JP4625139B1 - Information expression method, article on which information expression pattern is formed, information output device, and information expression device - Google Patents

Abstract

An information expression method capable of facilitating data processing after being captured by an imaging apparatus is provided.
A first shape pattern that defines a center of a first virtual circle is arranged, a second shape pattern is arranged on the first virtual circle, and the first shape is within the first virtual circle. By arranging the number of patterns of the third shape obtained based on the information to be included on the second virtual circle defined by a predetermined radius centered on the pattern, the second shape is changed from the first shape pattern. Based on the direction and distance toward the pattern, the information about the radial direction can be corrected, and the distortion of the virtual circle can be corrected.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information expression method, an article on which an information expression pattern is formed, an information output apparatus, and an information expression apparatus.

A method of recording various information using a barcode or a two-dimensional code printed on a printed material is used. However, such codes have to be large in size and occupy a part of the paper surface, so that there is a problem that a dedicated area must be provided on the paper surface.
On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses an information input / output method using a dot pattern formed with a pattern.

International Publication No. 2004/084125

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a dot pattern is arranged in a rectangular area. These dot patterns are captured by the imaging device. However, due to the optical properties of the imaging device, the aberration increases as the distance from the center of the lens increases. Therefore, in order to eliminate distortion due to aberration, coordinate conversion of the captured image is necessary. However, in the case of a dot pattern arranged in a rectangular area, the distortion of the image is particularly large at the four corners of the rectangular area, which complicates coordinate conversion processing for correcting the distorted rectangular area into a normal shape. That is, the data processing after being taken into the imaging device has been complicated. Therefore, it is desirable to facilitate data processing after being captured by the imaging device.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to facilitate data processing after being captured by an imaging apparatus.

The main invention for achieving the above object is:
Positioning a pattern of the first shape defining a center of the first virtual circle,
Disposing a pattern of a second shape on the first virtual circle;
The first was a the virtual circle centered on the pattern of the first shape, and a plurality of second imaginary circle having different radii, the virtual line connecting the pattern of the pattern and the second shape of the first shape Arranging a pattern of a third shape at a plurality of intersections with a plurality of virtual radiations defined at predetermined center angles with reference to
Only one third-shaped pattern is arranged on each virtual radiation,
Correspondence between the position of each predetermined digit of the numerical value as the information to be expressed and each of the virtual radiation is defined,
The correspondence between the numerical value of the predetermined digit and the intersection where the pattern of the third shape is to be arranged in the virtual radiation is determined,
For each of the predetermined digits of the numerical value as the expressed information, identify the corresponding virtual radiation,
According to the numerical value for each predetermined digit in the numerical value as the expressed information, the corresponding intersection point in the specified virtual radiation is specified, and the pattern of the third shape is arranged at the specified intersection point,
It is an information expression method.

Also,
Positioning a pattern of the first shape defining a center of the first virtual circle,
Disposing a pattern of a second shape on the first virtual circle;
The first was a outside imaginary circle centered on the pattern of the first shape, and a plurality of second imaginary circle having different radii, the virtual line connecting the pattern of the pattern and the second shape of the first shape Arranging a pattern of a third shape at a plurality of intersections with a plurality of virtual radiations defined at predetermined center angles with reference to
Only one third-shaped pattern is arranged on each virtual radiation,
Correspondence between the position of each predetermined digit of the numerical value as the information to be expressed and each of the virtual radiation is defined,
The correspondence between the numerical value of the predetermined digit and the intersection where the pattern of the third shape is to be arranged in the virtual radiation is determined,
For each of the predetermined digits of the numerical value as the expressed information, identify the corresponding virtual radiation,
According to the numerical value for each predetermined digit in the numerical value as the expressed information, the corresponding intersection point in the specified virtual radiation is specified, and the pattern of the third shape is arranged at the specified intersection point,
It is an information expression method.

Also,
An article in which an information expression pattern expressed by any of the information expression methods described above is formed.

Also,
A reading unit that reads an information expression pattern expressed by any of the information expression methods described above,
Based on the read image data of the information expression pattern, the position of the first shape pattern and the position of the second shape pattern are specified, and the position of the specified first shape pattern and the position of the second shape are specified. Based on the position of the pattern, the intersection where the pattern of the third shape is arranged for each virtual radiation is identified, and each virtual radiation is handled according to the correspondence between the intersection in the virtual radiation and the numerical value of the predetermined digit An output for specifying a numerical value to be output , specifying a position of a predetermined digit of each of the specified numerical values according to a correspondence relationship between each virtual radiation and the position for each predetermined digit, and outputting a numerical value as the expressed information And
Is an information output device.

Also,
A control unit that generates an information expression pattern represented by any of the information expression methods described above,
An information forming unit that forms the generated first shape pattern, the second shape pattern, and the third shape pattern on a medium;
Is an information expression device.

  According to the present invention, even if the information expression pattern is distorted and read by the imaging device, information on the radial direction is based on the direction and distance from the first shape pattern representing the center toward the second shape pattern. It is possible to correct the distortion of the virtual circle by correcting. Further, the distortion of virtual radiation can be corrected by correcting the information regarding the center angle based on the direction and distance from the first shape pattern representing the center toward the second shape pattern. Therefore, data processing after being captured by the imaging apparatus can be facilitated.

It is explanatory drawing of the information expression pattern 1 in 1st Embodiment. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an arrangement example of information dots 30. It is a figure which shows the information expression pattern when making a virtual line invisible. It is explanatory drawing of the relationship between 2-bit information and the arrangement pattern of the information dot 30. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of a response | compatibility with the information represented and 16 virtual radiation. It is explanatory drawing of the dot pattern corresponding to the information to include. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the information expression pattern which included information. It is a table | surface explaining the arrangement | positioning of data when a parity bit is allocated as one of information. It is a table | surface showing the bit which each virtual radiation represents, and the corresponding number of each bit. It is an example of an information expression pattern when a parity bit is assigned as one piece of information. It is a block diagram of an information output device. 5 is a flowchart of a method for generating information expression pattern 1; It is a flowchart for demonstrating the method of extracting the information from an information expression pattern. It is explanatory drawing of the information expression pattern when the number of virtual radiation is increased. It is explanatory drawing of the example of arrangement | positioning of the information dot 130 in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing when an imaginary line is made invisible in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the center position mark 210 in 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the outermost periphery position mark in 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the information expression pattern 410 when not using virtual radiation. It is explanatory drawing of the information expression pattern when not using a virtual circle. It is explanatory drawing of the information expression pattern in 7th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the information expression pattern in 8th Embodiment.

