JP4029411B1 - Optical symbol, article to which optical symbol is attached, method for attaching optical symbol to article, and method for decoding optical symbol - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a code that uses a symbol attached to a surface of an article and a symbol having high fusion.
A symbol consisting of a group of discretely arranged cells is proposed. This symbol is composed of a plurality of cutout marks representing reference coordinate positions, one or more data cell groups representing data, and one or more function cell groups representing control information. . Since each cell group is discretely arranged on a plane, it is easy to coexist in a two-dimensional photograph or image.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical code for information processing attached to an article. In particular, the present invention relates to an optical symbol used in the optical code, a method for attaching the optical symbol to an article, and a decoding method.

  Various symbols that are optically read for information processing attached to articles are used. For example, so-called barcodes that record information in a one-dimensional black and white pattern have been used for a long time. A so-called two-dimensional barcode using a pattern in a two-dimensional direction is also widely used. For example, a two-dimensional barcode called “QR code” has a large storage capacity and is widely used.

  In the text, the article may be any tangible object. It is not necessarily a hard rigid body and may be a soft article such as food. As will be described later, the present invention proposes a symbol that is resistant to distortion and deformation of an article, and a flexible article such as clothes is also an “article” in the text.

  An article container or packaging is also an article. Furthermore, planar and plate-like articles such as paper are also “articles” in the text.

  In addition, the following terms are used in the text.

  Code: A standard for representing data in symbols. In order to clearly indicate that it is a standard, it may be called a code system.

  Symbol: Refers to data converted based on the above standards. For example, in a general bar code, each “black and white pattern” obtained by converting data based on a “standard” called “bar code” is called a symbol or “bar code symbol”.

  Decoding: The process of obtaining original data from each symbol based on its code is called decoding.

  Reader: A device that reads symbols attached to articles. The read data is subject to decoding, and the original data is obtained as a result of decoding.

  Data: The object to be converted to a symbol. Generally, it is numerical data, but it may be character data or digital data consisting of 0 and 1.

Optical code using color As an optical code, a code using chromatic colors such as red and blue as well as white and black (here, a code using such a chromatic color is called a color code for convenience) Widely proposed.

  In general, the optical code (system) using color (using chromatic colors) is more likely to change the corresponding data when the color detection of the reader changes. End up. Therefore, there is a problem that it is easily influenced by color fading, printing unevenness, illumination light, and the like.

  The two-dimensional code system is greatly affected by the dimensional accuracy of the X coordinate (vertical axis) and Y coordinate (horizontal axis) of the surface of the article to which the symbol is attached, and the dimensional accuracy of printing. That is, it is greatly affected by distortion of the article, printing deviation of the code, and the like. Therefore, there are generally various restrictions on the two-dimensional code.

  Further, conventionally known optical codes have a group of symbols, and there is a problem in design in order to coexist with an image.

Examples of Prior Patent Documents For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a matrix code recording paper in which a two-dimensional matrix is color-coded and a color sample is displayed. The amount of information is said to increase depending on the color.

  Patent Document 2 below discloses an information card in which color dots are two-dimensionally arranged.

  Patent Document 3 below discloses a matrix type two-dimensional code with a plurality of colors. It is said that a large amount of data can be provided.

  Patent Document 4 below discloses a code that can increase the data storage capacity by setting the color density of each of the three primary colors to a plurality of stages.

  Patent Document 5 listed below discloses a two-dimensional code that divides information into predetermined bit strings in accordance with the printing capability of the printer, selects a color for each divided bit string, and records and creates and restores the code. ing.

  Patent Document 6 listed below discloses a code that can be used as a general white and black barcode or a colored barcode.

JP-A-10-283446 JP 2000-99671 A JP 2000-123130 A JP 2002-342702 A JP 2003-178277 A JP 2004-326582 A

  Thus, since the conventionally known code uses a group of symbols, it is extremely difficult to coexist with a photograph or a figure attached to the article.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a code that uses a symbol attached to a figure attached to the surface of an article and a symbol having high fusion.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention proposes a symbol composed of a group of cells arranged discretely. Since each cell group is discretely arranged in a planar shape, it is easy to coexist in a two-dimensional photograph or image.

  Specifically, the present invention employs the following means.

  (1) In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a plurality of cutout marks representing a reference coordinate position and one or more data cell groups representing data in an optical symbol for recording predetermined data. One or more function cell groups representing control information, and the function cell groups are arranged at predetermined coordinate positions based on reference coordinates represented by the cutout marks. Is an optical symbol.

  Data cell groups are arranged at predetermined positions. Since the arrangement can be freely determined, it can be easily integrated with a photograph or a picture of a place to which an optical symbol is attached.

  Conventional optical symbols are so-called “a lump” symbols, so they are poorly fused with photographs and pictures, and are apt to impair aesthetics. On the other hand, since the optical symbol of the present invention can freely determine the arrangement of one or more data cell groups, it is possible to obtain a symbol that is highly compatible with pictures and photographs.

  (2) Further, according to the present invention, in the optical symbol of the above (1), the function cell group is disposed at the same position as the cutout mark, and the function cell group and the cutout mark are integrally configured. This is an optical symbol.

  (3) In the optical symbol of (1), the present invention includes the cell group including a space cell and one or more cells arranged within the space cell. Each of the cells is provided with a predetermined color, and the space cell is provided with a specific space color that is not used for coloring of each cell. It is.

