JP3738049B2 - Digital information recording method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a digital information recording method for recording digital information as a two-dimensional pattern by printing.
[0002]
[Background Art and Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
Recently, as shown in FIG. 18, a square cell C corresponding to a bit is virtually set on the recording surface 20, and light (white) or dark (black) corresponding to digital information to be recorded in each cell C is obtained. Attention has been paid to a method of recording digital information as a two-dimensional pattern as shown in FIG. Actually, a white background is used as the recording surface 20, and only the black mark M is printed in a full cell C.
[0003]
As a printing apparatus used for this printing, a dot matrix printer that uses dots as a minimum printing unit and performs printing in a dot matrix configuration is often used. At this time, theoretically, if one dot corresponds to one cell C, the maximum recording density can be achieved. However, in reality, since the ink, toner, or the like that is the printing material “bleeds”, the size of the printed “dot” becomes larger than the size of the “dot” that the printer has as a mechanism. For this reason, in order to increase the printing accuracy at the expense of the recording density, a plurality of dots are assigned to one cell C in the vertical and horizontal directions.
[0004]
However, even if one cell C is printed by a plurality of dots of the printer, if the black mark is printed to the full extent of the cell C, as shown in FIG._AHowever, as shown in FIG. 20, there is a problem that the corner portion of the white cell is crushed at the location A surrounded on three sides by the black cell.
[0005]
Further, as the printing apparatus, a thermal dot matrix printer (hereinafter referred to as “thermal printer”) that performs printing by heating in dot units while moving the print head relative to the recording surface is used. In this case, the blur of the dot d appears in the moving direction (usually the horizontal direction) of the print head. That is, the temperature change of the print head does not necessarily occur digitally as shown in FIG. 26 (a), but changes over time as shown in FIG. 26 (c). Even if an attempt is made to print a square dot d as shown in Fig. 26, as shown in Fig. 26 (d), the dot d having a shape dragged in the horizontal direction₁Is printed. This tendency is more remarkable on the print end side (right side) than on the print start side (left side).₁The protruding width on the printing end side may exceed the width of one dot.
[0006]
For this reason, as shown in FIG.₁Black mark M full_BIs printed, mark M on the right side_BProtrudes greatly, and adjacent white Cone C₂Has the problem of being eroded. In this example, 4 dots × 4 dots are assigned to one cell, but in actuality the mark M_BSince the protrusion width is about 1 dot,₁Is 4 dots long x 5 dots wide, white C₂Is printed with dimensions of 4 dots vertically by 3 dots horizontally. In such a case, white eye C₂May be misread as black, making the reading process difficult.
[0007]
Various attempts have been made to solve the problems caused by such “smearing”.
[0008]
For example, in JP-A-1-282694 and JP-A-3-78894, a total of 4 dots of 2 vertical dots × 2 horizontal dots are assigned to one cell, and a space of 1 dot is provided between each cell. A method of providing the above is disclosed. This solves the problem of bleeding. However, there is a problem that the recording density is lowered due to the space for one dot.
[0009]
On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-244293 discloses a system in which a space smaller than the size of the mesh is provided between the meshes. When the size of the mesh is about 20 to 30 μm, the problem of bleeding can be solved by setting the space to 2 to 5 μm. According to this method, it seems as if the problem of a decrease in recording density can be solved. However, when the space is set to 5 μm, for example, the resolution required for the printing apparatus is as high as 5000 dpi (dots per inch). In a laser printer currently in general use, even if it has a relatively high resolution, it is only about 600 dpi at most. For this reason, it is difficult to say that this method can be easily implemented.
[0010]
In addition, since all of the methods disclosed in these publications provide a space between the cells, as a result, black marks are printed apart. For this reason, there are cases where a reading method having an advantage cannot be adopted.
[0011]
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, the applicant previously described a cell 21 representing the original recording information inside the information recording area 23 provided in the recording surface 20 apart from the outer periphery. Has proposed a method of arranging a specific pattern 22 for indicating the position of Japanese Patent Application No. 6-325275. In this example, as shown in FIG. 22, the specific pattern 22 is also arranged on the outer periphery of the information recording area 23. As shown in FIG. 23, the specific pattern 22 includes a central portion 41 made up of a single square with black and a first square made up of eight squares with white surrounding the periphery. An annular portion 42 and a second annular portion 43 composed of 16 squares with black surrounding the periphery of the annular portion 42. As a whole, it is a square block including a total of 25 cells of 5 rows × 5 columns.