  At least the following matters will become clear from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Disposing a first shape pattern that defines the center of the first virtual circle;
Disposing a pattern of a second shape on the first virtual circle;
A number of third shape patterns determined based on information to be included are arranged on a second virtual circle defined by a predetermined radius centered on the first shape pattern within the first virtual circle. And
Including information.
By doing so, even if the information expression pattern is distorted and read by the imaging device, information on the radial direction is obtained based on the direction and distance from the first shape pattern representing the center to the second shape pattern. By correcting, the distortion of the virtual circle can be corrected. Therefore, data processing after being captured by the imaging apparatus can be facilitated.

Further, in this information expression method, the pattern of the third shape is a plurality of second virtual circles defined by a plurality of predetermined radii in the first virtual circle and centered on the first shape pattern. It is desirable to be placed on top.
By doing in this way, it becomes possible to arrange a pattern of the 3rd shape on a plurality of virtual circles, so that more information can be included.

In addition, the position where the pattern of the third shape is arranged is the virtual radiation of a predetermined central angle from the second virtual circle and a virtual line segment connecting the first shape pattern and the second shape pattern. It is desirable to be defined by the intersection.
By doing in this way, the position where the pattern of the third shape is arranged can be defined by the intersection of the virtual circle and the virtual radiation.

A plurality of positions at which the third shape pattern is arranged are defined at predetermined center angles from the second virtual circle and an imaginary line segment connecting the first shape pattern and the second shape pattern. It is desirable to be defined by the intersection point with the virtual radiation.
By doing in this way, the position where the pattern of the third shape is arranged can be defined by the intersection of the virtual circle and the plurality of virtual radiations, and more information can be included.

In addition, it is desirable that one third shape pattern is arranged for each virtual radiation, and the arrangement position of the third shape pattern in each virtual radiation is obtained based on the information to be included.
By doing in this way, information is included based on the combination when the third shape pattern is arranged at one place among the possible arrangement positions of the plurality of third shape patterns defined for each virtual radiation. Can do.

Further, the same number of the third shape patterns may be arranged in each virtual radiation, and the arrangement position of the third shape pattern in each virtual radiation may be obtained based on the information to be included.
By doing in this way, information is included based on the combination when the third shape pattern is arranged at a plurality of positions among the possible positions of the plurality of third shape patterns defined for each virtual radiation. be able to.

Also,
Arranging a pattern of a first shape defining the center of the first virtual circle;
Disposing a pattern of a second shape on the first virtual circle;
The number of thirds determined based on information to be included in virtual radiation at a predetermined central angle from a virtual line segment connecting the first shape pattern and the second shape pattern within the first virtual circle. Placing a pattern of shapes,
Including information.
In this way, even if these information expression patterns are distorted and read by the imaging device, information on the center angle is based on the direction and distance from the first shape pattern representing the center toward the second shape pattern. By correcting this, distortion of virtual radiation can be corrected. Therefore, data processing after being captured by the imaging apparatus can be facilitated.

The third shape pattern is preferably arranged on a plurality of virtual radiations defined at predetermined central angles from a virtual line segment connecting the first shape pattern and the second shape pattern.
By doing in this way, it becomes possible to arrange | position the pattern of a 3rd shape on several virtual radiation, Therefore It becomes possible to include more information.

Also,
Disposing a first shape pattern that defines the center of the first virtual circle;
Disposing a pattern of a second shape on the first virtual circle;
A number of third shape patterns determined based on information to be included are arranged on a second virtual circle outside the first virtual circle and defined by a predetermined radius centered on the first shape pattern. And
Including information.
By doing so, even if the information expression pattern is distorted and read by the imaging device, information on the radial direction is obtained based on the direction and distance from the first shape pattern representing the center to the second shape pattern. By correcting, the distortion of the virtual circle can be corrected. Therefore, data processing after being captured by the imaging apparatus can be facilitated.

The first shape pattern, the second shape pattern, and the third shape pattern may be different patterns.
By doing in this way, the pattern of each shape can be specified.

The first shape pattern may be larger than the second shape pattern, and the second shape pattern may be larger than the third shape pattern.
By doing in this way, the pattern of the 1st shape, the pattern of the 2nd shape, and the pattern of the 3rd shape can be arranged efficiently.

The first shape pattern is a pattern composed of a dot having the same center and a circular pattern, the second shape pattern is a circular pattern, and the third shape pattern is a pattern composed of dots. It is desirable to be.
By doing in this way, the pattern of the 3rd shape can be arranged from the pattern of the 1st shape more efficiently.

In addition, the first shape pattern, the second shape pattern, and the third shape pattern may be patterns composed of elements having the same shape.
By doing so, extraction of information by a third party can be made more difficult.

In addition, it is preferable that at least one of the first shape pattern and the second shape pattern includes a pattern for acquiring an expansion / contraction ratio in the radial direction of the first virtual circle.
By doing so, it is possible to appropriately correct the shape of the second virtual circle based on the expansion / contraction rate in the radial direction of the first virtual circle. And the arrangement position of the 3rd shape pattern regarding a radial direction can be specified more reliably.

An article in which an information expression pattern expressed by any of the information expression methods described above is formed.
In this way, even if the information expression pattern is distorted and read by the imaging device, information on the radial direction is obtained based on the direction and distance from the first shape pattern representing the center toward the second shape pattern. By correcting, the distortion of the virtual circle can be corrected. Further, the distortion of the virtual radiation can be corrected by correcting the information regarding the central angle. Therefore, data processing after being captured by the imaging apparatus can be facilitated.

Also, a reading unit that reads an information expression pattern expressed by any of the information expression methods described above,
An output unit that outputs information included in the information expression pattern based on the read image data of the information expression pattern;
An information output device comprising:
In this way, even if the information expression pattern is distorted and read by the imaging device, information on the radial direction is obtained based on the direction and distance from the first shape pattern representing the center toward the second shape pattern. By correcting, the distortion of the virtual circle can be corrected. Further, the distortion of the virtual radiation can be corrected by correcting the information regarding the central angle. Therefore, data processing after being captured by the imaging apparatus can be facilitated.

