JP5018382B2 - Two-dimensional code and its reading device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a two-dimensional code for recording a second two-dimensional code and a reading device thereof.

As a technique for recording the second two-dimensional code in the two-dimensional code, for example, there is a “two-dimensional code” disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. In this two-dimensional code, for example, a CP code, a Carla code, etc. are arranged as a second two-dimensional code in the data area of the QR code, so that the second two-dimensional code can be recorded in the two-dimensional code. .
JP 11-328301 A

  However, in the “two-dimensional code” disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to secure an area for recording the second two-dimensional code in the data area, so that the original two-dimensional code can be encoded. Since the data area is reduced, there is a problem that the amount of information is reduced.

  In addition, even if the second two-dimensional code recorded in such a two-dimensional code is necessary during the distribution of goods, articles, etc. on which the two-dimensional code is recorded, for example, the final consumer It may be unnecessary for you. In other words, even if there is a case where a part of the content recorded in the two-dimensional code or the like is not desired to be read by anyone other than the related person, it may be read by a general-purpose reading device.

  Further, in the case where the second two-dimensional code is recorded in such a two-dimensional code, if the respective code systems (code types) are different, it may be necessary to read with two types of reading devices. If possible, I want to read it in a single operation.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is to record a second two-dimensional code without reducing the information amount of the original two-dimensional code. To provide a dimension code.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a two-dimensional code that can easily erase the second two-dimensional code from the two-dimensional code in which the second two-dimensional code is recorded.
Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a two-dimensional code reader capable of reading a two-dimensional code recorded with a second two-dimensional code by a single operation.

In order to achieve the above object, the two-dimensional code according to claim 1 according to the claims includes a function pattern required for decoding data encoded in the two-dimensional code, the data and the data. A two-dimensional code recording a data pattern in which information to be encoded is recorded, and a light of the same color arranged in a predetermined square-shaped range in a unit cell or a group of unit cells constituting the functional pattern Instead of the module or the dark module, a second two-dimensional code is recorded, and the second two-dimensional code is recorded on the recording medium on which the function pattern and the data pattern are recorded (1) Physical (2) It is technically characterized by being recorded by being printed with a chemically decomposable ink . A “module” is a minimum component constituting the two-dimensional code, and a “bright module” is a light color (for example, a color having a high brightness such as white) and a dark color (for example, a brightness such as black). (Low color) is a light color module, and “dark module” is a dark color module when the module is composed of two types of light and dark colors. is there.

  In the two-dimensional code of claim 2 according to the claims, in the two-dimensional code according to claim 1, when the two-dimensional code is a QR code, the second two-dimensional code A technical feature is that the QR code recording the two-dimensional code is recorded with the light and dark reversed.

  In the two-dimensional code of claim 3 according to the claims, in the two-dimensional code of claim 1, when the unit cell before the replacement of the second two-dimensional code is a bright module, the second code The two-dimensional code has a higher light ratio than the dark ratio. When the unit cell before the second two-dimensional code is a dark module, the second two-dimensional code has a dark ratio. The technical feature is that it is higher than the light ratio.

A two-dimensional code reading device according to claim 4, wherein the two-dimensional code reading device decodes the two-dimensional code according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein A whole image obtaining unit for obtaining whole image information obtained by imaging the whole of the dimensional code; and first data for decoding the data encoded in the two-dimensional code based on the whole image information obtained by the whole image obtaining unit. Decoding means, and second decoding means for decoding second data encoded in the second two-dimensional code based on partial image information corresponding to the functional pattern included in the whole image information It is a technical feature that it is provided with.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the second two-dimensional code is recorded in place of the light module or dark module of the same color arranged in a predetermined square range in the unit cell or the assembly of unit cells constituting the functional pattern. Therefore, the second two-dimensional code can be recorded without reducing the data pattern or its area. For this reason, the second two-dimensional code can be recorded without reducing the information amount of the original two-dimensional code.
Further, the second two-dimensional code is formed on the recording medium on which the functional pattern and the data pattern are recorded (1) as a physically peelable peeling layer, or (2) chemically decomposable. Printed with ink and recorded. Accordingly, since the second two-dimensional code can be easily deleted from the two-dimensional code in which the second two-dimensional code is recorded, for example, the contents of the second two-dimensional code can be read by persons other than those involved. It can be made difficult.