[0012]
This specific pattern 22 is relatively easy to find even if it is arranged in the form of (1) information recording area 23, and (2) the number of cells constituting the specific pattern 22 is relatively 25th. Small (3) Even when the same pattern appears in the vicinity of the specific pattern 22, it appears only at a relatively far position (position shifted by four grids in the vertical or horizontal direction) (see FIG. 24), (4) White Since the squares and black squares are arranged in a well-balanced manner, they are not easily affected by dirt and blurring. (5) After reading the center 41 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. There is an advantage that it can be easily found by making a round along the inner periphery of the region considered to be the annular portion 43 by, for example, the left method (a method of tracing the wall of the maze while attaching the left hand to the wall).
[0013]
Here, when a recording method in which a space is provided between each square is employed, for example, as shown in FIG. 10A, a space is generated between the black marks of the second annular portion 43 of the specific pattern 22. The reading method having the advantage (Japanese Patent Application No. 6-325275) cannot be carried out. As described above, each of the methods disclosed in each of the above publications provides a space between the respective cells, so that not only the recording density is lowered but also a reading method having an advantage cannot be adopted. Also cause.
[0014]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to set a polygonal mesh corresponding to a bit virtually on a planar recording surface, print an optically identifiable mark on each of the meshes, and record the digital Provided is a high-density and simple digital information recording method capable of eliminating problems caused by bleeding of a printing material without providing a space between each cell when recording information as a two-dimensional pattern including the mark. There is.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, a digital information recording method according to claim 1, wherein a polygonal mesh corresponding to a bit and arranged in a plurality of spaces is virtually set on a planar recording surface, and optically arranged in the mesh. A digital information recording method for printing an identifiable mark and recording digital information to be recorded as a two-dimensional pattern including the mark, wherein the shape of the mark is closed within the grid except for a corner portion. The midpoint of each side that occupies an area and constitutes the cellAlong the range includingIt is characterized in that the first shape is inscribed.
[0016]
The digital information recording method according to claim 2 is the digital information recording method according to claim 1, wherein the meshes are arranged such that three or more meshes match a corner portion at one boundary point. After the digital information to be recorded is arranged two-dimensionally in the grid, the digital information to be recorded is two-dimensionally arranged, and for each boundary point, all the grids surrounding the boundary point should print the mark. When all of the meshes that surround the boundary point are the cells to be printed with the mark, the shape of the mark printed on the cell that surrounds the boundary point A feature is that the first shape is changed to a second shape expanded so as to occupy the corner portion on the boundary point side.
[0017]
  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital information recording method in which a polygonal mesh corresponding to a bit and arranged in a plurality of spaces is virtually set on a planar recording surface, and the mark is optically identifiable. Is a digital information recording method in which digital information to be recorded is recorded as a two-dimensional pattern including the mark, and the arrangement of the cells is a corner portion with three or more cells at one boundary point. Are set in a periodic arrangement adjacent to each other, the shape of the mark is set to a polygon that matches the grid, and the digital information to be recorded is arranged two-dimensionally in the grid, and then each boundary point Each of the grids that touch the boundary pointThe angle at which the corners of the squares where the mark should be printed continuously surround the boundaryJudge thatWhen the angle is greater than 180 ° and less than 360 °The shape of a mark to be printed on a grid in contact with the boundary point is changed from a polygon that coincides with the grid to a third shape in which a corner portion on the boundary point side of the polygon is cut out. It is said.
[0018]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital information recording method in which a polygonal mesh corresponding to a bit and arranged in a plurality of spaces is virtually set on a planar recording surface, and the mark is optically identifiable in the mesh. Is a digital information recording method for recording digital information to be recorded as a two-dimensional pattern including the mark, in which the cells are arranged in contact with each other in at least one direction. And the shape of the mark is set to a fourth shape that occupies a closed region excluding a portion in the vicinity of one side with respect to the one direction in the cell, and the cell aligned in the one direction is The marks are printed in order from the side opposite to the one side with respect to the one direction toward the one side.