  In this document, the term “cell group” means a data cell group or a function cell group.

  (4) Further, in the optical symbol of (3), the present invention is such that the cells included in the cell group are arranged in a line, and adjacent cells are given different colors. This is an optical symbol.

  With such a configuration, the colors are always different, so that the cells can be recognized as long as the colors are traced. In other words, when a change in color is detected when reading a symbol, it can be known that the cell has shifted to an adjacent cell.

  Furthermore, since the color always changes, it is possible to represent data by the transition of the color.

  Note that the linear shape does not necessarily have to be a linear shape, and may be a curved shape. Further, it is preferable that the cells are continuously connected so that the cells can be tracked at the time of reading.

  (5) Further, in the optical symbol of (4), the present invention is characterized in that each cell included in the cell group constitutes one or more rows. Symbol.

  In the case of one row, there may be a case where the shape of the data cell group is restricted to some extent. On the other hand, by adopting the configuration of two or more rows, the degree of freedom of the shape of the data cell group can be improved as compared with the case of only one row.

  (6) In the optical symbol according to (5), any one of the “rows” includes an address data cell indicating an address. Is an optical symbol.

  With such a configuration, an address of a cell group can be indicated.

  (7) Further, in the optical symbol according to (5), the present invention is characterized in that each “row” includes an address data cell indicating an address for each row. Symbol.

  With such a configuration, an address can be indicated for each “row”.

  (8) Further, according to the present invention, in the optical symbol of (1), the control information includes information for correcting a position of the data cell group from a predetermined coordinate position, and the data cell group includes: The optical symbol is arranged at a predetermined coordinate position or arranged at a coordinate position obtained by correcting a predetermined coordinate position based on the control information.

  With this configuration, the position of the data cell group can be corrected.

  (9) Further, according to the present invention, in the optical symbol of (5), the control information includes the number of rows included in each cell included in the data cell group, and the number of cells included in each row. Including information for modifying the number from a predetermined number of rows and the number of cells included in the row, wherein the cells in the data cell group include a predetermined number of rows and a number of cells included in the row. Are arranged based on the number of rows and the number of cells included in the row modified from the number of rows and the number of cells constituting the row determined in advance based on the control information. This is an optical symbol.

  With such a configuration, the configuration of the data cell group can be corrected.

(10) Further, according to the present invention, in the optical symbol of the above (1), the control information includes correction information for correcting a check code, which is a method for checking the accuracy of data, and the data cell group includes: An optical symbol characterized in that the accuracy of data is inspected by a predetermined check code or the accuracy of data is inspected by a check code corrected using the correction information. With such a configuration, it is possible to correct a check code which is a method for inspecting the probability of a data cell group.

  (11) Further, according to the present invention, in the optical symbol of the above (1), the control information includes correction information for correcting a data decoding method, and the cell group is data by a predetermined decoding method. Or an optical symbol characterized by being decoded by a decoding method obtained by correcting a predetermined decoding method with the correction information.

  With this configuration, the data decoding method can be corrected.

  (12) Further, according to the present invention, in the optical symbol of the above (1), the control information includes correction information for correcting a data sorting rule, and the cell group has contents according to a predetermined sorting rule. Content data, address data representing the address of the cell group, and check data for checking the data represented by the cell group, or the cell group is determined in advance. The optical symbols are classified into the content data, the address data, and the check data according to a sorting rule obtained by correcting the sorting rule with the correction information.

  With this configuration, the data sorting rule can be corrected.

  (13) Further, according to the present invention, in the optical symbol of the above (3), the control information includes correction information for correcting the space color, and the space color is the predetermined specific space color. Is an optical symbol that is corrected by the correction information.

  With such a configuration, the space color can be corrected.

  (14) Further, according to the present invention, in the optical symbol of (1), the control information includes correction information for correcting a rule for combining data represented by the cell groups, and the data represented by the cell groups is represented by: The final data of the optical symbol can be obtained by combining with the predetermined combination rule, or the data represented by each cell group can be combined with the predetermined combination rule corrected by the correction information. It is an optical symbol characterized in that final data is obtained in combination.

  With this configuration, the data combination rule can be corrected.

  (15) Further, according to the present invention, in the optical symbol of the above (1), the cutout mark is a mark that satisfies any condition of a predetermined color, shape, and size, or all conditions. This is an optical symbol.

  (16) Further, the present invention is the optical symbol according to (4), wherein the data is represented by a combination of colors attached to the adjacent cells. .

  With such a configuration, data can be expressed by color transition.

  (17) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is an article provided with a plurality of optical symbols according to claim 1 having the same content, wherein the plurality of optical symbols are {the cutout mark And the cells other than the cell group} have different optical background images.

  A background image means a photograph or a picture of the surface of an article to which a symbol group is attached. As described above, by attaching a plurality of optical symbols having the same contents, the probability that data is accurately read can be improved.

  (18) Moreover, this invention is an article | item with which the optical symbol in any one of said (1)-(16) was attached | subjected.

  (19) Further, the present invention provides a method of attaching the optical symbol according to any one of (1) to (16) to an article, the step of creating the optical symbol based on data to be recorded, and the creation Attaching the optical symbol to a predetermined article, wherein the attaching step includes the step of printing the optical symbol on the article, the step of attaching the optical symbol to the article by embroidery, and the optical A method of attaching an optical symbol to an article, the method including any one of the steps of attaching an adhesive seal depicting a formula symbol to the article.