  In the invention of claim 2, when the two-dimensional code is a QR code, the second two-dimensional code is recorded with the contrast reversed with respect to the QR code recording the second two-dimensional code. ing. For example, a normal QR code has a quiet zone around it, which is composed of a bright module, so it looks relatively bright when viewed from a distance, whereas an inverted QR code that reverses the bright and dark modules. Since the quiet zone around it is composed of dark modules, it looks relatively dark when viewed from a distance.

  For this reason, for example, a normal QR code is composed of a dark module in which unit cells are arranged in a square shape in three rows and three columns in the center of a finder pattern which is one of its functional patterns. By substituting the inverted QR code with the second two-dimensional code, the dark module of the finder pattern can be used as a quiet zone of the inverted QR code as it is (see the image sensor). The inverted QR code that looks relatively dark when the resolution is low) can function as the center of the finder pattern.

  On the other hand, for example, an inverted QR code is composed of a bright module in which unit cells are arranged in a square shape in three rows and three columns at the center of a finder pattern which is one of its functional patterns. By replacing the bright module at the center of the finder pattern with the normal QR code as the second two-dimensional code, the bright module of the finder pattern can be used as a quiet zone of the normal QR code as it is (see from a distance) The inverted QR code that appears relatively bright when the resolution of the imaging device is low) can function as the center of the finder pattern.

  In the invention of claim 3, when the unit cell before the second two-dimensional code is a light module, the second two-dimensional code has a light ratio higher than the dark ratio, When the unit cell before the two-dimensional code is a dark module, the second two-dimensional code has a dark ratio higher than the light ratio. As a result, when the unit cell before the second two-dimensional code is a bright module, the second two-dimensional code is replaced with one having a higher light ratio than the dark ratio. The resolution is low), it looks as if it is a bright module (image recognition is possible). On the other hand, when the unit cell before the replacement with the second two-dimensional code is a dark module, the second two-dimensional code is replaced with one having a dark ratio higher than the light ratio. When the resolution of the element is low), it looks as if it is a dark module (image recognition is possible).

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the entire image acquisition unit acquires the entire image information obtained by capturing the entire two-dimensional code, and the first decoding unit acquires the entire image information based on the entire image information acquired by the entire image acquisition unit. The second data encoded in the second two-dimensional code is decoded by the second decoding means based on the partial image information corresponding to the functional pattern included in the entire image information by decoding the data encoded in the dimensional code. Decode the data. As a result, the two-dimensional code is replaced with the second two-dimensional code instead of the light module or dark module of the same color that is arranged in a square-shaped predetermined unit cell or a group of unit cells constituting the functional pattern. Even if is recorded, the two-dimensional code and the second two-dimensional code can be read by a single reading operation.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the two-dimensional code and the reading device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an embodiment according to the two-dimensional code of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the QR code is described as an example of the two-dimensional code. However, the function pattern required for decoding the data encoded in the two-dimensional code, the data and the information associated therewith are encoded. The present invention can be applied to, for example, a data matrix code, a maxi code, a veri code, a carla code, a CP code, etc., as long as the data pattern is a two-dimensional code recorded therein.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the QR code 10 according to the present embodiment substantially conforms to the basic specifications of the QR code (Japanese Industrial Standard; JIS X 0510: 2004, hereinafter simply referred to as “JIS standard”). The function pattern includes a finder pattern 12, an alignment pattern 13, a timing pattern 14, and the like, and a data pattern 15.