[0019]
[Action]
In the digital information recording method according to the first aspect, since the shape of the mark to be printed in the grid occupies a closed region excluding the corner portion in the grid, the grid in which the mark is not printed (hereinafter, “ It is possible to eliminate the problem that the corner portion of the “white eye” is crushed by the mark printing material. That is, it is assumed that the corner portion of the white eyelet is surrounded by the eyelet on which the mark is printed (hereinafter referred to as “black eyelet”). In this state, even if the printing material of the mark is slightly blurred, the corner of the mark is substantially “missed” within the black grid, so the printing material of the mark remains within the black grid and the white It does not extend to the area of the grid. Accordingly, it is possible to eliminate the problem that the corner portion of the white cell is crushed by the mark printing material.
[0020]
  Moreover, in this digital information recording method, since the cells are arranged on the flat recording surface without a plurality of gaps, unlike the conventional method in which a space is provided between the cells, the recording density may be lowered. Therefore, high-density recording can be easily performed. Furthermore, the shape of the mark is changed to the side of each side constituting the cell.Along the range including the midpointSince the mark is inscribed, the mark can occupy most of the area of the cell, and the area of each cell is effectively used. Therefore, reading errors are less likely to occur. Rather, by setting the size of the mesh smaller, recording with higher density becomes possible. Further, when black squares are arranged, the marks are inscribed in the midpoints of the sides at each square, and as a result, the marks are printed continuously without being separated. Therefore, it is possible to adopt a reading method (Japanese Patent Application No. 6-325275) having advantages as previously proposed by the present applicant.
[0021]
In the digital information recording method according to claim 2, the arrangement of the meshes is a periodic arrangement in which three or more meshes are adjacent to each other at one boundary point. After the digital information to be recorded is two-dimensionally arranged in the grid, whether or not all the grids that surround the boundary points are the grids on which the mark is to be printed for each of the boundary points. And when all the meshes surrounding the boundary point are the cells to be printed with the mark, the shape of the mark printed on the cell surrounding the boundary point is changed from the first shape to the boundary. It changes to the 2nd shape expanded so that the corner part of a point side may be occupied. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a state in which a gap remains between marks surrounding the boundary point even though all of the cells surrounding the boundary point are black cells.
[0022]
  4. The digital information recording method according to claim 3, wherein the arrangement of the cells is a periodic arrangement in which three or more cells are adjacent to each other at one boundary point, and the shape of the mark is the cell. Set to a polygon that matches. After the digital information to be recorded is arranged two-dimensionally in the grid, for each of the boundary points, of the grids in contact with the boundary pointThe angle at which the corners of the squares where the mark should be printed continuously surround the boundaryJudgingWhen the angle is greater than 180 ° and less than 360 °The shape of the mark to be printed on the grid in contact with the boundary point is changed from the polygon that coincides with the grid to the third shape in which the corner portion on the boundary point side of the polygon is cut out. It is possible to eliminate the problem that the corners of the white squares in contact with the boundary points are crushed by the printing material of the mark. That is, even if the printing material of the mark is slightly blurred, the corner of the mark is notched within the black grid that touches the boundary point. It does not extend to the area of the grid. Accordingly, it is possible to eliminate the problem that the corner portion of the white cell is crushed by the mark printing material.
[0023]
In addition, in this digital information recording method, as in the first aspect, since the cells are arranged on the flat recording surface without any gaps, the recording is different from the conventional method in which spaces are provided between the cells. It is possible to easily perform high-density recording without causing a decrease in density. In addition, since the shape of the mark is a shape in which a polygonal corner portion that coincides with the grid is cut out, the mark can occupy most of the area of the grid, and the area of each grid is effective. Used for. Therefore, reading errors are less likely to occur. Rather, by setting the size of the mesh smaller, recording with higher density becomes possible. Further, when black squares are arranged, the marks are inscribed in the midpoints of the sides at each square, and as a result, the marks are printed continuously without being separated. Therefore, it is possible to adopt a reading method (Japanese Patent Application No. 6-325275) having advantages as previously proposed by the present applicant.
[0024]
Further, in the digital information recording method according to claim 4, the grid is arranged in such a manner that the grids are arranged in contact with each other in at least one direction, and the shape of the mark is within the grid. A fourth shape occupying a closed region excluding the vicinity of the side on one side with respect to the direction is set. Then, for the cells arranged in one direction, the marks are printed in order from the side opposite to the one side (print start side) with respect to the one direction toward the one side (print end side). Therefore, even if dot blurring appears on the print end side in the print head movement direction, as in the case of printing using a thermal printer, the gap in the vicinity of the one side of the black eyelet The printing material of the mark can stay in the black squares. Even if the printing material of the mark protrudes to the area of the white cell adjacent to the black cell, the protrusion width is reduced. As a result, reading processing is facilitated and reading errors are reduced.