  (20) Further, the present invention provides the method for decoding an optical symbol according to any one of (1) to (16) attached to an article, wherein the optical symbol is photographed and an image of the optical symbol is obtained. A step of obtaining data, a step of recognizing a cutout mark from the image data, a step of determining reference coordinates in the image data from the recognized cutout mark, and reading a function cell group based on the reference coordinates A step of reading a data cell group based on the reference coordinates, a step of decoding the read data cell group data, and a step of integrating the data of each of the decoded data cell groups. It is a decoding method of an optical symbol characterized by including.

  In the present invention, since the degree of freedom of the position of the cell group included in the symbol is high, it is possible to obtain a symbol that has a high affinity with a photograph, a design, and the like and that does not impair the design.

  As a result, an optical code system that does not impair the design of the article to which the symbol is attached can be realized.

  In addition, since the degree of freedom of the relative positional relationship between the cell groups constituting the symbol is high, it can be used for an article having a flexible surface.

  For example, a symbol can be directly printed on food such as soft meat using food coloring. In addition, it is possible to print directly on a cloth or a soft article.

  In a conventional optical bar code, a symbol is attached to an article by a process such as sticking a sticker, and there is a high risk of data tampering such as changing the sticker. On the other hand, according to the present invention, since a symbol can be directly printed even on a flexible article, it is extremely difficult to reattach this symbol to another symbol. As a result, according to the present invention, data alteration can be prevented in advance.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the address data cell is provided in any row in the cell group, it is possible to easily indicate the address of the cell group.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, since the address data cell is provided for each row in the cell group, the address can be easily indicated for each row.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, an optical code using a new optical symbol that is highly compatible with photographs and pictures will be described. The code (or code system) means the code system of the symbol attached to the article and its creation method / device, reading method / device as described above, and represents the rules and standards for creation and reading. An optical mark attached to an article used in this code is called an optical symbol or simply a symbol.

A. Picture Symbol FIG. 1 shows an explanatory diagram of a new symbol according to the present embodiment. This symbol is particularly called a picture symbol 10 because it is highly compatible with photographs and pictures.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the picture symbol 10 basically includes a plurality of marks (a cutout mark 12, a data cell group 16, and a function cell group 14) arranged in a distributed manner. As a result, even when a picture or photo is provided on the surface of the article, the picture symbols 10 can be smoothly fused into the photo or the like by dispersing marks in the photo or the like.

Configuration of Picture Symbol As shown in FIG. 1, the picture symbol 10 includes three cutout marks 12a, 12b, and 12c. These are marks for positioning the picture symbol 10 and serve as a reference for coordinates. At the time of reading, the position of the picture symbol 10 can be detected by detecting these three cutout marks.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the picture symbol 10 includes a function cell group 14. In the example shown in FIG. 1, an example in which there is one function cell group 14 is shown, but two or more function cell groups 14 may exist. A configuration in which the function cell group 14 is integrated with the cutout mark 12 is also preferable. Such an integrated example will be described in detail later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the picture symbol 10 includes data cell groups 16a, 16b, and 16c. In the example shown in FIG. 1, an example in which there are three data cell groups 16 is shown, but any number of data cell groups 16 may exist as long as the number is one or more.

  Thus, what is characteristic in the present embodiment is that the picture symbol 10 is composed of a plurality of dispersedly arranged marks, not a single group of marks. This makes it possible to add (fuse) symbols to existing photographs and the like with little adverse effect on the beauty and design of the photographs and the like.

  Hereinafter, each part will be described sequentially.

(1) Data Cell Group The data cell group 16 is an area for storing data, and a detailed explanatory diagram thereof is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the data cell group 16 includes a plurality of cells 18. The data cell group 16 includes a space cell 20 that covers the cell 18.

  The cell 18 is an area to which a predetermined color is added, and data is represented by this color.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the cell 18 has 12 regions, and there are 8 regions in the upper row and 4 regions in the lower row. Each cell 18 is colored and represents a numerical value. In this embodiment, numerical values are represented by seven colors.

Achromatic (ground color): Unused Cyan (c): 6
Magenta (m): 5
Yellow (y): 4
Red (r): 3
Green (g): 2
Blue (b): 1
Black (k): 0
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, data is represented by a change from color to color so that the same color does not continue between adjacent cells 18. Specifically, the data is represented by the difference -1 in the numerical values of adjacent colors. When the calculated value becomes negative, 6 is added.

Cyan (6) -magenta (5) -1 = 0 (data value)
Represents.

Cyan (6) -Yellow (4) -1 = 1 (data value)
Cyan (6) -Red (3) -1 = 2 (data value)
Cyan (6) -Green (2) -1 = 3 (data value)
Cyan (6) -Blue (1) -1 = 4 (data value)
Cyan (6) -Black (0) -1 = 5 (data value)
By such a method, data can be expressed by a hexadecimal number with a numerical value from 0 to 5. In order to prevent the same color from appearing, only six types of data are represented while using seven colors.