  That is, the QR code 10 shown in FIG. 1 conforms to the type 2 (25 × 25 module) based on the JIS standard. As shown in FIG. 2, the finder pattern FP, the alignment pattern AP, the timing pattern TP, and the data pattern DP. It is composed of The finder pattern 12, alignment pattern 13, timing pattern 14, and data pattern 15 shown in FIG. 1 correspond to the finder pattern FP, alignment pattern AP, timing pattern TP, and data pattern DP shown in FIG. 2, respectively. .

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the finder pattern 12 (FP) is also referred to as a cut-out symbol or an alignment pattern, and is arranged in squares located at three corners of the QR code 10 (Q). An aggregate of a plurality of unit modules 11, that is, an n × n module 11 ′ is configured and recorded so that the position, size, and inclination of the QR code can be detected. Specifically, for example, a 3 × 3 dark module 12a in which black unit modules 11 are arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and 3 columns, and a white unit module 11 are arranged in a matrix of 5 rows and 5 columns so as to surround it. 5 × 5 light module 12b, and 7 × 7 dark module 12c in which black unit modules 11 are arranged in a matrix of 7 rows and 7 columns so as to surround them. For this reason, when light / dark information is scanned so as to traverse or traverse the finder pattern 12, the continuous ratio of the same color modules becomes 1: 1: 3: 1: 1 in the order of dark, bright, dark, bright, dark. Utilizing this, the image range is the finder pattern 12 and the center position of the finder pattern 12 is detected. In other words, the QR code can be detected by the finder pattern 12 in all directions of 360 degrees.

  The alignment pattern 13 (AP) is also an aggregate of a plurality of unit modules 11 (n × n module 11 ′) arranged in a square, and is recorded so as to be able to correct the distortion of the QR code. It is located at a predetermined location within a square range defined by the finder pattern 12. Specifically, for example, a black 1 × 1 dark module 13a, which is an independent unit of 11 units, eight white 3 × 3 bright modules 13b surrounding the 1 × 1 dark module 13a, and the square 16 × 5 × 5 dark module 13c surrounding the periphery of the 3 × 3 light module 13b. This alignment pattern 13 facilitates detection of the center coordinates.

  The timing pattern 14 (TP) is a repeating pattern of the unit modules 11 in which the white and black unit modules 11 appear repeatedly, which enables timing extraction for obtaining the center coordinates of each unit module 11. Modules 14a and black 1 × 1 dark modules 14b are alternately arranged in a straight line. For example, when the QR code is distorted or an error occurs in the pitch of the unit module 11, it is used to correct the center coordinates of the unit module 11. The timing pattern 14 is recorded in each of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the QR code so as to pass through the center of the alignment pattern 13.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the data pattern 15 (DP) is configured by arranging unit modules 11 in 4 rows and 2 columns, thereby expressing data of 8 bits from bit 0 to bit 7. It is possible. The data pattern 15 is recorded in a data pattern area other than the function pattern area in which the finder pattern 12, the alignment pattern 13, and the timing pattern 14 are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (A), the QR code 10 has a four-module width (four parts) around the QR code 10 because the reader of the QR code 10 needs to recognize the outline and presence of the finder pattern 12 described above. A quiet zone QZ of the unit module 11) is secured.

  The QR code conforming to the JIS standard is configured in this way, for example, but the QR code 10 according to the present embodiment is, for example, 3 × 3 arranged at the center of the finder pattern 12 as shown in FIG. Instead of the dark module 12a, an inverted micro QR code 16 in which the brightness is inverted with respect to the QR code 10 is recorded. Further, by replacing the 1 × 1 dark module 13a disposed at the center of the alignment pattern 13, an inverted micro QR code 17 in which the brightness is reversed with respect to the QR code 10 is recorded, and further, the 1 × 1 of the timing pattern 14 is recorded. Instead of the dark module 14b, an inverted micro QR code 18 obtained by inverting light and dark with respect to the QR code 10 is recorded.