Further, a control unit that generates an information expression pattern represented by any of the information expression methods described above,
An information forming unit that forms the generated first shape pattern, the second shape pattern, and the third shape pattern on a medium;
An information expression device comprising:
Even if the information expression pattern generated in this way is distorted and read by the imaging device, information on the radial direction is obtained based on the direction and distance from the first shape pattern representing the center to the second shape pattern. By correcting, the distortion of the virtual circle can be corrected. Further, the distortion of the virtual radiation can be corrected by correcting the information regarding the central angle. Therefore, data processing after being captured by the imaging apparatus can be facilitated.

=== First Embodiment ===
<<< Information expression pattern >>>
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an information expression pattern 1 in the first embodiment. The information expression pattern 1 includes a center position mark 10, an outermost peripheral position mark 20, and an information dot 30. Further, in the figure, virtual lines that define the reference of the position of each pattern of the information expression pattern 1 are shown. All virtual lines are indicated by broken lines. These virtual lines serve as templates that define the positions of the center position mark 10, the outermost peripheral position mark 20, and the information dot 30. The template includes a plurality of circular virtual lines and a plurality of virtual radiation. These circular virtual lines and virtual radiation are virtual and are not actually printed (or displayed).

  The center position mark 10 (corresponding to the first shape pattern) is a mark that defines the center of the information expression pattern 1. The center position mark 10 includes a center dot 11 and a circle 12. The center of the center dot 11 and the center of the circle 12 coincide. Moreover, these centers and the center of a circular virtual line correspond.

  The outermost peripheral position mark 20 (corresponding to the second shape pattern) is a circle formed on the outermost peripheral circular virtual line 21 (corresponding to the first virtual circle). The outermost circular virtual line 21 is a circle larger than any of the first circular virtual line 31 to the fourth circular virtual line 34. An imaginary line segment 22 connecting the center of the center position mark 10 and the center of the outermost periphery position mark 20 is a reference for the center angle of virtual radiation described later.

  The circular virtual lines include the outermost circular virtual line 21, the first circular virtual line 31, the second circular virtual line 32, the third circular virtual line 33, and the fourth circular virtual line 34 (the first circular virtual line 31). , Second circular virtual line 32, third circular virtual line 33, and fourth circular virtual line 34 correspond to a second virtual circle). The centers of these circular imaginary lines are coincident. The virtual radiation includes 16 virtual radiations 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b.

  The virtual radiation uses a virtual line segment 22 connecting the center position mark 10 and the outermost peripheral position mark 20 as a reference for the center angle. The first virtual radiation 1a is provided at the central angle of π / 16. The remaining virtual rays 2b to 8b are provided at equal intervals every π / 8.

  The information dot 30 (corresponding to the third shape pattern) is arranged at the intersection of the circular imaginary line (first circular imaginary line 31 to fourth circular imaginary line 34) and virtual radiation (radiation 1a to radiation 8b). . That is, the circular virtual line and the virtual radiation define the position where the information dot 30 is arranged by the intersection. With such a configuration, there are 64 positions where the information dots 30 may be arranged. In FIG. 1, for the sake of explanation, the information dots 30 are arranged at all the positions where there is a possibility of being arranged, but they are not actually arranged at all positions.

  The size of the center position mark 10 is larger than the size of the outermost peripheral position mark 20. Further, the size of the outermost peripheral position mark 20 is larger than the size of the information dot 30. As described above, the arrangement positions and sizes of the center position mark 10, the outermost periphery position mark 20, and the information dot 30 have been described. The reason for such a configuration is as follows.

  The information dot 30 is a pattern in which the largest number is likely to be arranged. Therefore, it should be the smallest pattern to increase the information density. In addition, if a plurality of information dots 30 are arranged near the center, they may overlap. For this reason, it is desirable not to arrange the information dot 30 near the center but to arrange it around the center.

  Since the center position mark 10 is a mark that defines the center of the information expression pattern 1, it is desirable that the center position mark 10 be the largest size pattern. Therefore, it becomes the largest size pattern arranged in the center.

  The outermost periphery position mark 20 is a pattern for defining the radius of the outermost periphery that defines the area of the information expression pattern 1. Therefore, it is arranged on the outermost periphery of the information expression pattern 1. If the outermost position mark 20 has the largest size, the information dot 30 of the fourth circular virtual line 34 (specifically, the circular virtual line 34 and the virtual radiation 1a, 8b There is a risk of contact with the information dot 30) at the intersection. Therefore, the size of the outermost peripheral position mark 20 is smaller than the size of the central position mark 10 and larger than the size of the information dot 30.

  By being expressed in such a combination, the information expression pattern 1 can efficiently use the area. And it can be set as the pattern of a small size as a whole.

  Here, the “size” of the center position mark 10 refers to the size of the effective area of the center position mark 10. For example, if the center position mark 10 is formed with a plurality of dots, it indicates the size of the effective area of the region surrounded by the plurality of dots. The same applies to the size of the outermost peripheral position mark 20, and this size refers to the effective area of the outermost peripheral position mark 20.

  Further, the size of the information expression pattern 1 is not particularly limited as long as the image pickup apparatus can read the information expression pattern 1. In particular, there is no restriction in principle when the size of the information expression pattern 1 is large. For example, the diameter of the outermost circular virtual line 21 may be 30 mm to 40 mm. The diameter of the outermost circular virtual line 21 may be about 1.5 mm, and the dot diameter of the information dot 30 may be about 0.05 mm.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an arrangement example of the information dots 30. As shown in the figure, desired information can be expressed by arranging one information dot 30 on one virtual radiation. A procedure for expressing information by arranging one information dot 30 on one virtual radiation will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an information expression pattern when the virtual line is made invisible. Actually, when this information expression pattern is printed on an article such as a card, the circular virtual line and the virtual radiation are not printed, and only the center position mark 10, the outermost peripheral position mark 20, and the information dot 30 as shown in FIG. Is printed.

  As described above, when the circular virtual line and the virtual radiation are made invisible, the information expression pattern 1 becomes a pattern expressed by dots and circles. Therefore, at first glance, it is represented as a pattern having no regularity, and it becomes difficult for a third party who does not know the configuration of the information expression pattern 1 to extract information.

  On the other hand, the user who knows the template of the information expression pattern 1 can grasp the positions of the invisible circular virtual line and the virtual radiation based on the center position mark 10 and the outermost peripheral position mark 20. And based on these positions, the intersection of a circular virtual line and virtual radiation can be grasped. That is, the position of the information dot 30 expressing information can be grasped, and information can be easily extracted from the information expression pattern 1.