[0025]
【Example】
Hereinafter, the digital information recording method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.
[0026]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows an example in which digital information to be recorded is marked M on a white recording surface 20 by applying the digital information recording method of one embodiment.₁An example recorded as a two-dimensional pattern including
[0027]
In this recording method, square meshes C arranged in a matrix corresponding to bits are virtually set on the recording surface 20. No space is provided between the cells C, and the cells C are arranged in contact with each other in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 1, in this example, the shape of the mark is a first shape M in which the four corners of a square having the same dimensions as the grid C are rounded into ¼ arcs, respectively.₁Is set. Mark M₁The vicinity of the midpoint of each side of each side is in a state that coincides with each side of the square of the square C. Mark M₁The area occupied by is actually printed black, but is hatched for convenience.
[0028]
In this way, the mark M to be printed on the cell C₁Since the four corners of the square having the same dimensions as the square C are rounded to a quarter arc shape, the white square (particularly C₀Can be prevented from being crushed by the mark printing material. That is, white eye C₀The corner portion A1 is in a state surrounded by the black squares C on three sides. Here, even if the printing material of the mark is slightly blurred, the mark M₁Since the corner portion of the mark is substantially “missed”, the printing material of the mark remains in the black cell C, and the white cell C₀It does not extend to this area.
[0029]
In addition, in this example, since the cells C are arranged on the planar recording surface 20 without a plurality of gaps, unlike the conventional method in which a space is provided between the cells C, the recording density may be lowered. Therefore, high density recording can be easily performed. Furthermore, the mark M₁Since the portion in the vicinity of the midpoint of each side coincides with each side of the square of the cell C, the mark M1 can occupy most of the area of the cell C, and the area of each cell C is effective. Can be used for Therefore, reading errors are less likely to occur. Rather, by setting the size of the cell C small, higher density recording can be performed. In addition, when black squares C are arranged, the mark M₁Are continuously printed without being separated. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), when the specific pattern 22 as previously proposed by the applicant is provided, the second annular portion 43 is continuous and printed in an annular shape. Therefore, the reading method (Japanese Patent Application No. 6-325275) having the advantages previously proposed by the present applicant can be adopted. That is, at the time of reading, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 25, after recognizing the central portion 41, along the inner periphery of the region considered to be the second annular portion 43, for example, the left technique (maze while attaching the left hand to the wall) The specific pattern 22 can be easily recognized by making a round by the method of following the wall.
[0030]
The shape of the mark is the mark M₁The shape is not limited to the above, and any shape that occupies the closed region excluding the corner portion in the cell C and that is inscribed at the midpoint of each side constituting the cell C may be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the shape of the mark is a circle M inscribed in each cell C.₂It is also good. In this case as well, just as in the example of FIG. 1, it is possible to eliminate defects caused by bleeding of the printing material without providing a space between the meshes C, and to easily record digital information to be recorded at high density. There is an effect that can be done. Depending on the printing apparatus, the mark M in FIG.₁Rather than rounding only the corner as shown in FIG.₂In some cases, it is easier to print with a circular shape.
[0031]
Furthermore, if the shape can touch the adjacent mark, the mark does not need to be inscribed in the middle point, and may be in contact with the side of the mesh at a place other than the middle point.
[0032]
In addition, white eye C₀No corner A₁Is mark M₁In order to prevent the problem of being crushed by the printing material, it is not necessary to make all the marks printed on the black squares C have the same shape.
[0033]
For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, a square cell C corresponding to a bit and arranged in a matrix (3 vertical × 3 horizontal) is virtually set on the recording surface 20. Here, when the digital information to be recorded is two-dimensionally arranged in each cell C, as shown in FIG.₁A gap between₂May occur. Such a gap A₂Is left, the sampling point for the image data is shifted at the time of reading, and this gap A₂When the image bits are sampled, a reading error occurs.
[0034]
In such a case, for every boundary point where the grid C abuts the corner portion and is adjacent, all of the grid C surrounding the boundary point is marked M₁It is determined whether or not the cell is to be printed. And all the cells C surrounding the boundary point are marked M₁Is a grid to be printed, as shown in FIG. 3 (e), the shape of the mark to be printed on the grid C surrounding the boundary point is represented by a mark M.₁The second shape M extended from the shape of the shape so as to occupy the corner portion on the boundary point side₁Change to #. Therefore, even though all of the cells C surrounding the boundary point are black cells, the mark M surrounding the boundary point₁Clearance A between #₂Can be prevented.