  Here, the micro QR code 16 or the like is inverted with respect to the QR code 10, for example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the normal QR code 10 that is not inverted is a quiet zone around it. However, since it is composed of a white module (bright module), it looks relatively bright when viewed from a distance, whereas as shown in FIG. 3B, an inverted QR code 10 ′ is inverted. Since the quiet zone QZ which is the periphery thereof is composed of, for example, a black module (dark module), it looks relatively dark when viewed from a distance. In the case of a QR code reader, “view from a distance” here means that the resolution of the light receiving sensor (imaging device) is low or the resolution is lowered by thinning out high resolution image data. Means that

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 3A, even if the inverted micro QR code 16 is replaced with the 3 × 3 dark module 12a of the finder pattern 12 of the normal QR code 10, the QR code 10 is viewed at a distance. Since the 3 × 3 dark module 12a of the replaced finder pattern 12 looks dark (dark), even if the finder pattern 12 has such a micro QR code 16 recorded at its center, as described above, When light / dark information is scanned so as to traverse or traverse the viewfinder pattern 12, the continuous ratio of the same color modules is 1: 1: 3: 1: 1 in the order of dark, bright, dark, bright, dark. The QR code 10 can be detected in all directions of 360 degrees.

  On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 3B, for the finder pattern 12 ′ of the inverted QR code 10 ′, the normal micro QR code 16 ′ is replaced with the 3 × 3 bright module 12a ′. It becomes possible. As a result, when the QR code 10 ′ is viewed from a distance, the 3 × 3 bright module 12a ′ of the finder pattern 12 ′ that has been replaced appears whitish (bright). Even if the finder pattern 12 ′ recorded in the above is scanned with light / dark information so as to cross or longitudinally cross the finder pattern 12 ′, as described above, the same color modules are consecutively arranged in the order of light, dark, bright, dark, bright. By utilizing the ratio of 1: 1: 3: 1: 1, the QR code 10 'can be detected in all directions of 360 degrees.

  Since such a replacement principle can be applied not only to the finder pattern 12 but also to the alignment pattern 13 and the timing pattern 14, as shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. Inverted micro QR code 17 can be replaced with the central 1 × 1 dark module 13a, and inverted micro QR code 18 can be replaced with 1 × 1 dark module 14a of timing pattern 14, respectively.

  As for the timing pattern 14, a normal micro QR code may be replaced with the 1 × 1 bright module 14 b constituting the timing pattern 14, the bright module of the 5 × 5 bright module 12 b of the finder pattern 12 and the alignment pattern 13. A normal micro QR code may be replaced with the light module of the 3 × 3 light module 13b.

  Further, as in the QR code 10α shown in FIG. 4, the 3 × 3 dark module 12a of the finder pattern 12 may be replaced with a QR code 16α obtained by inverting a standard QR code having three finder patterns instead of a micro QR code. Is possible. Further, as shown in the figure, it is also possible to replace the inverted QR code 17α with the 1 × 1 dark module 13a of the alignment pattern 13 of the QR code 10α.

  Furthermore, the data matrix code 16β can be replaced with the 3 × 3 dark module 12a of the finder pattern 12 as in the QR code 10β shown in FIG. In this case, since the n × n module 11 ′ to be replaced is a dark module, in the data matrix code 16β, the ratio occupied by the dark module (dark ratio) is higher than the ratio occupied by the light module (light ratio). To be higher, it is replaced without inversion or inversion. On the other hand, although not shown, when the n × n module 11 ′ to be replaced is a bright module, the data matrix code 16β has a ratio (bright ratio) occupied by the bright module of the dark module. It is replaced without being inverted or inverted so as to be higher than the occupying ratio (dark ratio).

  Further, it is also possible to replace the Veri code 16γ with the 3 × 3 dark module 12a of the finder pattern 12 as in the QR code 10γ shown in FIG. Also in this case, since the n × n module 11 ′ to be replaced is a dark module, the Vericode 16γ has a dark module occupying ratio (dark ratio) higher than a light module occupying ratio (bright ratio). As such, it can be replaced without inversion or inversion. On the other hand, although not shown in the figure, when the n × n module 11 ′ to be replaced is a bright module, the ratio of the bright module (bright ratio) to the vericode 16γ is the ratio of the dark module. It is replaced without being inverted or inverted so as to be higher than (dark ratio).

