JP5018686B2 - Information code, information code generation method, and information code display method - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, as an example of an information code, various two-dimensional codes formed by arranging a plurality of cells in a matrix are provided. A reading device (two-dimensional code reader) that reads this type of two-dimensional code obtains image data including the two-dimensional code, and then identifies a two-dimensional code area (code area) from the image data. In general, the analysis processing is performed, and the decoding processing is performed based on the image content of the specified code area.
JP-A-6-231466 JP-A-1-98087

  In the information code as described above, there is a case where it is desired to configure the information by a plurality of two-dimensional codes. For example, there is a case where the information is divided into a plurality of two-dimensional codes and encoded, for example, when the information cannot be accommodated by a single two-dimensional code. In such a case, a code configuration that is more compact and that can read each two-dimensional code satisfactorily is desired.

  On the other hand, as techniques for collecting and arranging a plurality of two-dimensional codes, there are, for example, those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. In the technique of Patent Document 1, a plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged adjacent to each other without a gap, and a mark is arranged at an end portion in the two-dimensional code so that a boundary can be determined. However, in the case of such a technique, it is difficult to deal with a case where distortion occurs in an image (for example, in the case of remote reading), and there is a concern that a boundary between two-dimensional codes cannot be accurately determined. In addition, as in Patent Document 2, it may be possible to arrange a space between two-dimensional codes, but in order to reliably recognize the boundary of each two-dimensional code, the space must be increased to some extent. In other words, there is a problem that the code configuration tends to be large.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. In an information code including a plurality of two-dimensional codes, the code configuration can be easily reduced, and the boundary between the two-dimensional codes can be accurately recognized. The object is to provide an easy configuration.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the information code in which a plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged close to each other and integrally configured, each two-dimensional code includes a code block in which a plurality of cells are aggregated, and a position of the cell. A first specific pattern for specifying, wherein the first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of a rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged with a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes, and are adjacent to one of the two-dimensional codes in the connection block. All the cells are configured so as to be different in color, density, or luminance from the adjacent cells .
The “information code” of the present invention includes both of two types of cells (a two-dimensional code composed of bright cells and dark cells) and an information code having three or more types of cells having different colors, densities, or luminances. .
The “plurality of two-dimensional codes” in the present invention includes both a configuration composed of two two-dimensional codes and a configuration composed of three or more two-dimensional codes.
The “plurality of two-dimensional codes” in the present invention includes both a configuration composed of a plurality of two-dimensional codes of the same size and a configuration composed of a plurality of two-dimensional codes of different sizes.
The “rectangular region” in the present invention is a concept including a square region whose outer shape is formed in a square shape and a rectangular region whose outer shape is formed in a rectangular shape.

The invention of claim 20 is the information code according to any one of claims 9, 11, 13 , 15 and 18 , wherein each cell constituting at least a part of the connected block is at least one of the two-dimensional elements. The code is configured to be different in color, density, or luminance from adjacent cells adjacent to each cell in the code.
In addition, in this claim and other claims, “a configuration in which color, density or luminance is different” includes a configuration in which only color is different, a configuration in which only density is different, or a configuration in which only luminance is different. This is a concept including a configuration in which any two or all of color, density, and luminance are different.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information code according to the first aspect, the connected block is formed by arranging similar cells having the same color, density, or luminance.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information code according to the first or second aspect, the connection block has a configuration in which the cells are arranged in a straight line, and the width of the connection block is equal to that of the cell. It is the same as the length of one side.

The invention of claim 21 is the information code according to any one of claims 9, 11, 13 , 15 , and 18 , wherein each cell constituting at least a part of the connection block is provided on both sides of the connection block. Each of the two-dimensional codes is configured to have a color, density, or luminance different from that of the adjacent cell adjacent to the cell.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information code in which a plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged close to each other, and each two-dimensional code includes a code block in which a plurality of cells are aggregated, and a position of the cell. A first specific pattern for specifying, wherein the first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of a rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged across a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes, and the two-dimensional codes on both sides of the connection block in the connection block All the cells adjacent to each other are configured so that the color, density, or luminance is different from the adjacent cells of any of the two-dimensional codes on both sides.
The invention according to claim 22 is the information code according to any one of claims 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 21 and is adjacent to the two-dimensional code on both sides of the connection block in the connection block. All the cells to be configured are configured such that the color, density, or luminance is different from the adjacent cells of any of the two-dimensional codes on both sides.