  In addition, the arrangement positions of the information dots 30 that express information in the information expression pattern 1 are on the circumference. Therefore, even if the information expression pattern 1 is read with a lens that easily generates aberration in the radial direction, the center position mark 10 is read so that the center position mark 10 is positioned at the center of the lens of the imaging device. Based on the positions of the position mark 10 and the outermost peripheral position mark 20, information regarding the radial direction can be easily corrected. Then, it is possible to easily correct the distortion of the circular virtual line in which the information dot 30 is arranged.

  Further, based on the positions of the center position mark 10 and the outermost peripheral position mark 20, the information regarding the center angle can be corrected. Then, it is possible to appropriately correct the distortion of the virtual radiation in which the information dots are arranged.

  Furthermore, even if the center position mark 10 is not located at the center of the lens of the image pickup device, based on the deformed shape of the circle 12 of the center position mark 10, the circular imaginary line at what ratio in each direction of the circumference It can be estimated whether or not the image is distorted. That is, it is possible to estimate how much the radius of the circular imaginary line should be corrected based on the deformation ratio of the circle 12 in the radial direction. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately correct the coordinates of the circular virtual line on which the information dot 30 is arranged, and to accurately grasp the position of the information dot 30.

<<< First Data Structure of Information Expression Pattern >>>
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between 2-bit information and the arrangement pattern of information dots 30. In the figure, a set of two X-th virtual rays Xa and Xb is extracted and shown.

  As positions where the information dots 30 are arranged, Xa1 to Xa4 and Xb1 to Xb4 are shown on the virtual radiations Xa and Xb. The number following “a” or “b” indicates the number of the circular imaginary line. For example, the intersection of the virtual radiation 1a and the fourth circular virtual line 34 is represented as “1a4”. That is, the position where the information dot 30 is arranged can be represented by these three characters.

  It is assumed that only one information dot 30 is necessarily arranged in one virtual radiation. FIG. 4 shows 2-bit information corresponding to the arrangement pattern of the information dots 30. For example, “00” corresponds to the arrangement pattern in which the information dot 30 is arranged at the position of Xa1. Further, “01” corresponds to the arrangement pattern in which the information dot 30 is arranged at the position of Xa2. Further, “10” corresponds to the arrangement pattern in which the information dot 30 is arranged at the position of Xa3. Also, “11” corresponds to the arrangement pattern in which the information dot 30 is arranged at the position of Xa4.

  It should be noted that the relationship between the arrangement pattern and the 2-bit information is different between the virtual radiation whose code includes “a” and the virtual radiation whose “b” is included. In the virtual radiation including “b” in the code, for example, “11” corresponds to the arrangement pattern in which the information dot 30 is arranged at the position of Xb1. Also, “10” corresponds to the arrangement pattern in which the information dot 30 is arranged at the position of Xb2. Further, “01” corresponds to the arrangement pattern in which the information dot 30 is arranged at the position of Xb3. Further, “00” corresponds to the arrangement pattern in which the information dot 30 is arranged at the position of Xb4.

  Here, the correspondence relationship is set as described above, but the relationship between the position of the information dot 30 and the 2-bit information is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily set.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of correspondence between the represented information and 16 virtual rays. As shown in the figure, the most significant 2 bits are represented by virtual radiation 1a. The subsequent 2 bits are represented by virtual radiation 2b. In this way, as shown in the figure, 2 bits represented by one virtual radiation are continuously arranged, and the least significant 2 bits are represented by virtual radiation 8b.

  Next, the formation of the information expression pattern 1 in the above correspondence will be specifically described. Here, a procedure of including information of hexadecimal “D3 4D 78 EB” in the information expression pattern 1 will be described.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a dot pattern corresponding to information to be included.
The hexadecimal number “D3 4D 78 EB” is expressed as “11 01 00 11 01 00 11 01 01 11 10 00 11 10 10 11” in order from the most significant bit. These data are allocated 2 bits at a time to one virtual radiation. That is, one virtual radiation represents 2 bits.

  The most significant 2 bits are assigned to the virtual radiation of 1a. Subsequent 2-bit data is assigned to 1b virtual radiation. In this manner, data of 2 bits is sequentially assigned to virtual radiation in a clockwise direction.

  Referring to FIG. 4 again, when the most significant 2 bits “11” are expressed by the virtual radiation 1a, the arrangement pattern is “a4”. Therefore, it arrange | positions with the arrangement pattern of a4 on the virtual radiation 1a. That is, the information dot 30 is arranged at the intersection of the virtual radiation 1 a and the fourth circular virtual line 34.

  In addition, when the subsequent 2 bits “01” are expressed by the virtual radiation 1b, the arrangement pattern is “b3”. Therefore, the information dots 30 are arranged in the arrangement pattern b3 on the virtual radiation 1b. That is, the information dot 30 is arranged at the intersection of the virtual radiation 1 b and the third circular virtual line 33.

  Further, when the subsequent 2 bits “00” are expressed by the virtual radiation 2a, the arrangement pattern is “a1”. Therefore, the information dots 30 are arranged in the arrangement pattern a1 on the virtual radiation 2a. That is, the information dot 30 is arranged at the intersection of the virtual radiation 2 a and the first circular virtual line 31.

  In this way, the position where the information dot 30 is arranged is specified from the virtual rays a1 to b8. Then, the information dots 30 are arranged as specified.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an information expression pattern 1 including information. In the figure, the information expression pattern 1 corresponding to the information “D3 4D 78 EB” generated as described above is shown. Here, for easy understanding, all virtual lines that are originally invisible are also visualized. Further, the position where the information dot 30 is not arranged is represented by a white circle. In this way, information to be included can be converted into the information expression pattern 1.
On the other hand, information can be extracted from the information expression pattern 1 by a procedure reverse to the above procedure. In that case, it can obtain | require as follows.

  First, the position of each virtual radiation is obtained based on the virtual line segment 22 defined by the center position mark 10 and the outermost peripheral position mark 20. Further, the radius of each circular imaginary line is obtained based on the distance between the center position mark 10 and the outermost peripheral position mark 20. Then, the radius of each circular imaginary line is obtained based on this radius.