  Similarly, the Carla code 16δ can be replaced with the 3 × 3 dark module 12a of the finder pattern 12 as in the QR code 10δ shown in FIG. Also in this case, since the n × n module 11 ′ to be replaced is a dark module, the Carla code 16δ has a dark module occupying ratio (dark ratio) higher than a light module occupying ratio (light ratio). To be higher, it is replaced without inversion or inversion. On the other hand, although not shown, when the n × n module 11 ′ to be replaced is a bright module, the ratio (bright ratio) of the light module occupies the dark module occupies the Carla code 16δ. It is replaced without being inverted or inverted so as to be higher than the ratio (dark ratio).

  As described above, according to the QR code 10, 10 ′, 10α, 10β, 10γ, 10δ (hereinafter referred to as “QR code 10 etc.”) according to the present embodiment, the unit module 11 or the unit cell constituting the function pattern. In place of the light module or dark module of the same color arranged in a square n × n module 11 ′ (predetermined range), the micro QR codes 16, 16α, 16β, 16γ, 16δ, 17α (hereinafter “ The micro QR code 16 or the like can be recorded without reducing the data pattern DP or its area. Therefore, the micro QR code 16 or the like can be recorded without reducing the amount of information such as the original QR code 10 or the like.

  Note that the above-described micro QR code 16 and the like (second two-dimensional code) are, for example, 3 in the finder pattern 12 in the distribution stage of the product to which the QR code 10 is attached, as shown in FIG. Even if it is recorded in place of the × 3 dark module 12a, the micro QR code 16 or the like is configured to be erasable at the retail stage, thereby preventing the end consumer from reading the micro QR code 16 or the like. be able to.

  Specifically, for example, the micro QR code 16 or the like is printed by forming an aluminum sheet or an aluminum foil on a recording medium such as a wrapping paper or a wrapping film of the commodity by silk screen printing or the like. Then, the surface of the micro QR code 16 made of the aluminum sheet or the like is coated with a latex resin or the like. Thereby, since the aluminum sheet or the like is formed as a physically peelable release layer, the micro QR code 16 itself can be easily peeled off as a so-called scratch film, that is, can be erased (FIG. 9B). 16x).

  Further, for example, by printing the micro QR code 16 or the like with an ink containing a chemically decomposable pigment, the chemical K that can decompose the ink is applied to the micro QR code 16 or the like, whereby the chemical by the chemical K is applied. By the reaction (dye decomposition reaction), the micro QR code 16 and the like can be configured to be erasable (reference numeral 16y shown in FIG. 9A).

  Also, for example, by printing the micro QR code 16 or the like with an ink containing a pigment that can be decomposed at a predetermined temperature or higher, the recording portion of the micro QR code 16 or the like is rubbed with an eraser to cause a chemical reaction due to frictional heat or the like ( The micro QR code 16 and the like can be configured to be erasable by the thermal decomposition reaction (reference numerals 16z and J shown in FIG. 9B).

  By configuring the micro QR code 16 or the like in this way, the micro QR code 16 or the like can be easily deleted from the QR code 10 or the like in which the micro QR code 16 or the like is recorded. Etc. can be made difficult to be read by non-related parties.

  Next, an embodiment according to the two-dimensional code reader of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The two-dimensional code reader 20 includes an optical system unit 20a, a control system unit 20b, and the like housed in a housing (not shown). At the front end of the housing, a reading port is formed that allows the illumination light Lf emitted from the optical system unit 20a to be emitted and allows the reflected light Lr to enter.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the two-dimensional code reader 20 includes an optical system unit 20a such as an illumination light source 21, an imaging lens 22, a light receiving sensor 23, a memory 35, a control circuit 40, a power switch 41, an operation switch 42, a liquid crystal. And a control system unit 20b such as a display 46 and a battery 49.

