constituting the above-mentioned default arrangement pattern in the format information area 23 are arranged in the above-mentioned default arrangement pattern. Each cell is replaced with a light colored cell and generated so that information cannot be obtained.

By generating the information code 10 in this way, a normal reading device that captures an image of the information code 10 detects the finder patterns 22a to 22c of the QR code from the captured image, and the QR code 20 is placed in the imaging field of view. Even if it is known that the data is contained in the data, the format information cannot be obtained, so no decoding process is performed to decode the data recorded in the recording area 24.

Next, the configuration of the information code reading device 30 for optically reading the information code 10 according to this embodiment will be explained using FIG. 4.
The information code reading device 30 according to this embodiment is a reading device that optically reads general information codes such as barcodes and QR codes, including the information code 10. The information code reading device 30 shown in FIG. 4 is, for example, an authentication reading terminal in which an application program (hereinafter also referred to as a reading application) for reading the information code 10 is installed, and a control unit including a CPU or the like. 31, a memory 32, an imaging section 33 configured as a camera, a display section 34 whose display contents are controlled by the control section 31, an operation section 35 that outputs an operation signal according to an input operation to the control section 31, an external device, etc. It is equipped with a communication section 36 and the like for communication.

In the information code reading device 30 configured as described above, the above-described predetermined information is acquired in advance and stored in the memory 32. Therefore, if the format information (format information) cannot be obtained by the reading process performed by the control unit 31 by starting the reading application, the default information stored in the memory 32 in advance is the format information. By performing the decoding process as follows, the data recorded in the recording area 24 of the information code 10 can be decoded. Note that the control unit 31 that performs the reading process may correspond to an example of a "decoding unit" that performs the decoding process to decode the information code, and the memory 32 may correspond to an example of the "acquisition unit".

Below, the reading process executed by the control unit 31 of the information code reading device 30 when a user who owns the medium R on which the information code 10 is displayed uses the authentication device 2 to authenticate his/her identity will be explained in the figure. This will be explained with reference to the flowchart No. 5.
When the reading application is activated in response to an instruction from the authentication device 2 and the reading process is started by the control unit 31, first, the imaging process shown in step S101 in FIG. 5 is performed, and the imaging unit 33 captures the information code. 10 etc. will be in a state where it can be imaged.

Next, finder pattern detection processing shown in step S103 is performed, and processing is performed to detect each of the finder patterns 22a to 22c in order to specify the code area 21 in the captured image. Then, when the code area 21 is specified by detecting each of the finder patterns 22a to 22c (S105: Yes), in the determination process of step S107, the format information area 23 of the specified code area 21 is valid. It is determined whether format information is recorded.

Here, when the information code 10 according to the present embodiment is imaged, since the area 23a and the area 23b of the format information area 23 in the code area 21 are all composed of light-colored cells, the format information area 23 is Since format information of valid format information is not recorded, the determination in step S107 is No. In this case, the decoding process shown in step S109 is performed, and the predetermined information stored in the memory 32 in advance is used as the format information of the format information to decode the data recorded in the recording area 24. Processing is done. If this decoding process is successful and the personal information etc. for identity authentication recorded in the recording area 24 are read (Yes at S111), this personal information etc. 2 (S113). If the decoding process fails (No in S111), the process from step S101 is performed.

On the other hand, if another QR code different from the information code 10 is being imaged, valid format information is recorded in the format information area 23, so the determination in step S107 is Yes. In this case, the notification process shown in step S115 is performed, and information indicating that authentication is not possible because the information code for authentication has not been imaged is displayed on the display unit 34 and notified. Note that instead of the above-mentioned notification processing, decryption processing using valid format information recorded in the format information area 23 may be performed, and the decryption result may be output to the authentication device 2 together with information indicating that authentication is not possible. good.

As explained above, in the information code 10 according to the present embodiment, the QR code 20 before replacement is recorded in the format information area 23 because each cell forming the format information area 23 has a predetermined arrangement pattern. The format information provided is configured to be the default information. Then, at least some of the cells forming the predetermined arrangement pattern are replaced with other cells so that the predetermined information cannot be acquired.

In the information code reading system 1 according to the present embodiment, the predetermined information is acquired and stored in the memory 32 in advance in the information code reading device 30, and the image is captured in the decoding process performed by the control unit 31. If the format information cannot be obtained from the image (No in S107), decoding processing is performed on the assumption that default information stored in advance in the memory 32 is the format information.