  By doing in this way, the intersection of each circular virtual line and each virtual radiation can be calculated | required. Next, it is determined whether or not the information dot 30 is formed at each intersection. Thereby, the arrangement pattern of the information dots 30 in each virtual radiation can be obtained. Then, by referring to the table of FIG. 4, 2 bits corresponding to the arrangement pattern can be obtained for each virtual radiation.

  The 2-bit information obtained in this way is arranged in order from the most significant bit from virtual radiation 1a to 8b. By doing so, the information contained in the information expression pattern 1 can be extracted.

<<< Second Data Structure of Information Expression Pattern >>>
FIG. 8 is a table for explaining the arrangement of data when a parity bit is assigned as one piece of information. FIG. 9 is a table showing the bits represented by the virtual rays and the corresponding numbers of the bits. FIG. 10 is an example of an information expression pattern 1 when a parity bit is assigned as one piece of information. Hereinafter, an information expression pattern 1 when a parity bit is assigned as one piece of information will be described with reference to these drawings.

  What is expressed here is 20-bit first data and 4-bit second data. That is, a total of 24 bits of data are expressed. Further, 8 bits are assigned as parity bits. Here, odd parity is used.

  In the table shown in FIG. 8, one cell represents one bit. Therefore, one column of the table represents 4 bits (nibble). The table shows nibble1 to nibble6. Of these, nibble1 to nibble5 represent the first data described above. Nibble6 represents the second data. In one nibble shown in the table, the upper cell is an MSB (Most significant bit) and the lower cell is an LSB (Least significant bit).

  Further, a parity bit for each byte is shown at the bottom of the table. On the right side of the table, parity bits for each row are shown. Furthermore, 1 bit of parity is provided.

  In FIG. 8, a corresponding number is assigned to each cell. These corresponding numbers correspond to the corresponding numbers shown in the left table of FIG. As described above, one virtual radiation can represent 2 bits. Therefore, in FIG. 7, one upper bit and one lower bit are assigned to one virtual radiation. A corresponding correspondence number is assigned to each of these bits.

  For example, the bit of the cell specified by the correspondence number “5” shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to the upper bit of the data indicated by the virtual radiation 2a. Further, the bit of the cell specified by the correspondence number “15” shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to the upper bit in the data indicated by the virtual radiation 4b. In this way, the cells in the table shown in FIG. 8 and the cells in the left table in FIG. 9 are associated with each other by the corresponding numbers. In FIG. 8, for easy understanding, each cell shows bit information expressed by each cell in parentheses.

  Here, the corresponding numbers are regularly arranged in the table of FIG. 9, whereas the corresponding numbers are randomly assigned in the table of FIG. This is to prevent errors from concentrating on a specific location when data loss occurs in a part of the information expression pattern by randomly allocating. Another reason is to make it difficult for a third party using this information expression pattern to analyze the data structure.

  Next, a specific data conversion method when parity bits are added will be described. Here, the first data is “00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 01” and the second data is “00 01”. According to these data, only the least significant bit of the first data is “1”, and the others are all “0”. In the second data, only the least significant bit is “1”, and the others are all “0”.

  In that case, referring to FIG. 9, the bit of the cell of the corresponding number “1” “4” “7” “8” “16” “19” “20” “23” “30” is “1”. Yes, the bits of other cells are "0". That is, the bit information is as shown in the right table of FIG.

  An arrangement pattern of information dots 30 corresponding to the bit information obtained in this way is assigned to each virtual radiation. For example, the virtual radiation “1a” has an arrangement pattern “a3” (see FIG. 4) to indicate “10”. For example, the virtual radiation “1b” has an arrangement pattern “b3” to indicate “01”. Similarly, the arrangement pattern of the information dots 30 up to the virtual radiation “8b” is determined.

  In the information expression pattern shown in FIG. 10, information dots 30 are arranged in the obtained arrangement pattern. Of course, information of parity bits is also added to this information expression pattern. Therefore, even if the information dot 30 is lost due to some cause in the information expression pattern, the occurrence of an error can be detected based on the parity bit.

  Here, the description has been made assuming that the parity bit is included as information, but a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) code or a Reed-Solomon code may be used instead of using the parity.

  Moreover, the information contained in the information expression pattern 1 can be extracted by the reverse procedure to the above. First, after specifying the position where the information dot 30 is arranged based on the center position pattern 10 and the outermost peripheral position pattern 20, it is developed into 2 bits represented by each virtual line as shown in FIG. 9 based on the arrangement pattern. . By doing so, each of these 2-bit information is represented by the data in the table as shown in FIG. 8 based on the corresponding number. After the data of the table shown in FIG. 8 is obtained, the first data can be obtained by sequentially arranging the bits of each cell from nibble1 to nibble5. The second data can be obtained by sequentially arranging the bits of each cell of nibble6.

<<< Data structure of reference example of information expression pattern >>>
In the information expression pattern 1 described above, it is assumed that only one information dot 30 is necessarily assigned to one virtual radiation. However, the data structure of the information expression pattern 1 is not limited to this.

For example, it is assumed that m information dots 30 can be arranged on one virtual radiation, and the information dots 30 are arranged at n of the m places. In this case, the amount of information that can be expressed by one virtual radiation is a combination of selecting n locations from m locations, and therefore can be expressed as _m C _n .

When k virtual rays are used, the amount of information is expressed as ( _m C _n ) ^k . For example, in the case where information dots are arranged at the intersections of 16 virtual rays and four circular imaginary lines as described above, when two dots are arranged for each virtual ray, ( ₄ C ₂ ) It is possible to express ¹⁶ kinds of information, the number of which is about 2,800 billion.

<<< Information Input / Output Device >>>
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the information input / output device 1000. An information input / output device 1000 (corresponding to an information output device and an information expression device) includes a computer 1010 (corresponding to an information unit or a control unit that outputs information included in the information expression pattern), a display device 1020, An input device 1030, an output device 1050 (corresponding to an information forming unit), and an imaging device 1060 are included. The computer 1010 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1013, an interface 1012, a memory 1014, and a recording / reproducing device 1040.

  The interface 1012 is an interface for connecting to the imaging device 1060. The CPU 1013 performs calculation of information, particularly calculation for forming the information expression pattern 1 as described above and extracting information from the information expression pattern 1. The memory 1014 stores the data shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 described above, and temporarily forms the information expression pattern 1 and extracts information from the information expression pattern 1. Used to store the calculation result. The recording / reproducing apparatus 1040 is used to record the formed information expression pattern 1 on a recording medium such as a CR-ROM or to read the information expression pattern 1 from the recording medium. Further, the recording / reproducing apparatus may be used for reading a program for forming the information expression pattern 1 and a program for extracting information from the information expression pattern 1.