  The illumination light source 21 of the optical system unit 20a has a function capable of emitting illumination light, and is composed of a plurality of red LEDs and a diffusion lens (not shown) provided on the emission side of these LEDs. . In the case of the present embodiment, a plurality of LEDs are provided so as to be able to irradiate illumination light toward the display medium R through the reading port of the housing. The display medium R is attached with the QR code 10 or the like described above.

  The imaging lens 22 is mounted on a printed circuit board or a housing of the optical system unit 20a via a lens barrel (not shown) so that incident light incident from the reading port can be received by the light receiving surface 23a of the light receiving sensor 23.

  The light receiving sensor 23 is configured to receive the reflected light Lr irradiated and reflected on the display medium R, the QR code 10, and the like, and is, for example, a solid-state imaging device such as a C-MOS or a CCD. In the case of the present embodiment, fine image data that can read the two-dimensional code such as the QR code 10 and the micro QR code 16 is also obtained. Therefore, even a so-called area sensor has a high resolution specification (for example, one million pixels) with a relatively large number of pixels. (Pixel to 10 million pixels) sensor is used.

  On the other hand, the control system unit 20b includes an amplifier circuit 31, an A / D conversion circuit 33, a memory 35, an address generation circuit 36, a synchronization signal generation circuit 38, a control circuit 40, an operation switch 42, an LED 43, a buzzer 44, and a liquid crystal display. Device 46, communication interface 48, and the like. The control system unit 20b is mainly composed of a control circuit 40 and a memory 35 that can function as a microcomputer.

  An image signal output from the light receiving sensor 23 of the optical system is amplified by a predetermined gain by being input to the amplification circuit 31 and then converted from an analog signal to a digital signal when input to the A / D conversion circuit 33. Is done. When the digitized image signal, that is, image data is input to the memory 35, it is stored in the image data storage area. The synchronization signal generation circuit 38 is configured to generate a synchronization signal for the light receiving sensor 23 and the address generation circuit 36. The address generation circuit 36 is based on the synchronization signal supplied from the synchronization signal generation circuit 38. Thus, the storage address of the image data stored in the memory 35 can be generated.

  The memory 35 is a semiconductor memory device, and corresponds to, for example, a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) or a ROM (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.). In addition to the above-described image data storage area, the RAM of the memory 35 is configured so as to be able to secure a work area used by the control circuit 40 during each processing such as arithmetic operation and logical operation. The ROM stores in advance a predetermined program that can execute a reading process and the like that will be described later, and a system program that can control each piece of hardware such as the illumination light source 21 and the light receiving sensor 23.

  The control circuit 40 is a microcomputer that can control the entire two-dimensional code reader 20, and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like. The control circuit 40 is configured to be connectable to various input / output devices via a built-in input / output interface. In the case of this embodiment, the power switch 41, operation switch 42, LED 43, buzzer 44, liquid crystal. A display 46, a communication interface 48, and the like are connected.

  Thereby, for example, monitoring and management of the power switch 41 and the operation switch 42, turning on / off the LED 43 functioning as an indicator, turning on / off the buzzer 44 capable of generating a beep sound and an alarm sound, and further reading the QR code 10 and the like, the screen control of the liquid crystal display 46 capable of displaying the code content on the screen, the communication control of the communication interface 48 enabling serial communication with an external device, and the like are enabled. The external device connected to the communication interface 48 includes a host computer or the like corresponding to the host system of the two-dimensional code reader 20.

  Consists of a power switch 41, a battery 49, and the like, and the on / off state of the power switch 41 managed by the control circuit 40 controls the conduction and interruption of the drive voltage supplied from the battery 49 to each device and each circuit described above. Has been. The battery 49 is a secondary battery that can generate a predetermined DC voltage, and corresponds to, for example, a lithium ion battery.

  By configuring the two-dimensional code reader 20 in this manner, for example, when the power switch 41 is turned on and a predetermined self-diagnosis process or the like is normally completed and the QR code 10 or the like can be read, the control circuit 40 Receives an input of the operation switch 42 (trigger switch) that instructs the emission of the illumination light Lf.