The invention according to claim 5 is an information code in which a plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged close to each other, and each two-dimensional code includes a code block in which a plurality of cells are aggregated, and a position of the cell. A first specific pattern for specifying, wherein the first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of a rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged with a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes, and the connection block is adjacent to one of the two-dimensional codes. A first block and a second block adjacent to the other two-dimensional code, and the first block in the entire region adjacent to the first block in one of the two-dimensional codes. The adjacent cells of one of the two-dimensional codes are configured to have different colors, density, or luminance, and in the entire region adjacent to the second block in the other two-dimensional code, the second block and It is configured such that the color, density or luminance of cells adjacent to the other two-dimensional code are different.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information code according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the length of the connection block is adjacent to the connection block in at least one of the plurality of two-dimensional codes. It is characterized by having the same length as the side to be.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information code according to the sixth aspect, the length of the connection block is the same length as a side adjacent to the connection block in each of the two-dimensional codes on both sides of the connection block. It is characterized by that.

The invention according to claim 8 is the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the connection block is a combination of types in which a plurality of types of cells having different colors, densities, or luminances are predetermined. And is also used as a reference area for referring to each type of the rectangular area.
The invention of claim 9 is an information code in which a plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged close to each other, and each two-dimensional code includes a code block in which a plurality of cells are aggregated, A first specific pattern for specifying a position, the first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of the rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged across a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes, and the connection blocks are different in color, density or luminance. A plurality of types of cells are arranged in a combination of predetermined types, and are also used as a reference area for referring to the color, density, or luminance of the plurality of cells of the two-dimensional code. It is characterized in that is.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the information code according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the connection block is adjacent to the first specific pattern in at least one of the two-dimensional codes. In addition, each of all the cells adjacent to the first specific pattern is configured to be different in color, density, or luminance from the adjacent cells in the first specific pattern.
The invention of claim 11 is an information code in which a plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged close to each other, and each two-dimensional code includes a code block in which a plurality of cells are aggregated, A first specific pattern for specifying a position, the first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of the rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged across a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes, and the connection block includes at least one of the two-dimensional codes. All the cells of the portion adjacent to the first specific pattern and adjacent to the first specific pattern are connected to the adjacent cells in the first specific pattern. Wherein the saturation, hue, or lightness are configured differently from the.

The invention of claim 12 is the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the two-dimensional code is located at a position different from the first specific pattern at a boundary of the two-dimensional code. A second specific pattern indicating a position, wherein the connection block is adjacent to the first specific pattern in one of the two-dimensional codes and is adjacent to the first specific pattern; Each of all the cells is configured to be different in color, density, or luminance from the adjacent cell in the first specific pattern, and further adjacent to the second specific pattern in the other two-dimensional code. In addition, each of all the cells adjacent to the second specific pattern is configured to have a different color, density, or luminance from the adjacent cells in the second specific pattern. And said that you are.
The invention of claim 13 is an information code in which a plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged close to each other, and each two-dimensional code includes a code block in which a plurality of cells are aggregated, A first specific pattern for specifying a position, the first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of the rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged across a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes, and the two-dimensional code is the first specific pattern A second specific pattern indicating a boundary position of the two-dimensional code at a position different from the first specific pattern in one of the two-dimensional codes. All of the cells that are in contact with each other and adjacent to the first specific pattern are configured to be different in color, density, or luminance from the adjacent cells in the first specific pattern, and All the cells adjacent to the second specific pattern in the other two-dimensional code and adjacent to the second specific pattern are different in color or density from the adjacent cells in the second specific pattern. Or it is comprised so that a brightness | luminance may differ.