In the above, an example in which the first color is cyan has been described, but numerical values can be expressed sequentially in the same principle. For example, if the first color is yellow,
Yellow (4) -magenta (5) -1 = 4 (data value)
Yellow (4) -Yellow (4) -1 = 5 (data value)
Yellow (4) -Red (3) -1 = 0 (data value)
Yellow (4) -Green (2) -1 = 1 (data value)
Yellow (4) -Blue (1) -1 = 2 (data value)
Yellow (4) -Black (0) -1 = 3 (data value)
It becomes. When the calculated value is negative, “6” is appropriately added to obtain a value of 0-5.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first row includes eight cells 18, and the second row includes four cells 18. The first three cells 18 in the first row are called address data cells, and the addresses of the data cells 16 are written therein.

  Furthermore, the space cell 20 is provided with a color called a space color. Here, the space cell 20 includes cyan (c), magenta (m), yellow (y), red (r), green (g), blue (b), black ( k), another color different from that is added. Thereby, it is possible to easily identify that it is a space cell at the time of reading, and as a result, it is possible to accurately grasp the existence of the data cell group 16.

  As will be described later, in this embodiment, the data cell groups 16 are arranged in a distributed manner. The coordinate position is determined in advance, and the data cell group 16 and the like are searched in the vicinity of the coordinate position at the time of reading. At this time, the presence of the data cell group 16 can be quickly known by detecting the space color. is there. As the space color, white, gray, milky white, ivory, dark green or the like different from the above seven colors is used.

Address data cell (3 or 6)
There are two types of addresses.

First example (FIG. 2)
In the first example, the address is the number of the data cell 16 in the picture symbol 10 and is assigned sequentially from 1. For example, when three data cells 16 exist in one picture symbol 10, the addresses are “0”, “1”, and “2”. Numeric values representing these in hexadecimal are written in the address data cells. For example, when these three address data cells are “Cyan C”, “Magenta M”, and “Yellow Y”,
Cyan (6) -magenta (5) -1 = 0 (data value)
Magenta (5) -Yellow (4) -1 = 0 (data value)
Thus, the address is “00” (hexadecimal number).

Second example (Fig. 3)
In the second example, the address is the number of each “row” in the picture symbol 10 and is assigned sequentially from 1. For example, when three address data cells in a certain row are “Cyan C”, “Magenta M”, and “Yellow Y” (see the upper row in FIG. 3),
Cyan (6) -magenta (5) -1 = 0 (data value)
Magenta (5) -Yellow (4) -1 = 0 (data value)
Thus, the address is “00” (hexadecimal number).

For example, when the three address data cells in the other rows are “magenta M”, “cyan C”, and “yellow Y” (see the lower row in FIG. 3),
Magenta (5) -Cyan (6) -1 = 4 (data value)
Cyan (6) -Yellow (4) -1 = 1 (data value)
And the address is “41” (hexadecimal).

Content data cells (7)
The latter half 5 cells in the first row and the first 2 cells in the second row, a total of 7 cells, are content data cells for storing data to be expressed.

For example, when these seven content data cells are “Red R”, “Green G”, “Blue B”, “Cyan C”, “Yellow Y”, “Red R”, and “Cyan C”, Also using the yellow Y (color of the last cell of the address data cell)
Yellow (4) -Red (3) -1 = 0 (data value)
Red (3) -Green (2) -1 = 0 (data value)
Green (2)-Blue (1)-1 = 0 (data value)
Blue (1) -Cyan (6) -1 = 0 (data value)
Cyan (6) -Yellow (4) -1 = 1 (data value)
Yellow (4) -Red (3) -1 = 0 (data value)
Red (3) -Cyan (6) -1 = 2 (data value)
Thus, the content data is “0000102” (hexadecimal number).

Check data cell (2)
The latter two cells in the second row are check data cells that store check data representing the likelihood of data.

For example, when the two check data cells are “magenta M” and “yellow Y”, the cyan C (color of the last cell of the content data cell) before the first “magenta M” is also used.
Cyan (6) -magenta (5) -1 = 0 (data value)
Magenta (5) -yellow (4) -1 = 0 (data value)
Thus, the check data is “00” (hexadecimal number).

  As the check data used in the present embodiment, various check data known in the past can be used. For example, CRC is suitable.

  Various forms of the data cell group 16 can be used. Although FIG. 2 shows an example of two rows, it may be one row or three or more rows. Moreover, the length of one line can also be made into a preferable length suitably.

(2) Function Cell Group The function cell group 14 is an area for storing various control codes, and a detailed explanatory diagram thereof is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the function cell group 14 includes a plurality of cells 28. The function cell group 14 includes a space cell 40 that covers the cell 28. The space cell 40 is assigned one specific color. It is possible to recognize the space cell 40 by this specific color.

  The cell 28 is an area to which a predetermined color is added, and data is represented by this color.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, there are two areas of the cell 28. Each cell 28 is provided with a color, and various items are represented by combinations of the colors.

  What is characteristic in the present embodiment is that the rule code, the check code, and other various parameters are modified and defined by the combination of colors indicated by the function cell group 14.

  Here, the rule code means a system of reading procedure of the code system of the present embodiment. Further, the check code represents a technical system for expressing the certainty of content data.

Example of Correction (2-1) Correction of Position of Data Cell Group 16 The position of the data cell group 16 is determined in advance with reference to the cutout mark 12. However, this position can be corrected by the color combination of the function cell group 14.

  This is shown in FIG. FIG. 5 shows a table defining rules for correcting the position of the data cell group 16 according to the color combination of the function cell group 14.