  When the user turns on the operation switch 42 (trigger switch), the control circuit 40 outputs a light emission signal to the illumination light source 21 based on the synchronization signal. When the light Lf is irradiated and the irradiated illumination light Lf is reflected by the QR code 10 or the like, the reflected light Lr enters the imaging lens 22 through the reading port. For this reason, since an image such as the QR code 10 is formed on the light receiving surface 23a of the light receiving sensor 23, after image processing is performed by the control system unit 20b described above, the image data will be described through the memory 35. Passed to the reading process.

  Thereby, the control system unit 20b performs a reading process as shown in FIG. 11 according to the reading program stored in the memory 35. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when the entire image data is fetched from the memory 35 at step S101, image reduction processing is performed at the subsequent step S103.

  That is, since the whole image data (whole image information) captured in step S101 includes fine images such as QR code 10 and micro QR code 16, the resolution is reduced by thinning out the image processing in step S103. The image data is processed to process the image data as if the QR code 10 was viewed from a distance.

  In the subsequent step S105, processing for decoding the normal code is performed. That is, the QR code 10 or the like is decoded based on the image data whose resolution has been lowered in step S103, and the code content such as the QR code 10 or the like is read.

  In the next step S107, a specific position acquisition process is performed. In this process, when the recorded position of the micro QR code 16 included in the QR code 10 or the like is stored in advance in the memory 35 as position data, the position data is read from the memory 35.

  If such position data is not stored in the memory 35, an image recognition process that can be grasped as the micro QR code 16 or the like is performed based on the fine image data acquired in step S101. An image corresponding to the micro QR code 16 or the like is searched for every predetermined range (for example, n × n module 11 ′), and the found position is stored as the position data. In this case, the next step 109 is skipped.

  In step S109, partial image data (partial image information) corresponding to the periphery of the specific position is extracted from the fine whole image data acquired in step S101 based on the position data in step S107. The partial image data can also correspond to function patterns such as the finder pattern 12, the alignment pattern 13, and the timing pattern 14 included in the entire image data.

  In subsequent step S111, processing for determining whether or not a reduced code corresponding to the micro QR code 16 or the like exists based on the partial image data around the specific position obtained in step S109 (or step S107) is performed. . In this processing, for example, image matching processing is performed between image data characterizing a pre-registered micro QR code, data matrix code, maxi code, veri code, carla code, CP code and partial image data around a specific position. Thus, if it matches any one, the process proceeds to step S113 assuming that there is a reduced code, and if both do not match, the process proceeds to step S117 because there is no reduced code.

  In step S113, processing for decoding the reduced code is performed. That is, based on the fine image data obtained in step S109, the micro QR code 16 or the like (reduced code) is decoded to read the code content of the micro QR code 16 or the like.

  In step S115, a process of outputting the code content of the reduced code decoded (decoded) in step S113 to the liquid crystal display 46 and the communication interface 48 is performed. As a result, a decoding result such as the micro QR code 16 is output.

  In step S117, a process of outputting the code content (second data) of the normal code decoded (decoded) in step S105 to the liquid crystal display 46 and the communication interface 48 is performed. As a result, a decoding result such as QR code 10 is output.

  As described above, according to the two-dimensional code reader 20 according to the present embodiment, the control system unit 20b acquires the entire image data obtained by imaging the entire QR code 10 and the like (S101), and the control system unit 20b Based on the whole image data, the data coded into the QR code 10 or the like is decoded (S105), and the control system unit 20b uses the finder pattern 12, the alignment pattern 13, the timing pattern 14 and the like (function pattern) included in the whole image data. The second data encoded into the micro QR code 16 or the like is decoded based on the partial image data corresponding to () (S115). Accordingly, even if the QR code 10 or the like records the micro QR code 16 or the like instead of a part of the function pattern, the QR code 10 or the like and the micro QR code 16 or the like can be read by one reading operation. .