The invention of claim 14 is the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the plurality of two-dimensional codes are the number of codes of the plurality of two-dimensional codes connected by the connection block. The number of codes information representing is recorded.
The invention of claim 15 is an information code in which a plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged close to each other, and each two-dimensional code includes a code block in which a plurality of cells are aggregated, A first specific pattern for specifying a position, the first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of the rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged across a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes, and the plurality of two-dimensional codes are the connection blocks. Code number information representing the number of codes of the plurality of two-dimensional codes connected is recorded.
The inventions of claims 14 and 15 include a configuration in which code number information is recorded in all of a plurality of two-dimensional codes including an information code, and only one or a plurality of two-dimensional codes of the plurality of two-dimensional codes. A configuration in which the code number information is recorded as a concept.

The invention of claim 16 is the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 15 , wherein the plurality of two-dimensional codes have unique information for specifying each two-dimensional code and each two-dimensional code. It is characterized by being recorded in association with each other.
“The unique information for specifying each two-dimensional code is recorded in association with each two-dimensional code” means that the unique information of each two-dimensional code is recorded in each two-dimensional code. The concept includes not only the configuration but also the configuration in which unique information of a plurality of two-dimensional codes is collectively recorded in any two-dimensional code (in this case, for example, the uniqueness of each two-dimensional code) If the information and the position information of each two-dimensional code are recorded in association with each other, when the two-dimensional code at any position is read, unique information relating to the two-dimensional code at the position can be grasped).

The invention according to claim 17 is the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 16 , wherein the plurality of two-dimensional codes are an arrangement configuration of the plurality of two-dimensional codes connected by the connection block. It is characterized in that arrangement configuration information representing is recorded.
The invention of claim 18 is an information code in which a plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged close to each other, and each two-dimensional code includes a code block in which a plurality of cells are aggregated, A first specific pattern for specifying a position, the first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of the rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged across a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes, and the plurality of two-dimensional codes are the connection blocks. Arrangement configuration information representing the arrangement configuration of the plurality of connected two-dimensional codes is recorded.
The “arrangement configuration information” may be information that can specify the arrangement configuration of a plurality of two-dimensional codes, and may include column number information and row number information based on a matrix configuration. It may have shape information such as a character configuration, a T configuration, or a square configuration.

The invention according to claim 19 is the information code according to claim 17 or claim 18 , wherein the plurality of two-dimensional codes are formed by arranging the two-dimensional codes in a matrix, and the arrangement configuration information is In addition, the information includes column number information and row number information for specifying a matrix configuration of the plurality of two-dimensional codes.
The “matrix” includes, of course, a configuration in which the two-dimensional code is arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, and a configuration in which the two-dimensional code is arranged in a row and a plurality of columns (that is, in the horizontal direction). Or a configuration in which a plurality of rows and columns are arranged (that is, a configuration in which the columns are arranged in a row in the vertical direction).

The invention of claim 23 is a display method for displaying the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 22 using a display device, wherein the information code is divided into a plurality of code elements; A display step of sequentially displaying the plurality of code elements divided by the dividing step on a display screen of the display device, wherein the dividing step includes one or a plurality of the two-dimensional codes for each code element. And including the concatenated block in each of the code elements other than the specific code element, without dividing the information code into any one specific code element, In the display step, the code elements other than the specific code element are sequentially displayed, and then the specific code element is displayed last. To.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information code display method according to the twenty-third aspect, the dividing step divides the information code in a configuration in which each code element includes the one two-dimensional code. To do.