This table is an example of a table when there are three data cell groups 16. The positions of the three data cell groups 16 are defined as (x1, y1), (x2, y2), (x3, y3) with respect to the reference coordinates defined by the cutout mark 12 (default values). .

  The default value is modified as shown in the table of FIG. 5 depending on the combination of the colors of the cells 28a and 28b.

  As shown in the table of FIG. 5, when the color of the cell 28a and the cell 28b is “red: green”, there is no correction. Others are modified as follows.

“Red: Blue”: All coordinate values are incremented by one.
“Green: Red”: All coordinate values are decremented by one.
“Green: Blue”: The coordinate values are all +2.
“Blue: Red”: All coordinate values are decremented by −2.
“Blue: Green”: All x coordinate values are 1.5 ×. The y coordinate value is unchanged.
Note that the same color sequence such as “red: red”, “green: green”, and “blue: blue” is not used.

(2-2) Configuration of Data Cell Group 16 The configuration of the modified data cell group 16 is basically determined in advance, and its default configuration is used. However, this configuration can be modified depending on the color combination of the function cell group 14.

  This is shown in FIG. FIG. 6 shows a table that defines rules for modifying the configuration of the data cell group 16 according to the color combinations of the function cell group 14.

  This table is an example of a table when there are three data cell groups 16. The three data cell groups 16 are referred to as data cell groups 16a, 16b, and 16c. The default configuration of these data cell groups 16 is 5 in each column, 4 in 1 column, and 2 columns (3 + 3).

When the colors of the cell 28a and the cell 28b are “red: green” or “red: blue”, there is no correction and the default value is used as it is. That is, there is no correction when the cell 28a is red. Others are modified as follows.
“Green: Red”: The data cell group 16a is corrected to 2 columns (3 + 4), the data cell group 16b is 4 columns, and the data cell group 16c is 2 columns.
“Green: Blue”: The data cell group 16a is corrected to five in one column, the data cell group 16b is corrected to two columns (3 + 3), and the data cell group 16c is corrected to seven in one column.
“Blue: Red”: No change “Blue: Green”: No change The same color sequence is not used like “Red: Red”, “Green: Green”, and “Blue: Blue”.

(2-3) Correction of Combination (Specification) of Data Cell Group 16 By combining content data in each data cell group 16, data F represented by the picture symbol is determined.

  In the present embodiment, F = A + B + C + D is defined as a default. Here, A is content data held by the data cell 16a, B is content data held by the data cell 16b, C is content data held by the data cell 16c, and D is held by the data cell 16d. Content data. Here, an example in which four data cell groups 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d are included in one picture cell 10 will be described.

  The final data F represented by the picture symbol 10 is basically expressed as F = A + B + C + D, but this expression can be corrected by the combination of the colors of the function cell group 14.

  This is shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows a table that defines rules for correcting the combination of content data in the data cell group 16 according to the combination of colors in the function cell group 14. The combination method is referred to as a “combination rule” or a “combination rule”.

  This table is an example of a table when there are four data cell groups 16. The content data held by the four data cell groups 16 are referred to as A, B, C, and D, respectively, as described above. Based on these data, the final data F is defined as F = A + B + C + D in the default configuration.

  When the color of the cell 28a and the cell 28b is “red: green”, there is no correction and the default is used as it is. Others are modified as follows.

“Red: Blue”: F = A−B + C + D
“Green: Red”: Corrected as F = A + B−C + D.
“Green: Blue”: Corrected as F = A + B + C−D.
“Blue: Red”: Corrected as F = − (A + B + C + D).
“Blue: Green”: F = −A + B + C + D
Note that the same color sequence such as “red: red”, “green: green”, and “blue: blue” is not used.

(2-4) Modification of Check Method Each data cell group 16 includes a check data cell, in which check data is stored.

  As the check data, data for various checks such as CRC can be used. In the present embodiment, the checking method can be modified from this default system by combining the colors of the function cell group 14.

(2-5) Correction of space color As described above, the space cell 20 is provided in each data cell group 16 and the space color is given. This space color is an important color used for detection of the data cell group 16. Therefore, in some cases, correction may be necessary.

  In the present embodiment, the space color can be corrected from this default color by combining the colors of the function cell group 14.

(2-6) Correction of decoding rule Data is expressed by color transition in the data cell in each data cell group 16. At the time of decoding, data is obtained based on a predetermined decoding rule, but in some cases, it may be desired to modify the decoding rule.

  In the present embodiment, the decoding rule can be modified from the default decoding rule by the color combination of the function cell group 14.

(2-7) Correction of sorting As described above, the cells 18 in each data cell group 16 are divided into address data cells, content data cells, and check data cells. This is called “sorting” and the rule is called “sorting rule”.

  The example shown in FIG. 2 includes three address data cells, seven content data cells, and two check data cells, and this is a predetermined sorting rule.

When creating or adding an optical symbol, the color of each data cell is usually determined according to this sorting rule, and reading and decoding are usually performed according to this sorting rule when reading.

  However, in some cases, it may be necessary to modify this sorting rule.

  In this embodiment, the sorting rule can be modified from this default sorting rule by the combination of the colors of the function cell group 14.

(3) Cutout mark The cutout mark 12 is a mark for indicating a coordinate reference. In FIG. 1, diamond-shaped marks are used as the cutout marks 12. At the time of decoding, it is recognized as the cutout mark 12 by detecting this diamond.