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of QR Code which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and shows the example which recorded the reverse micro QR code in a part of cutout symbol, a part of timing pattern, and a part of alignment pattern. . It is explanatory drawing which shows the general structure of QR Code. FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a QR code according to the present embodiment, FIG. 3A is an example in which an inverted micro QR code is recorded in a normal QR code, and FIG. 3B is a normal QR code in an inverted QR code. It is the example which recorded the micro QR code. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of QR Code which concerns on this embodiment, and is the example which recorded the reverse QR code in a part of clipping symbol of a normal QR code. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of QR Code which concerns on this embodiment, and is the example which recorded the inversion data matrix code in a part of extraction symbol of a normal QR code. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of QR Code which concerns on this embodiment, and is the example which recorded the inverted Veri code in a part of extraction symbol of a normal QR code. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of QR Code which concerns on this embodiment, and is the example which recorded the reverse Karla code in a part of cut-out symbol of a normal QR code. FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams showing another configuration example of the QR code according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8A shows an example in which a micro QR code is recorded, and FIG. 8B shows an example in which the recorded micro QR code is erased. This is an example of scraping off the scratch film of the QR code portion. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of the QR code according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 9A shows an example of erasing the recorded micro QR code when the dye in the micro QR code is decomposed with a drug. For example, FIG. 9B shows an example in which the pigment of the micro QR code is decomposed by frictional heat. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the two-dimensional code reader which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the reading process by the two-dimensional code reader which concerns on this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10 ′, 10α, 10β, 10γ, 10δ... QR code (two-dimensional code)
11 ... Unit module (unit cell)
11 ′... N × n module (unit cell assembly)
12 ... Finder pattern (function pattern)
13 ... Alignment pattern (functional pattern)
14 ... Timing pattern (function pattern)
15 ... Data pattern 16 ... Micro QR code (second two-dimensional code)
16α: QR code (second two-dimensional code)
16β: Data matrix code (second two-dimensional code)
16γ ... Veri code (second two-dimensional code)
16δ ... Carla code (second two-dimensional code)
17 ... Micro QR code (second two-dimensional code)
17α: QR code (second two-dimensional code)
18 ... Micro QR code (second two-dimensional code)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Two-dimensional code reader 20a ... Optical system unit 20b ... Control system unit (Whole image acquisition means, 1st decoding means, 2nd decoding means)
40 ... Control circuit AP ... Alignment pattern DP ... Data pattern FP ... Finder pattern TP ... Timing pattern Q ... QR code QZ ... Quiet zone R ... Display medium S101 (whole image acquisition means), S105 (first decoding means), S113 (Second decoding means)

Claims (4)

A two-dimensional code that records a function pattern required to decode data encoded in the two-dimensional code, and a data pattern in which the data and information associated with the data are encoded,
A second two-dimensional code is recorded instead of the light module or dark module of the same color arranged in a square-shaped predetermined range in a unit cell or a group of unit cells constituting the functional pattern ,
The second two-dimensional code is formed on the recording medium on which the functional pattern and the data pattern are recorded (1) as a physically peelable release layer, or (2) chemically decomposable A two-dimensional code characterized by being printed and recorded with various inks . When the two-dimensional code is a QR code,
2. The two-dimensional code according to claim 1, wherein the second two-dimensional code is recorded with light and dark reversed with respect to the QR code on which the second two-dimensional code is recorded. If the unit cell before the second two-dimensional code is a light module, the second two-dimensional code has a higher light ratio than the dark ratio,
2. The second two-dimensional code having a dark ratio higher than a light ratio when the unit cell before being replaced with the second two-dimensional code is a dark module. Two-dimensional code. A two-dimensional code reader for decoding the two-dimensional code according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
  Whole image acquisition means for acquiring whole image information obtained by imaging the whole of the two-dimensional code;
  First decoding means for decoding data encoded in the two-dimensional code based on the whole image information obtained by the whole image obtaining means;
  Second decoding means for decoding second data encoded in the second two-dimensional code based on partial image information corresponding to the functional pattern included in the whole image information. A two-dimensional code reader characterized by the above.

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