As a result, a normal reading device that captures an image of the information code according to the present invention can detect that the QR code 20 is within the imaging field of view by detecting the finder patterns 22a to 22c of the QR code 20 from the captured image. Even if the data is recorded in the recording area 24, no decoding process is performed to decode the data recorded in the recording area 24 because the format information cannot be obtained. On the other hand, if the information code reading device 30 has acquired the above-mentioned default information in advance, when the format information cannot be acquired from the captured image, the decoding process will be performed assuming that the acquired default information is the format information. By being read, the data recorded in the recording area 24 can be decoded. In particular, since the information code 10 according to the present invention is constructed by replacing some of the cells that constitute the format information area 23 of the QR code 20 with other cells, it is indistinguishable from the QR code 20 at first glance. be. Therefore, the reason why the information code 10 according to the present invention cannot be deciphered cannot be easily understood, so it is possible to suppress unauthorized reading of data recorded in the information code 10 and improve security.

In particular, all the dark colored cells in the area 23a and the area 23b constituting the predetermined arrangement pattern are replaced with light colored cells so that the predetermined information cannot be acquired. Thereby, it is possible to easily configure a format information area in which cells of the predetermined arrangement pattern are replaced so that the predetermined information cannot be acquired.

Note that all the light cells in the area 23a and the area 23b forming the predetermined arrangement pattern may be replaced with dark cells so that the predetermined information cannot be acquired. Even in this manner, it is possible to easily configure a format information area in which cells of the predetermined arrangement pattern are replaced so that the predetermined information cannot be acquired.

In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6D, for the QR code 20 shown in FIGS. For example, by randomly replacing cells, the above-mentioned default information may not be obtained.

[Second embodiment]
Next, an information code, an information code reading system, and an information code generation method according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that, when reading the information code 10, the predetermined information is generated according to the input password. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the information code reading device 30 is separately provided with an input device 37 for the user to input a password. It is configured such that an operation signal is output to the control section 31.

Further, the information code 10 according to the present embodiment is configured such that at least some of the cells forming the area 23a and the area 23b of the format information area 23 are different from the QR code 20, as in the first embodiment. be done. More specifically, the information code 10 cannot acquire the above-mentioned default information from each cell that makes up the area 23a and the area 23b, and each cell that makes up the area 23a and the area 23b does not respond to the password for cell replacement. When replaced based on a predetermined replacement rule, it is configured to have the same cell arrangement as the QR code 20. In the reading process performed by the information code reading device 30, each cell constituting the area 23a and area 23b of the format information area 23 of the imaged information code 10 is replaced in accordance with the password for cell replacement. A code 20 is generated and the QR code 20 thus generated is decoded. Therefore, in this embodiment, there is no need to store the predetermined information in the memory 32 in advance.

The reading process executed by the control unit 31 of the information code reading device 30 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8.
The reading process is started by the control unit 31, and as in the first embodiment, when the code area 21 is specified by detecting each of the finder patterns 22a to 22c in the captured image (Yes in S105 of FIG. 8). In the determination process of step S107, it is determined whether or not valid format information is recorded in the format information area 23 of the specified code area 21.

Here, when the information code 10 according to the present embodiment is being imaged, it is determined that valid format information is not recorded in the format information area 23, and a determination of No is made in step S107. In this case, the display process shown in step S117 is performed, and information prompting the input device 37 to input a password for cell replacement is displayed on the display unit 34 and notified.

When the user correctly inputs the cell replacement password into the input device 37 in response to this display (S119), a format information acquisition process shown in step S121 is performed. In this process, the cells constituting the format information area 23 are replaced based on a predetermined replacement rule in accordance with the correct password for cell replacement to generate the above-mentioned default arrangement pattern, and the data is acquired from this default arrangement pattern. The specified default information is acquired as the format information of the format information. Note that the control unit 31 that performs the format information acquisition process may correspond to an example of a “generation unit” that generates default information in response to a correctly input password.

Subsequently, the decoding process shown in step S123 is performed, and the recording area is expanded by using the above-mentioned default information obtained according to the password for cell replacement correctly input as described above as the format information of the format information. Processing is performed to decode the data recorded in 24. If this decoding process is successful and the personal information etc. for identity authentication recorded in the recording area 24 are read (Yes at S111), this personal information etc. 2 (S113).

On the other hand, if the input password is incorrect and the cells constituting the format information area 23 are replaced based on a predetermined replacement rule according to the incorrect password, and the above decryption process fails (No in S111). , the processing from step S101 described above is performed.

As explained above, in the information code 10 according to the present embodiment, when the format information cannot be acquired from the captured image in the decoding process by the reading process performed by the control unit 31 in the information code reading device 30, the input device The decryption process is performed on the assumption that the default information generated in response to the cell replacement password correctly inputted into 37 is the format information.

As a result, even if the information code has enhanced security as described above, by using the above default information generated according to the correctly entered cell replacement password as format information, the recording area can be saved. 24 can be decoded.