(3-1) Integration In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the cutout mark 12 and the function cell group 14 are integrated is adopted. That is, the rhombus shape represents the cutout mark 12, and the cell 28a and the cell 28b are provided inside. Such an example is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 8A, the inside of the rhombus is divided into four sections, and each section is handled as cells 28a, 28b, 28c, and 28d included in the function cell group 14. In this case, only the cells 28a and 28b may be used, and the cells 28c and 28d may be unused.

  FIG. 8B shows an example in which the interior is divided into three sections and each is handled as cells 28a, 28b, 28c included in the function cell group 14.

  As described above, if the cutout mark 12 and the function cell group 14 are integrated, it is possible to obtain a reference for coordinates and to simultaneously detect a correction related to the code system.

(3-2) Relationship with Coordinate Axis In the example shown in FIG. 1, the coordinates of the cutout mark 12a are set to (0, y0), the coordinates of the cutout mark 12b are set to (0, 0), and the cutout mark 12c is set. Is set to (x0, 0). That is, the cutout mark 12a is located on the y axis, and the cutout mark 12b is located at the origin of the coordinates. The cutout mark 12c is located on the x axis.

  Such a setting is preferable because the coordinates are easy to understand intuitively. The positions of the data cell group 16 and the like are determined in advance based on these positions.

  On the other hand, the cutout mark is not necessarily located on the coordinate axis. An illustration of such an example is shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, the cutout mark 12 is located at the origin (0, 0), but the other cutout marks 12e and 12f are not located on the coordinate axes. Differences (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) in coordinate values between the cutout marks 12d, 12e, and 12f are determined in advance. Although the position of the cutout mark is used as a reference, it does not have to be particularly on the coordinate axis, and if the position is determined in advance, there is no problem even if the cutout mark 12 is located at a position as shown in FIG. .

(3-3) Use of Cutout Mark By using such a cutout mark 12, the absolute distance (length) has changed due to surface inclination, distortion, etc. on the surface of the article to which the picture symbol 10 is attached. Even in this case, the position of the data cell group 16 can be calculated using the relative positional relationship. Therefore, in this embodiment, the positions of dispersed data cell groups (16j and 16k in FIG. 9) can be detected accurately. Since (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) described above are known, the positions of the data cell groups 16j and 16k can also be calculated.

B. Creation and Pasting of Picture Symbol Various procedures for creating the picture symbol 10 can be considered. A particularly suitable example is shown below.

  (1) Prepare data to be converted into symbols and divide the data into symbols. Symbolization (picture symbolization) is performed for each symbol as follows.

  (2) The divided data is called content data. Corresponding to this content data, address data and check data for each data cell are created.

  (3) Address data, content data, and check data are converted, respectively, to create an address data cell, content data cell, and check data cell, respectively. In the present embodiment, as described above, each data is represented by coloring each cell 18. A number is expressed in hexadecimal.

  (4) In this way, the color of each cell 18 is determined. Then, a space cell 20 having a specific color is provided around the space cell 20 to complete the data cell group 16.

(5) The function cell group 14 is created according to a predetermined specification. Also,
(6) The cutout mark 12 is created. In principle, the cutout mark 12 is a cutout mark 12 having a predetermined shape. When the cutout mark 12 is integrated with the function cell group 14, the cutout mark 12 includes a cell 28 with a predetermined color.

  (7) The final picture symbol 10 is completed by arranging the cutout mark 12, the data cell group 16, and the function cell group 14 created as described above at predetermined positions.

  (8) The completed picture symbol 10 is attached to the target “article” using a predetermined printing apparatus. It is also preferable to attach the picture symbol 10 to the article by a technique such as embroidery as well as simple printing.

  Alternatively, it is also preferable to pre-print the picture symbol 10 on a predetermined sticker or the like and attach the printed sticker to a predetermined “article”.

  As described above, the picture symbol 10 according to the present embodiment has the cutout mark 12, the data cell group 16, and the function cell group 14 dispersedly arranged to form one picture symbol 10. This symbol is highly integrated with photos and pictures. On the other hand, since conventional symbols are a group of symbols, if they are pasted on an existing photo, the photo is hidden, and high fusion cannot be achieved.

  Further, since the relative position of the data cell group 16 and the like is defined by the position of the cutout mark 12, even if the article is soft, it can be easily read, so the picture symbol 10 can be directly attached. Is possible.

C. Decoding a picture symbol Reading the picture symbol 10 to restore the original data is called decoding. Various decoding procedures are conceivable, but a typical preferred example is as follows.

  (1) An image including a picture symbol attached to a predetermined article is photographed with a CCD camera or the like and captured as image data.

  The CCD camera is a typical example of a so-called area sensor, and image data may be acquired by another area sensor.

  (2) Recognize a plurality of cutout marks 12 in the image data.

  Here, it is assumed that the shape, size, number, and positional relationship of the cutout mark 12 are stored in advance. Reference coordinates are determined in the image data from the position of the recognized cutout mark 12 and the positional relationship between the cutout mark 12 stored in advance. This state is shown in FIG. 9, for example. A reference coordinate axis is drawn on the image data.

  (3) Based on the reference coordinates, the function cell group 14 is searched and detected in the image data. The function cell group 14 includes a color code that modifies the rule code. Here, since the position of the function cell group 14 including the color code for correcting the rule code is determined in advance, the function cell group 14 can be found by searching for the position (coordinates).