  The display device 1020 is a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor. The input device 1030 is an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard. The output device 1050 is an output device such as a printer that prints the information expression pattern 1. The imaging device 1060 is a device for optically reading the information expression pattern 1.

  Note that the functions of the computer 1010 and the imaging apparatus 1060 may be configured integrally with a pen-type device. In this case, the pen-type device can have a function of reading the information expression pattern 1 and outputting the extracted information.

<<< Method for generating information expression pattern >>>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method for generating the information expression pattern 1.
First, information included in the information expression pattern 1 is prepared as a bit expression (S802). For example, “11 01 00 11 01 00 11 01 01 11 10 10 11 11 10 10 11” as shown in FIG. 6 is prepared.

Next, an arrangement pattern corresponding to the prepared bit expression is obtained (S804). The arrangement pattern can be obtained based on the correspondence in FIG. 4 as described above. Next, the information dot 30 is arranged according to the obtained arrangement pattern to form the information expression pattern 1 (S806). Thereby, the information expression pattern 1 as shown in FIG. 7 is generated.
Finally, the virtual line is removed from the information expression pattern 1, and only the center position mark 10, the outermost peripheral position mark 20, and the information dot 30 are printed or displayed (S808). In this way, the information expression pattern 1 can be obtained.

<<< Method of extracting information from information expression pattern >>>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a method of extracting information from the information expression pattern.
First, the information expression pattern 1 printed on a printed material or the like is captured by the imaging device 1060 (S902). Next, the positions of the center position mark 10 and the outermost periphery position mark 20 are specified based on the image data obtained by capturing (S904).

Next, based on the position of the center position mark 10 and the position of the outermost peripheral position mark 20, the positions of the circular imaginary line and the virtual radiation are obtained, and the intersection of these is specified (S906). Next, the position where the information dot 30 is arranged at these intersections is specified from the image data (S908).
Next, the arrangement pattern of the information dots 30 in each virtual radiation is obtained based on the position where the information dots 30 are arranged. Then, referring to FIG. 4, each bit is obtained from the arrangement pattern (S910). If the data structure includes a parity bit as information, the accuracy of the information is verified based on the parity bit (S912).
In this way, information included in the information expression pattern 1 can be extracted.

=== Second Embodiment ===
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an information expression pattern when the number of virtual lines is increased. The reference numerals in the figure are expressed by adding 1 to the hundreds of the reference numerals used in the first embodiment. For example, the outermost peripheral position mark in the second embodiment is denoted by reference numeral 120.

  In the second embodiment, the number of virtual rays in the information expression pattern 101 is 32. Also, the number of circular imaginary lines has increased to eight. The positions at which the information dots 30 on the virtual radiation labeled “a” can be arranged are odd-numbered circular virtual lines (first circular virtual line 131, third circular virtual line 133, It is set at the intersection of the fifth circular virtual line 135 and the seventh circular virtual line 137). Further, the positions where the information dots 130 on the virtual radiation labeled “b” can be arranged are even-numbered circular virtual lines (second circular virtual line 132, fourth circular virtual line 134, It is set at the intersection of the sixth circular imaginary line 136 and the eighth circular imaginary line 138). The virtual line segment 122 and the virtual radiation 1a are arranged so as to overlap each other.

  Even in such an arrangement, information can be included in the information expression pattern 1 using the first data structure to the third data structure in the first embodiment.

  In addition, by doing this, the positions where the information dots 130 can be arranged increase, so that a larger amount of information can be expressed. Further, the information dots are alternately arranged between the adjacent virtual rays. For this reason, the information dots 30 can be arranged more densely. Further, the outermost peripheral position mark 120 is provided on the virtual radiation 1a. The intersection between the virtual radiation 1a and the seventh circular imaginary line 137 is inside the intersection between the adjacent virtual radiations 1b and 16b and the eighth circular imaginary line 138, so that the outermost peripheral position mark 20 is relatively centered. Can be placed closer. Thereby, the outermost periphery position mark 120 can be arrange | positioned efficiently.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an arrangement example of the information dots 130 in the second embodiment. Even in such an information expression pattern, information can be included on the assumption that one information dot is always formed on one virtual radiation by the same method as described above.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram when virtual lines are made invisible in the second embodiment. In this manner, when the information dots 130 are arranged more densely, it is expressed as a pattern that is less regular at first glance. Therefore, a third party who does not know the configuration of the information expression pattern 101. Makes it more difficult to extract information.

=== Third Embodiment ===
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the center position mark 210 in the third embodiment. The reference numerals in the figure are expressed by adding 2 to the hundreds of the reference numerals used in the first embodiment. For example, the outermost peripheral position mark in the third embodiment is denoted by reference numeral 220.

  In the information expression pattern in the above-described embodiment, the shape of the center position mark is composed of one center dot 11 and the circle 12 whose center coincides with the center dot 11, but is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 17, when the central angle of the virtual line segment 222 is π / 2, in addition to the central dot 211, dots 212 and 213 are arranged at the central angle 0 and the central angle π, respectively. The center position mark 210 may be used.

  This also makes it possible to distinguish the pattern of the overall shape of the center position mark 210 as being different from the outermost peripheral position pattern 220 and the information dot 30. In order to ensure the distinction between the pattern of the shape of the center position mark 210 and the pattern of the shape of the information dot 230, a dot having a size different from that of the information dot 230 is used for the center position mark 210. Alternatively, the center position mark 210 can be configured with a dot interval that cannot be generated with the dot interval between the information dots 230.

=== Fourth Embodiment ===
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the outermost peripheral position mark in the fourth embodiment. The reference numerals in this figure are expressed by adding 3 to the hundreds of the reference numerals used in the first embodiment. For example, the outermost peripheral position mark in the fourth embodiment is denoted by reference numeral 320.

  In the information expression pattern in the above-described embodiment, the outermost peripheral position mark has a circular shape, but is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 18, dots 323, 326, and 327 are arranged at the intersections between the outermost circular imaginary line 321 and the virtual radiations 1a, 5a, and 13a, and the outermost periphery is defined in order to define the direction of the virtual radiation 1a. The outermost peripheral position mark may be configured by arranging two dots 324 and 325 on the outermost circular virtual line adjacent to the intersection of the circular virtual line 321 and the virtual radiation 1a.