The invention of claim 25 is provided with a code block formed by a plurality of cells and a first specific pattern for specifying the position of the cell, and the first specific pattern defines a rectangular area. A plurality of two-dimensional codes arranged at the corners of the two-dimensional code, and a plurality of code blocks arranged in the rectangular area, and the plurality of two-dimensional codes indicate boundary positions of the two-dimensional code A two-dimensional code generation step for generating any one two-dimensional code and another two-dimensional code; A connected block generating step for generating the connected block to be arranged between a two-dimensional code and the other two-dimensional code in a configuration in which cells are arranged in a row, The first generation step of detecting the color, density or luminance of each adjacent cell adjacent to the connected block in the one two-dimensional code, and the color, density or luminance of each cell of the connected block in the one two-dimensional code A cell color determination step for determining each of the two-dimensional codes detected by the first detection step based on the color, density, or luminance of each adjacent cell adjacent to the connected block. It is characterized by.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information code generating method according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the connected block generating step generates the connected block in a configuration in which cells are arranged in a line, and the other two-dimensional A second detection step of detecting a color, density, or luminance of each adjacent cell adjacent to the connected block in the code, and the cell color determining step determines the color, density, or luminance of each cell of the connected block; , The color or density or luminance of each adjacent cell adjacent to the connected block in the one two-dimensional code detected by the first detection step, and the other two-dimensional detection detected by the second detection step. It is determined based on the color, density, or luminance of each adjacent cell adjacent to the connected block in the code.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information code generating method according to the twenty-sixth aspect, in the cell color determining step, the color of each cell of the connected block is set to the one adjacent to one side of each cell. It is determined based on an intermediate value between the hue value of the adjacent cell of the two-dimensional code and the hue value of the adjacent cell of the other two-dimensional code adjacent to the other side.

In the first aspect of the present invention, a connection block indicating the boundary positions of a plurality of two-dimensional codes is provided, and the plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged with the connection blocks interposed therebetween. In this way, it is possible to realize a configuration that can easily specify the boundary accurately while reducing the overall configuration of an information code including a plurality of two-dimensional codes.
In addition, all the cells adjacent to one two-dimensional code in the connected block are configured so that the color, density, or luminance is different from the adjacent cells. In this way, the boundary of one two-dimensional code can be specified more reliably.

In the invention of claim 20 , each cell constituting at least a part of the connected block is configured to have a color, density, or luminance different from a cell adjacent to each cell (adjacent cell) in at least one two-dimensional code. Has been. In this way, the boundary of one two-dimensional code can be specified with high accuracy.

In the invention of claim 2 , the connection block has a configuration in which similar cells having the same color, density or luminance are arranged. In this way, it is possible to identify the boundary of the two-dimensional code by confirming the same type cell, and a configuration that can easily identify the boundary of the two-dimensional code can be realized with a simple configuration.

In the invention of claim 3 , the connection block has a configuration in which cells are arranged in a straight line, and the width of the connection block is the same as the length of one side of the cell. In this way, since the space between the two-dimensional codes can be made narrower, the entire information code can be easily downsized.

In the invention of claim 21 , each cell constituting at least a part of the connected block is different in color, density, or brightness from the adjacent cell adjacent to each cell in the two-dimensional code on both sides of the connected block. It is configured. In this way, the boundary between the two-dimensional codes can be specified with high accuracy while reducing the size by narrowing the space between the two-dimensional codes.

In the inventions of claims 4 and 22 , all the cells adjacent to the two-dimensional code on both sides of the connected block in the connected block are configured such that the color, density, or luminance is different from the adjacent cells of the two-dimensional code on both sides. Has been. In this way, since the two-dimensional code can be specified over the entire connected block region, the boundary between the two-dimensional codes can be grasped more reliably.

In the invention of claim 5 , a first block adjacent to one two-dimensional code and a second block adjacent to the other two-dimensional code are provided, and adjacent to the first block in one two-dimensional code. In all regions, the color, density, or brightness of adjacent cells of the first block and one two-dimensional code are different. In this way, the boundary can be reliably specified in the entire area adjacent to the first block in one two-dimensional code, and the second two-dimensional code can be specified in the second area in the entire area adjacent to the second block. Since the adjacent cells of the block and the other two-dimensional code are configured to have different colors, densities, or luminances, the boundary can be reliably identified. In particular, the first block can have a cell configuration corresponding to one two-dimensional code, and the second block can have a cell configuration corresponding to the other two-dimensional code. Any boundary cell of any configuration can be distinguished well.