  Note that, as described above, the function cell group 14 containing the color code for correcting the rule code may be integrated with the cutout mark 12.

  The color code data for correcting the rule code may include correction data for correcting the positional relationship of other data cell groups 16. This correction data may include position data of the data cell group 16, that is, correction data of position data stored by default. With such a configuration, the data cell group 16 is detected.

(4) Detection of cell group This is performed by finding the characteristics of the cell group from the image data around the position specified from the positional relationship.

  This characteristic means the characteristics of the space cell, the number of colors, and the arrangement of colors. Further, this feature means both the data determined by default and the correction data corrected by the color code for correcting the rule code.

  A cell group is found by finding these features from the image data. The cell group means the function cell group 14 and the data cell group 16. The function cell group 14 may be integrated with the cutout mark 12, and in that case, there may be no space cell.

(5) Decoding of data in data cell group 16 The color array of each cell included in the detected data cell group 16 is read and decoded. This decoding is performed according to a rule determined by data originally stored or data corrected by a color code for correcting the rule code.

  That is, in principle, decoding is performed by a predetermined method. If the decoding method is modified by the color code in the function cell group 14, decoding is performed by the modified method.

  In the present invention, decoding is sometimes referred to as “encoding”.

(6) Recognition and sorting of check data, address data, and content data Check data, address data, and content data are sorted from the decoded data. The check data, the address data, and the content data are sorted from the data obtained by the decoding based on the data stored in advance or the data corrected by the color code for correcting the rule code.

  That is, in “sorting”, in principle, sorting is performed according to a predetermined rule. If the sorting method is corrected by the color code in the function cell group 14, sorting is performed by the corrected method.

(7) Integration of data included in data cell group 16 Data is integrated according to an integration rule represented by data stored in advance.

Alternatively, data of the data cell group 16 (referred to as cell group data) is integrated according to a rule represented by data corrected by a color code for correcting the rule code, and final data is constructed.

  That is, a plurality of data cell groups 16 exist in one picture symbol 10. The data stored in the picture symbol 10 can be restored by integrating the data stored in the plurality of data cell groups 16.

(8) Content data check using check data and address data Next, content data is checked using check data, address data, and the like. As a result, when an error is found or error correction is performed, a separate warning / report is issued.

Summary The code system proposed in this embodiment has the following characteristics.

  The reading rule can be changed for each symbol (picture symbol 10). Therefore, the data cell group 16 constituting the picture symbol 10 has a degree of freedom in its layout.

  In the present embodiment, it is also preferable to reduce the number of colors to be used. As a result, the strength against the influence of color fading, printing unevenness, illumination light, etc. is high, and the probability of correctly reading data is improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the space cell is provided, the range of the cell group becomes clear and misidentification with the background color can be prevented.

  Further, the reading rule can be changed for each picture symbol 10. In this case, there is a possibility of using colors that match the background.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to designate a position for each data cell group 16. Therefore, the data cell group 16 may be specified roughly. Therefore, restrictions such as distortion of the medium and printing accuracy may be relaxed.

  Within each cell group, the data depends only on the color order. Therefore, the decoding accuracy can be secured with respect to the two-dimensional change and the image accuracy, and it is strong against bad conditions such as image distortion and blurring. The “cell group” means the data cell group 16 and the function cell group 14.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since an address data cell is included in any row, it is possible to easily indicate an address. Further, it is also preferable to provide an address data cell for each row. In this case, an address can be easily indicated for each row.

D. In the present embodiment, an example in which colors, particularly chromatic colors, are given to the cells in the data cell group 16 is shown, but any method may be used as long as data can be expressed.

  In the above-described example, the cells 18 are arranged in the horizontal direction. However, the cells 18 may be arranged in the vertical direction. Moreover, you may arrange in the diagonal direction.

  In the above-described example, the chromatic colored cells 18 are arranged in a predetermined direction, but the data may be represented by the length of a monochrome pattern such as a conventional barcode.

It is explanatory drawing of the picture symbol in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the data cell group in this Embodiment. It is another explanatory drawing of the data cell group in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the function cell group in this Embodiment. It is the table | surface which defined the rule by which the position of a data cell group is corrected by the combination of the color of a function cell group. It is the table | surface which defined the rule by which the structure of a data cell group is corrected by the combination of the color of a function cell group. It is the table | surface which defined the rule by which the method of combining the content data of a data cell group is corrected with the combination of the color of a function cell group. It is explanatory drawing of the structure which integrated the cutout mark and the function cell group. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example which the cutout mark is not located on a coordinate axis.