  This also makes it possible to distinguish the overall shape pattern of the outermost peripheral position mark 320 as being different from the central position mark 310 and the information dot 330. In this case also, the outermost peripheral position mark 320 has a different size from the information dot 330 in order to ensure distinction between the pattern of the outermost peripheral position mark 320 and the pattern of the information dot 330. The outermost position mark 320 may be configured with a dot interval that cannot be generated with the dot interval between the information dots 330.

  Further, it is assumed that the information expression pattern 301 is distorted and read by the imaging device 1060. Assume that the distance between the center position mark 310 and the dot 326 is greater than the distance between the center position mark 310 and the dot 327. In this case, it can be seen that the amount of distortion is larger in the direction from the center toward the dot 326 than in the direction from the center toward the dot 327. The amount of distortion for each central angle can be estimated depending on how far the distance is different. Therefore, the positions of the circular virtual line and the virtual radiation can be corrected more appropriately based on the estimated distortion amount, and the arrangement position of the information dot 330 can be more reliably specified.

=== First Reference Example ===
In the information expression pattern in the above-described embodiment, the position where the information dot 30 is arranged is limited to the intersection of the circular virtual line and the virtual radiation. However, even if the position of the information dot 30 is not limited to these intersections, information can be included in the information expression pattern.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of an information expression pattern 401 when virtual radiation is not used. The reference numerals in this figure are expressed by adding 4 to the hundreds of the reference numerals used in the first embodiment. For example, the outermost peripheral position mark in the first reference example is denoted by reference numeral 420.

  FIG. 19 shows a center position mark 410 and an outermost peripheral position mark 420. In addition, a first circular virtual line 431, a second circular virtual line 432, a third circular virtual line 433, and a fourth circular virtual line 434 are shown, and a plurality of information dots 430 are arranged on these circular virtual lines.

Suppose that a maximum of 16 information dots can be arranged on each circular virtual line. In this case, 16 types of information can be expressed by one circular virtual line, but since four circular virtual lines are prepared, 16 ⁴ = 65536 information can be expressed.

  Even in such a configuration of the information expression pattern 401, based on the distance between the center position mark 410 and the outermost peripheral position mark 420, the first circular imaginary line 431, the second circular imaginary line 432, the third circular imaginary line 433, And each position of the 4th circular virtual line 434 can be calculated | required. Thereby, it is possible to extract information by specifying how many information dots 430 are arranged in each circular virtual line.

=== Second Reference Example ===
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of an information expression pattern when a circular virtual line is not used. The reference numerals in this figure are expressed by adding 5 to the hundreds of the reference numerals used in the first embodiment. For example, the outermost peripheral position mark in the second reference example is given a reference numeral 520.

Suppose that a maximum of four information dots can be arranged on each virtual radiation. In this case, four kinds of information can be expressed by one virtual radiation, but since 16 pieces of virtual radiation are prepared, 4 ¹⁶ = 4294967296 kinds of information can be expressed.
Even in such a configuration of the information expression pattern 501, the position of each virtual radiation can be obtained based on the positions of the center position mark 510 and the outermost peripheral position mark 520. Thereby, it is possible to extract information by specifying how many information dots 30 of each virtual radiation are arranged.

=== Seventh Embodiment ===
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of an information expression pattern in the seventh embodiment. FIG. 21 shows an information expression pattern 601 when the shape of the element constituting the center position mark 610, the shape of the element constituting the outermost peripheral position mark 620, and the shape of the information dot 630 are the same. Has been. In addition, the code | symbol in this figure is also expressed by attaching | subjecting 6 to the hundreds place of the code | symbol used in 1st Embodiment. For example, the central position mark in the seventh embodiment is denoted by reference numeral 610.

In the seventh embodiment, the center position mark 610 is composed of three dots 611, 612, and 613 arranged near the center. One dot 611 is provided inside the first circular imaginary line 631 and on the imaginary line segment 622. The other dot 612 is provided at the center angle π when the center angle of the imaginary line segment 622 is π / 2, and is provided inside the first circular imaginary line 631. The other dot 613 is provided at the center angle 0 and inside the first circular virtual line 631.
When the vertices of these three dots 611, 612, and 613 are connected, the respective dots are arranged so as to form a right isosceles triangle.

  In the seventh embodiment, the outermost peripheral position mark 620 includes seven dots 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628 and 629 arranged on the outermost circular imaginary line 621. One dot 623 is provided on the virtual line segment 622. Another dot 624 is provided between the virtual line segment 622 and the virtual radiation 1a. Another dot 625 is provided between the virtual line segment 622 and the virtual radiation 8b.

  The dot 626 is provided between the central angle π and the virtual radiation 2b. The dot 627 is provided between the central angle π and the virtual radiation 3a. The dot 628 is provided between the central angle 0 and the virtual radiation 7a. The dot 629 is provided between the central angle 0 and the virtual radiation 6b.

  The relative positional relationship between the dots in the central position mark 610 configured in this way is configured as a positional relationship that cannot occur in the relative positional relationship in the information dots 630. In addition, the relative positional relationship between the dots in the outermost peripheral position mark is also configured as a positional relationship that cannot occur in the relative positional relationship in the information dot 630.

  As described above, even when the shape of the element constituting the center position mark 610, the shape of the element constituting the outermost peripheral position mark 620, and the shape of the information dot 630 are the same, Therefore, it is possible to determine which position mark constitutes each dot or which constitutes the information dot 630. On the other hand, since these elements have the same shape, it is possible to make extraction of information by a third party more difficult.

=== Eighth Embodiment ===
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of an information expression pattern in the eighth embodiment. The symbols in this figure are also expressed by adding 7 to the hundreds of the symbols used in the first embodiment. For example, the center position mark in the eighth embodiment is denoted by reference numeral 710.
In the eighth embodiment, the arrangement of the center position mark 710 and the information dot 730 is substantially the same as that of the seventh embodiment.

  What is characteristic in the eighth embodiment is that the innermost circular imaginary line 721 is not used, and the innermost circular imaginary line 721 is used instead. Then, the innermost circumferential position mark 720 is arranged with the innermost circumferential virtual line 721 as a reference. The innermost circumferential position mark 720 is composed of four dots 723, 724, 725, and 726 arranged on the innermost circumferential virtual line 721. One dot 723 is provided on the virtual line segment 722. Another dot 724 is provided at the center angle π. The dot 725 is provided at a center angle of 3π / 2. The dot 726 is provided at the center angle 0 position.