[0035]
FIG. 4 shows a regular hexagonal mesh C corresponding to a bit and arranged in a plurality of spaces on the recording surface 20.₁Is set virtually, and the shape of the mark₁Circular M inscribed in_ThreeAn example is shown. Even when digital information is recorded in such a manner, the same operational effects as in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2 can be obtained.
[0036]
In this case, consider a case where two characters “kanji” are recorded as an example of information to be recorded. As shown in FIG. 9, the JIS code (hexadecimal number) corresponding to these two characters is represented as “3441” and “3b7a”. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, a total of 32 cells C in 4 rows × 8 columns in the recording surface 20.₁An information recording area 10 is set. Each row of the information recording area 10 has four grids C that are alternately shifted in half pitches and are arranged in a zigzag in the vertical direction.₁It is made up of. One code is made to correspond to this one column, and the cell C of each column₁Shall correspond to the positions of 8, 4, 2, 1 in order from the top. If the white eyelet is 0 and the black eyelet is 1, in this recording method, “Kanji” is represented by a pattern as shown in FIG.
[0037]
In FIG. 5, a rectangular grid C corresponding to the bit and arranged in a plurality of spaces on the recording surface 20.₂Is virtually set. And the three marks shown on the left side in FIG.₂Ellipse M inscribed in_FourIt is said. On the other hand, the three marks shown on the right are cell C_FourA shape M with four corners of a rectangle with the same dimensions as_FiveIs set. Even when digital information is recorded in such a manner, the same operational effects as in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2 can be obtained.
[0038]
6, as in the example of FIG. 2, a square grid C corresponding to the bits and arranged in a matrix is virtually set on the recording surface 20, and the shape of the mark is a circle M inscribed in each grid C.₆, M₇An example is shown. However, Mark M₆, M₇Is set to a different color, and the value of each cell C is multivalued to increase the amount of stored information. Even when digital information is recorded in such a manner, the same operational effects as in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2 can be obtained.
[0039]
(Second embodiment)
FIG. 3D shows an example in which another digital information recording method is applied and digital information to be recorded is recorded as a two-dimensional pattern including marks M and M # on the white recording surface 20.
[0040]
In this recording method, as shown in FIG. 3A, square cells C arranged in a matrix (3 vertical × 3 horizontal) are virtually set on the recording surface 20. No space is provided between the cells C, and the cells C are arranged in contact with each other in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.
[0041]
Here, as shown in FIG. 3B, the shape of the mark is set to a square M that coincides with the cell C. When the digital information to be recorded is arranged two-dimensionally in each cell C, as shown in FIG.₀No corner A₁Suppose that three sides are surrounded by black squares C.
[0042]
In such a case, for each boundary point adjacent to the corner C where the corner portion is abutted, whether two or more cells C out of the cells C in contact with the boundary point are to be printed with the mark M Judge whether or not. When two or more squares C are squares on which the mark M is to be printed, the shape of the mark printed on the square C in contact with the boundary point is cut out from the square M at the corner part on the boundary point side. The third shape M # is changed.
[0043]
As a result, it is possible to eliminate the problem that the corner portion A1 of the white cell C0 in contact with the boundary point is crushed by the mark printing material. That is, even if the printing material of the mark is slightly blurred, the mark printing material remains in the black grid C because the corner portion of the mark M # is cut out in the black grid C in contact with the boundary point. It does not reach the area of the white eye C0.
[0044]
In addition, in this example, as in the first embodiment, the cells C are arranged on the planar recording surface 20 without a plurality of gaps. Therefore, unlike the conventional method in which a space is provided between the cells C, It is possible to easily perform high-density recording without causing a decrease in recording density. Further, since the shape of the mark M is a square and the shape of the mark M # is a substantially square, the marks M and M # can occupy all or most of the area of the cell, and each cell C The area can be used effectively. Therefore, reading errors are less likely to occur. Rather, by setting the size of the cell C small, higher density recording can be performed. Further, when the black cells C are arranged, the marks are printed continuously without being separated. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), when the specific pattern 22 as previously proposed by the applicant is provided, the second annular portion 43 is continuous and printed in an annular shape. Therefore, the reading method (Japanese Patent Application No. 6-325275) having the advantages previously proposed by the present applicant can be adopted. That is, at the time of reading, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 25, after recognizing the central portion 41, along the inner periphery of the region considered to be the second annular portion 43, for example, the left technique (maze while attaching the left hand to the wall) The specific pattern 22 can be easily recognized by making a round by the method of following the wall.