Explanation of symbols

10 picture symbol 12 cutout mark 14 function cell group 16 data cell group 18 cell 20 space cell 28 cell 40 space cell

Claims (27)

In an optical symbol that records predetermined data,
A plurality of cutout marks representing reference coordinate positions;
One or more groups of data cells representing data,
The data cell group includes one or more cells,
Each of the cells is arranged in a line, and represents data by a combination of colors attached to the adjacent cells,
The data cell group includes a space cell and one or more cells arranged within the space cell,
Each of the cells is given a predetermined color,
An optical symbol, wherein the space cell is given a specific space color which is not used for the color of each cell. The optical symbol according to claim 1, wherein
The adjacent cells included in the data cell group are given different colors,
Each of the cells included in the data cell group constitutes one or more rows, and an optical symbol. The optical symbol according to claim 1, wherein
The optical symbol, wherein the adjacent cells included in the data cell group have different colors. The optical symbol according to claim 3,
Each of the cells included in the data cell group constitutes one or more rows, and an optical symbol. The optical symbol according to claim 4,
Any one of the "rows" includes an address data cell indicating an address, and the optical symbol. The optical symbol according to claim 4,
An optical symbol, wherein each “row” includes an address data cell indicating an address for each row. The optical symbol according to claim 1, wherein
Including one or more function cell groups representing control information for correcting the position of the data cell group from a predetermined coordinate position;
The optical symbol, wherein the function cell group is arranged at a predetermined coordinate position based on reference coordinates represented by the cutout mark. The optical symbol according to claim 7,
The function cell group includes a space cell and one or more cells arranged within the space cell,
Each of the cells is given a predetermined color,
An optical symbol, wherein the space cell is given a specific space color which is not used for the color of each cell. The optical symbol according to claim 8,
An optical symbol, wherein adjacent cells included in the function cell group are given different colors. The optical symbol according to claim 9,
Each of the cells included in the function cell group constitutes one or more rows, and the optical symbol. The optical symbol of claim 10,
Any one of the "rows" includes an address data cell indicating an address, and the optical symbol. The optical symbol of claim 10,
An optical symbol, wherein each “row” includes an address data cell indicating an address for each row. The optical symbol according to claim 7,
The optical symbol, wherein the data cell group is arranged at a predetermined coordinate position or is arranged at a coordinate position obtained by correcting a predetermined coordinate position based on the control information. . The optical symbol according to claim 7,
The function cell group is disposed at the same position as the cutout mark, and the function cell group and the cutout mark are integrally formed. The optical symbol according to claim 9,
Each of the cells included in the data cell group constitutes one or more rows, and an optical symbol. The optical symbol of claim 15,
The control information includes the number of rows included in each cell included in the data cell group and the number of cells included in each row from a predetermined number of rows and the number of cells included in the rows. Including information to be corrected,
Each cell in the data cell group is arranged based on a predetermined number of rows and the number of cells included in the row, or a predetermined number of rows based on the control information and An optical symbol arranged based on the number of rows in which the number of cells constituting the row is modified and the number of cells included in the row. The optical symbol according to claim 7,
The control information is
Correction information that corrects the check code, which is a method of checking the accuracy of the data,
The data cell group may be inspected for data accuracy by a predetermined check code, or may be inspected for data accuracy by a check code corrected using the correction information. Optical symbol. The optical symbol according to claim 7,
The control information includes correction information for correcting a data decoding method,
The data cell group and the function cell group may be converted into data by a predetermined decoding method, or may be decoded by a decoding method obtained by correcting a predetermined decoding method with the correction information. Optical symbol. The optical symbol according to claim 7,
The control information includes correction information for correcting data sorting rules,
The data cell group and the function cell group are predetermined sorting rules ,
Content data that is content,
Address data representing addresses of the data cell group and the function cell group;
Check data for checking data represented by the data cell group and the function cell group;
Or are sorted into
Or
The data cell group and the function cell group are sorting rules obtained by correcting the predetermined sorting rules with the correction information,
The content data;
The address data;
The check data;
Optical symbols characterized by being sorted into The optical symbol according to claim 8,
The control information includes correction information for correcting the space color,
The optical symbol according to claim 1, wherein the space color is a color obtained by correcting the predetermined space color with the correction information. The optical symbol according to claim 7,
The control information includes correction information for correcting a rule for combining data represented by the data cell group and the function cell group,
Whether the data represented by the data cell group and the function cell group can be combined according to the predetermined combination rule to obtain final data of the optical symbol,
Or
An optical symbol characterized in that final data is obtained by combining the data represented by the data cell group and the function cell with the predetermined combination rule corrected by the correction information. The optical symbol according to claim 1 or 7,
The cutout mark is an optical symbol that satisfies any one or all of predetermined conditions of color, shape, and size. The optical symbol according to claim 1, wherein
The optical symbol is composed of a plurality of dispersedly arranged marks instead of a lump of marks. An article provided with a plurality of optical symbols according to claim 1 or 7 having the same contents,
The article with the optical symbol, wherein the plurality of optical symbols have different background images that are regions other than {the cutout mark and the cell group}.   An article to which the optical symbol according to any one of claims 1 to 23 is attached. A method for attaching an optical symbol according to any one of claims 1 to 23 to an article,
Creating the optical symbol based on the data to be recorded;
Attaching the created optical symbol to a predetermined article;
Including
The attaching step includes the step of printing the optical symbol on the article, the step of attaching the optical symbol to the article by embroidery, the step of attaching an adhesive seal depicting the optical symbol to the article, A method for attaching an optical symbol to an article, comprising any of the steps of: The method for decoding an optical symbol according to any one of claims 1 to 23 attached to an article,
Photographing the optical symbol and obtaining image data of the optical symbol;
A step of recognizing a cutout mark from the image data;
A step of determining reference coordinates in the image data from the recognized cutout mark;
Reading the function cell group based on the reference coordinates;
Reading a data cell group based on the reference coordinates;
Decoding the read data cell group data;
Integrating the data of each data cell group that has undergone the decoding;
A method of decoding an optical symbol, comprising:

Images