  The relative positional relationship of each dot in the innermost circumferential position mark 720 configured as described above is a positional relationship that does not occur in the relative positional relationship in the information dot 730. In addition, the relative positional relationship between the dots in the central position mark 720 is also configured as a positional relationship that cannot occur in the relative positional relationship in the information dot 730.

  This also makes it possible to accurately grasp the position of the information dot 730 based on the innermost circumferential position mark 720. Here, the innermost circumferential position mark 720 is composed of four dots, but a pattern of another shape may be used. For example, the innermost circumferential position mark 720 can be configured to have a smaller effective area than the central position mark 720 by using the circular shape in the first embodiment.

=== Other Embodiments ===
In the above description, a plurality of examples of the center position mark and the outermost periphery position mark in the information expression pattern are shown. However, the arrangement and shape of the center position mark and the outermost periphery position mark are not limited thereto. For example, dots can be arranged at positions corresponding to the three vertices of a right-angled isosceles triangle and used as the center position mark. Further, the shape of the center position mark, the outermost periphery position mark, and the information dot may be a shape of a playing card spade, diamond, heart, clover, or the like, or a star shape.

  Since the above information expression pattern can be made very small, it can be arranged without affecting the design on the medium, but when printing, it is printed using infrared absorbing ink or ink containing carbon It may be done. By doing so, it can be made invisible to the naked eye and can be printed so as not to affect the design.

1 Information expression pattern,
10 Center position mark,
20 outermost position mark, 21 outermost circular virtual line,
30 information dots,
31 first circular imaginary line, 32 second circular imaginary line,
33 third circular imaginary line, 34 fourth circular imaginary line,
1a-8b Virtual radiation

Claims (15)

Positioning a pattern of the first shape defining a center of the first virtual circle,
Disposing a pattern of a second shape on the first virtual circle;
The first was a the virtual circle centered on the pattern of the first shape, and a plurality of second imaginary circle having different radii, the virtual line connecting the pattern of the pattern and the second shape of the first shape Arranging a pattern of a third shape at a plurality of intersections with a plurality of virtual radiations defined at predetermined center angles with reference to
Only one third-shaped pattern is arranged on each virtual radiation,
Correspondence between the position of each predetermined digit of the numerical value as the information to be expressed and each of the virtual radiation is defined,
The correspondence between the numerical value of the predetermined digit and the intersection where the pattern of the third shape is to be arranged in the virtual radiation is determined,
For each of the predetermined digits of the numerical value as the expressed information, identify the corresponding virtual radiation,
According to the numerical value for each predetermined digit in the numerical value as the expressed information, the corresponding intersection point in the specified virtual radiation is specified, and the pattern of the third shape is arranged at the specified intersection point,
Information representation method. The information expression method according to claim 1, wherein a correspondence relationship between the numerical value for each predetermined digit and the intersection where the pattern of the third shape is to be arranged is different between the adjacent virtual radiations. The information expression method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a position where the pattern of the third shape can be arranged at the intersection is different between the adjacent virtual radiations. The information expression method according to claim 1, wherein the numerical value of the predetermined digit is bit information. The information expression method according to claim 1, wherein the information to be expressed is replaced in units of bits in advance.   The information expression method according to claim 1, wherein the expressed information includes a bit for error correction. Positioning a pattern of the first shape defining a center of the first virtual circle,
Disposing a pattern of a second shape on the first virtual circle;
The first was a outside imaginary circle centered on the pattern of the first shape, and a plurality of second imaginary circle having different radii, the virtual line connecting the pattern of the pattern and the second shape of the first shape Arranging a pattern of a third shape at a plurality of intersections with a plurality of virtual radiations defined at predetermined center angles with reference to
Only one third-shaped pattern is arranged on each virtual radiation,
Correspondence between the position of each predetermined digit of the numerical value as the information to be expressed and each of the virtual radiation is defined,
The correspondence between the numerical value of the predetermined digit and the intersection where the pattern of the third shape is to be arranged in the virtual radiation is determined,
For each of the predetermined digits of the numerical value as the expressed information, identify the corresponding virtual radiation,
According to the numerical value for each predetermined digit in the numerical value as the expressed information, the corresponding intersection point in the specified virtual radiation is specified, and the pattern of the third shape is arranged at the specified intersection point,
Information representation method. Wherein the first shape of the pattern and the second shape of the pattern the pattern of the third shape is a pattern of different shapes each, information expressing method according to any one of claims 1-7. The pattern of the first shape is larger than the pattern of the second shape, the pattern of the second shape is larger than the pattern of the third shape, information representation method according to any one of claims 1-8. The first shape pattern is a pattern consisting of a dot and a circular pattern having the same center, the second shape pattern is a circular pattern, and the third shape pattern is a pattern consisting of dots. information representation method according to any one of claims 1-9. Wherein the first shape of the pattern and the second shape of the pattern the pattern of the third shape is a pattern each consisting of elements of the same shape, information representation method according to any one of claims 1-7. Wherein at least one of the first shape of the pattern and the pattern of the second shape includes a pattern for obtaining a radial expansion ratio of the first imaginary circle, according to any one of claims 1 to 11 Information representation method. Article information expression pattern represented by information representing the method described is formed in any one of claims 1 to 12. A reading section for reading the information expression pattern represented by information representing method according to any one of claims 1 to 12
Based on the read image data of the information expression pattern, the position of the first shape pattern and the position of the second shape pattern are specified, and the position of the specified first shape pattern and the position of the second shape are specified. Based on the position of the pattern, the intersection where the pattern of the third shape is arranged for each virtual radiation is identified, and each virtual radiation is handled according to the correspondence between the intersection in the virtual radiation and the numerical value of the predetermined digit An output for specifying a numerical value to be output and specifying a position of a predetermined digit of each of the specified numerical values according to a correspondence relationship between each virtual radiation and the position for each predetermined digit and outputting the numerical value as the expressed information And
An information output device comprising: A control unit that generates an information expression pattern represented by the information expression method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 ,
An information forming unit that forms the generated first shape pattern, the second shape pattern, and the third shape pattern on a medium;
An information expression device comprising:

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