Note that the password for cell replacement is not limited to being input in response to an operation on the separately provided input device 37, and may be input in response to an operation on the operation unit 35, for example. Note that the input device 37 and the operation unit 35 may correspond to an example of an “operation unit” for inputting a password.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and may be embodied as follows, for example.
(1) In the first embodiment, the QR code 20 is not limited to being generated such that the format information of the format information is predetermined default information; for example, the QR code 20 is generated so that the model number information is predetermined The information may be generated as default information. In this case, in the QR code 20, the area 23c and the area 23d of the format information area 23 have a predetermined arrangement pattern according to the above-mentioned predetermined information, and the information code 10 has the above-described predetermined arrangement pattern in the format information area 23. At least a portion of each cell forming the pattern is generated by being replaced with another cell so that the predetermined information cannot be acquired. Further, the QR code 20 may be generated such that both format information and model number information of the format information are predetermined default information. In this case, in the QR code 20, the areas 23a to 23d of the format information area 23 have a default arrangement pattern according to the above-mentioned default information, and the information code 10 has the above-mentioned default arrangement pattern in the format information area 23. is generated by replacing at least a part of each cell constituting the cell with another cell so that the predetermined information cannot be acquired.

(2) In the second embodiment, the information code 10 is such that each cell forming the area 23a and area 23b of the format information area 23 is replaced based on a predetermined replacement rule in accordance with a password for cell replacement. In addition to being configured to have the same cell arrangement as the QR code 20, each cell constituting the area 23c and the area 23d is replaced based on a predetermined replacement rule according to a password for cell replacement. Therefore, it may be configured to have the same cell arrangement as the QR code 20. Furthermore, the information code 10 is configured to have the same cell arrangement as the QR code 20 by replacing each cell constituting the areas 23a to 23d based on a predetermined replacement rule in accordance with a password for cell replacement. may be done.

(3) The present invention is not limited to application to an authentication system using the information code 10, but can also be applied to a payment system using payment information recorded in the recording area 24 of the information code 10, for example. Good too. Further, the present invention may be applied to a face authentication system that uses the user's face authentication information recorded in the recording area 24 of the information code 10.

(4) The information code 10 according to the present invention is not limited to being displayed on a medium owned by the user by printing or the like, but can be displayed on a screen and used by a mobile terminal owned by the user, for example. Good too.

1... Information code reading system 10... Information code 20... QR code 21... Code area 22... Specific pattern area 22a-22c... Finder pattern 23... Format information area 24... Recording area 30... Information code reading device 31... Control unit (decoding) part, generation part)
32...Memory (acquisition part)
33...Imaging unit 35...Operation unit 37...Input device (operation unit)

Claims (4)

An information code in which some of the multiple types of cells that make up the QR code are replaced with other cells,
The QR code before replacement includes a specific pattern area where a specific pattern with a predetermined shape is arranged, a format information area where format information for decoding the QR code is recorded using multiple types of cells, and multiple types of cells. a recording area for recording data using cells, is provided in the code area, and each cell constituting the format information area has a predetermined arrangement pattern, so that the format information becomes predetermined information. is,
An information code characterized in that at least some of the cells constituting the predetermined arrangement pattern are randomly replaced so that the predetermined information cannot be acquired. An information code reading system comprising the information code according to claim 1 and an information code reading device for reading the information code,
The information code reading device includes:
an imaging unit that images the information code;
an acquisition unit that acquires the predetermined information in advance;
a deciphering unit that performs a deciphering process to decipher an information code on the captured image captured by the imaging unit;
Equipped with
The decoding unit is characterized in that when the format information cannot be acquired from the captured image in the decoding process, the decoding process is performed assuming that the predetermined information acquired in advance by the acquiring unit is the format information. Information code reading system. An information code reading system comprising the information code according to claim 1 and an information code reading device for reading the information code,
The information code reading device includes:
an imaging unit that images the information code;
a deciphering unit that performs a deciphering process to decipher an information code on the captured image captured by the imaging unit;
an operation section for inputting a password;
a generation unit that generates the predetermined information according to a password that is correctly input to the operation unit;
Equipped with
When the format information cannot be acquired from the captured image in the decoding process, the decoding unit is configured to convert the predetermined information generated by the generation unit to the An information code reading system characterized by performing the decoding process as format information. An information code generation method for generating an information code by replacing some of multiple types of cells constituting a QR code with other cells, the method comprising:
A specific pattern area where a specific pattern with a predetermined shape is arranged, a format information area where format information for decoding the QR code is recorded using multiple types of cells, and a record where data is recorded using multiple types of cells. After generating the QR code so that each cell constituting the format information area has a predetermined arrangement pattern and the format information becomes predetermined information when providing the region and in the code region,
An information code generation method, characterized in that the information code is generated by randomly replacing at least some of the cells constituting the predetermined arrangement pattern so that the predetermined information cannot be acquired.

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