[0045]
In addition, the judgment whether to change the shape of the mark to one that cuts out the corner part is determined by the angle at which the corner part of the square where the mark is to be printed continuously surrounds the boundary point at each boundary point, When the angle exceeds 180 ° and is less than 360 °, “change” may be used.
[0046]
(Third embodiment)
Next, the digital information recording method of the present invention will be specifically described from the viewpoint of the operation of the recording apparatus.
[0047]
FIG. 11 shows a schematic configuration of a digital information recording apparatus for performing each recording method. This apparatus includes an input device 82, an information recording device 81, and a printing device 83.
[0048]
The input device 82 includes, for example, a keyboard, a database, and the like, and can read various data. The information recording device 81 includes an input unit 84, a data conversion unit 85, an output unit 86, and a data conversion (coding) algorithm 87. The input unit 84 receives data from the input device 82 as input information and passes it to the data conversion unit 85. The data conversion unit 85 converts the input information received from the input unit 84 into a two-dimensional pattern based on a data conversion (coding) algorithm 87, and passes it to the output unit 86 as output information.
[0049]
The output unit 86 outputs the output information received from the data conversion unit 85 to the printing device 83. In general, the output information passed to the printing device 83 is a bit image. The printing device 83 is configured by, for example, a dot printer, a laser printer, or the like according to the required printing accuracy.
[0050]
This information recording apparatus can record various data to be recorded on the recording surface 20 of the record carrier according to the flow shown in FIG.
[0051]
(1) First, the input device 82 reads various data (S1), and passes the read data to the input unit 84 of the information recording device 81.
[0052]
In this example, digital data to be recorded is a 9-bit value “110111001”.
[0053]
(2) In the information recording apparatus 81, the data conversion unit 85 that has received data via the input unit 84 creates a two-dimensional pattern based on the data conversion (coding) algorithm 87.
[0054]
Specifically, first, the input one-dimensional digital data is rearranged two-dimensionally (S2).
[0055]
In this example, as shown in FIG. 14, square cells C arranged in a matrix (3 vertical × 3 horizontal) are virtually set on the recording surface 20. The one-dimensional digital array “110111001” is rearranged two-dimensionally according to the array of cells C in FIG. As a result, a two-dimensional array of three rows and three columns is obtained in which the first row is “110”, the second row is “111”, and the third row is “001”.
[0056]
Next, the cell C to be printed is determined, that is, the cell C corresponding to “1” of the binary information is selected (S3).
[0057]
If each cell C is specified by a set (i, j) of the number of rows i and the number of columns j, in this example, (1, 1), (1, 2), (2, 1), ( The grid C of 2, 2), (2, 3), (3, 3) is selected as the grid on which the mark is to be printed.
[0058]
Next, the shape of the mark to be printed on each cell C is set (S4).
[0059]
In this example, it is assumed that a dot matrix printer having a performance of 600 dpi is used as the printing device 83. When recording square cells C at a density such that 100 cells per inch are arranged vertically and horizontally, as shown in FIG. This corresponds to 6 horizontal dots, that is, a total of 36 dots d.
[0060]
In this example, the shape of the mark is changed from a square (36 dots d) matching the shape of the cell C to three dots (particularly d₀The first shape M₈Set to. 3 missing dots d₀Are dots that touch the vertex of the cell C and two dots that touch the top, bottom, left, and right sides.
[0061]
Thereafter, the output information is passed to the output unit 86.
[0062]
(3) Then, the printing device 83 prints the recording information delivered from the output unit 86 of the information recording device 81 on the recording surface 20 (S5).
[0063]
In this example, the two-dimensional pattern shown in FIG. 14 is printed on the recording surface 20. If the black dot is represented by x and the white dot is represented by o, for example, the first line (first line in dot units) of the print image is (oxoxoooooooooooooo).
[0064]
Thus, according to this digital information recording apparatus, digital information can be recorded on the recording surface 20 of the record carrier.
[0065]
In step S4, for every boundary point P (shown in FIG. 14) adjacent to each other where the cell C abuts the corner portion, all the cells C surrounding the boundary point P are marked M.₈Is a cell to be printed, and all of the cells C surrounding the boundary point P are marked M₈Is a cell to be printed, the shape of the mark to be printed on the cell C surrounding the boundary point P is the mark M₈You may change into the 2nd shape (not shown) extended so that the corner part by the side of the boundary point P may be occupied from this shape. In this case, the mark M surrounding the boundary point P, even though all the cells C surrounding the boundary point P are black cells.₈A gap between_ThreeCan be prevented.
[0066]
In step S4, the mark shape is first set to a square M that matches the size of the cell C as shown in FIG. 3B, and each of the boundary points touches the boundary point. It is determined whether or not two or more cells C of C are cells to print the mark M, and when two or more cells C are cells to print the mark M, the boundary point As shown in FIG. 3D, the shape of the mark printed on the cell C in contact with the square may be changed from the square M to the third shape M # in which the corner portion on the boundary point side is cut out. In this case, the white eye C that touches the boundary point C₀The problem that the corner portion A1 is crushed by the printing material of the mark can be eliminated.
[0067]
The print image need not be created for all digital data in advance, and may be processed for each row of the matrix of cells C on the recording surface 20.
[0068]
(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an example of a digital information recording method assuming the use of a thermal printer will be described.
[0069]
In this example, it is assumed that a thermal printer having a performance of 600 dpi is used as the printing device 83. When recording square cells C at a density such that 100 cells per inch are arranged vertically and horizontally, as shown in FIG. This corresponds to 6 horizontal dots, that is, a total of 36 dots d. However, it is assumed that dot bleeding appears about one dot width in the print head moving direction (printing end side).
[0070]
In this example, as shown in FIG. 16, square cells C arranged in a matrix (3 vertical × 3 horizontal) are virtually set on the recording surface 20 as in the third embodiment.
[0071]
The shape of the mark is the fourth shape, and a row of one dot along the right side in the cell C (particularly the dots belonging to this row are d₀Rectangle M of 6 dots in length x 5 dots in width₉Set to.
[0072]
The same digital data as in the third embodiment is two-dimensionally arranged, and the mark M₉Is printed, the print image shown in FIG. 16 can be obtained. That is, a gap A having a width of 1 dot between the cells C adjacent in the horizontal direction._FourWill occur. Therefore, even if the blur of the dot d appears on the right side (printing end side) in the horizontal direction of the print head, the gap A_FourThanks to this, the printing material of the mark can stay in the black squares. Even if the printing material of the mark protrudes to the area of the white cell adjacent to the black cell, the protrusion width is reduced. As a result, the reading process becomes easy and reading errors can be reduced.
[0073]
However, the specific pattern 22 shown in FIG. 23 is printed by this recording method, and the specific pattern 22 is recognized by the reading method (Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 6-325275) previously proposed by the applicant. Mark M₉Care must be taken so that is continuous without gaps. Therefore, in such a case, the mark shape M can be obtained only when a dot having a width of 1 dot or more occurs in an actual thermal printer.₉Should be adopted.
[0074]
【The invention's effect】
  As is clear from the above,According to the digital information recording method of the present invention, a polygonal mesh corresponding to a bit is virtually set on a planar recording surface, and an optically identifiable mark is printed on each of the meshes. When digital information to be recorded is recorded as a two-dimensional pattern including the mark, it is possible to eliminate a problem caused by bleeding of the printing material without providing a space between the cells. In addition, digital information can be recorded with high density and simplicity.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example in which digital information is recorded on a recording surface by applying a digital information recording method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which the mark in FIG. 1 is modified.
3A is a square grid set on the recording surface, FIG. 3B is a recording example using a square mark that matches the grid, and FIG. 3C is a recording using the mark of FIG. Example, (d) is an example in which a part of the mark in (b) of the figure is changed, and (e) is an example in which a part of the mark in (c) is extended to the corner side. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a regular hexagonal mesh is set on a recording surface and a circular mark is employed.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which a rectangular grid is set on the recording surface, and an elliptical mark and a mark with a rounded corner corner that coincides with the grid are adopted.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a square cell is set on the recording surface and a circular mark having a different color is employed.
7 is a diagram showing an information recording area constituted by regular hexagonal meshes of FIG. 4; FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which two characters “Kanji” are recorded in the information recording area of FIG. 7 by the recording method of one embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing that the pattern of FIG. 8 corresponds to a JIS code representing “Kanji”.
FIG. 10A is an example in which a specific pattern previously proposed by the present applicant is recorded by providing a space between each cell, and FIG. 10B is a digital information recording method according to an embodiment of the specific pattern. It is a figure which shows the example recorded by applying.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital information recording apparatus for carrying out the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic process flow of a digital information recording method of one embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the mark shape is set in units of printer dots.
14 is a diagram showing a recording example in which a square cell is set on the recording surface and the mark of FIG. 13 is adopted.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another example in which the mark shape is set in dot units of the printer.
16 is a diagram showing a recording example in which a square cell is set on the recording surface and the mark of FIG. 16 is adopted.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example in which digital information is recorded on a recording surface by applying a conventional recording method.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing square cells set in a matrix on the recording surface.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing “smudge” when a mark is printed on a full square cell C.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a portion where blurring is particularly likely to occur when the conventional recording method as shown in FIG. 17 is applied.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a recording example according to a recording method previously proposed by the present applicant.
22 is a diagram showing the arrangement of specific patterns in the recording example of FIG. 21. FIG.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of the specific pattern.
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a state when the same pattern appears in the vicinity of the specific pattern.
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a method for recognizing the specific pattern.
26A is an ideal temperature change of the print head of the thermal printer, FIG. 26B is a realistic temperature change of the print head, and FIG. 26C is a print of the temperature change of FIG. (D) is a diagram showing dots printed by the temperature change in FIG.
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a defect caused by “bleeding” of dots when printing is performed using a thermal printer.
[Explanation of symbols]
C Square grid
C₁  Regular hexagonal mesh
C₂  Rectangular grid
M, M #, M₁, M₁#, M₂, M_Three, M_Four, M_Five, M₆, M₇, M₈, M₉  mark
20 Recording surface
22 Specific patterns
23 Information recording area

Claims (4)

On a flat recording surface, polygonal meshes that correspond to bits and are arranged without gaps are virtually set, optically identifiable marks are printed on the meshes, and digital information to be recorded is recorded on the marks. A digital information recording method for recording as a two-dimensional pattern including:
The shape of the mark is set to a first shape that occupies a closed region excluding a corner portion in the mesh and is inscribed along a range including a midpoint of each side constituting the mesh. Digital information recording method. The digital information recording method according to claim 1,
The arrangement of the cells is a periodic arrangement in which three or more cells are adjacent to each other at one boundary point at the corners,
After the digital information to be recorded is arranged two-dimensionally in the grid,
For each of the boundary points, it is determined whether all of the cells surrounding the boundary point are cells for printing the mark, and all the cells surrounding the boundary point print the mark. When it is a power cell, the shape of the mark printed on the cell surrounding the boundary point is changed from the first shape to the second shape expanded to occupy the corner part on the boundary point side. A digital information recording method. On a flat recording surface, polygonal meshes that correspond to bits and are arranged without gaps are virtually set, optically identifiable marks are printed on the meshes, and digital information to be recorded is recorded on the marks. A digital information recording method for recording as a two-dimensional pattern including:
The arrangement of the cells is a periodic arrangement in which three or more cells are adjacent to each other at one boundary point at the corners,
Set the shape of the mark to a polygon that matches the grid,
After the digital information to be recorded is arranged two-dimensionally in the grid,
For each of the boundary points, the angle at which the corner portion of the mesh to print the mark among the meshes in contact with the boundary point continuously surrounds the boundary point is determined. When the angle is less than °, the shape of the mark to be printed on the cell in contact with the boundary point is changed to a third shape obtained by cutting out the corner part on the boundary point side of the polygon from the polygon that coincides with the cell. A digital information recording method characterized by changing. On a flat recording surface, polygonal meshes that correspond to bits and are arranged without gaps are virtually set, optically identifiable marks are printed on the meshes, and digital information to be recorded is recorded on the marks. A digital information recording method for recording as a two-dimensional pattern including:
The arrangement of the cells is an arrangement in which the cells are arranged in contact with each other in at least one direction,
The shape of the mark is set to a fourth shape that occupies a closed region excluding a portion in the vicinity of one side with respect to the one direction in the grid,
The digital information recording method, wherein the marks are printed in order from the side opposite to the one side with respect to the one direction toward the one side with respect to the grids arranged in the one direction.

Images