In the invention of claim 6 , the length of the connection block is the same as the side adjacent to the connection block in at least one of the plurality of two-dimensional codes. In this way, the length of the concatenated block is suitable for identifying at least one of the two-dimensional code boundaries, and the code structure is compact compared to a structure in which the concatenated block is made larger than necessary. Can be achieved.

In the invention of claim 7 , the length of the connection block is the same as the side adjacent to the connection block in each of the two-dimensional codes on both sides of the connection block. In this way, the length of the connected block becomes the optimum length for specifying the boundary between the two-dimensional codes, and the code structure is made compact and the boundary between the two-dimensional codes is accurately recognized. Can be realized.

In the inventions of claims 8 and 9, a plurality of types of cells having different colors, densities, or luminances are arranged in a combination of predetermined types to form a connected block, and the colors of a plurality of cells of a two-dimensional code Alternatively, it is also used as a reference area for referring to density or luminance. If the connected block is also used as a reference area in this way, it is not necessary to secure a large space for the reference area in the two-dimensional code, and the data area can be increased and the entire code can be reduced in size.

In the inventions of claims 10 and 11 , the connection block is configured to be adjacent to the first specific pattern in at least one of the two-dimensional codes, and all the cells in the portion adjacent to the first specific pattern are It is configured such that the color, density, or luminance is different from the adjacent cells in one specific pattern. In this way, the first specific pattern and the connected block are clearly distinguished from each other in the first specific pattern portion where the boundary should be surely specified, thereby contributing to the detection of the code region with high accuracy. It will be.

In the inventions of claims 12 and 13, the connected block is adjacent to the first specific pattern in one of the two-dimensional codes, and all the cells in the portion adjacent to the first specific pattern are the first specific pattern. The adjacent cells in the pattern are configured so that the color, density, or luminance is different. Therefore, with respect to one two-dimensional code, at least the boundary between the first specific pattern and the connected block can be reliably recognized. Further, the connected block is adjacent to the second specific pattern in the other two-dimensional code, and all the cells in the portion adjacent to the second specific pattern are different from the adjacent cells in the second specific pattern in color or It is comprised so that a density | concentration or a brightness | luminance may differ. Therefore, for the other two-dimensional code, at least the boundary between the second specific pattern and the connected block can be reliably recognized.

In the fourteenth and fifteenth inventions, in the plurality of two-dimensional codes connected by the connection block, code number information representing the number of codes of the two-dimensional codes connected is recorded. With this configuration, when reading, the number of two-dimensional codes included in the information code can be grasped, and various confirmations (for example, how many two-dimensional codes out of all two-dimensional codes are read). Confirmation of whether or not all two-dimensional codes have been read can be easily performed.

In a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in a plurality of two-dimensional codes connected by a connection block, unique information specifying each two-dimensional code is recorded in association with each two-dimensional code. This makes it possible to accurately grasp which two-dimensional code has been read when reading the information code.

In the inventions of claims 17 and 18 , in a plurality of two-dimensional codes connected by the connection block, arrangement configuration information representing the arrangement configuration of the plurality of two-dimensional codes connected is recorded. With this configuration, it is possible to grasp the arrangement configuration of the two-dimensional code in the information code at the time of reading, and it is possible to appropriately read in consideration of the arrangement configuration of the two-dimensional code.

In the invention of claim 19 , the arrangement configuration information includes column number information and row number information for specifying a matrix configuration of a plurality of two-dimensional codes. In this way, it is possible to accurately grasp the arrangement configuration of a plurality of two-dimensional codes with a small amount of information.

In the invention of claim 23 , the information code is divided into a plurality of code elements, and the divided code elements are sequentially displayed on the display screen of the display device. In this way, when the size of the information code is large, the information code can be displayed in a small space, and the information code can be read satisfactorily even when the size of the display device is small. In addition, code elements other than specific code elements (that is, code elements having a connected block) are sequentially displayed, and then specific code elements (code elements having no connected block) are displayed last. Therefore, it is possible to reliably specify the code element to be displayed last without using a complicated configuration or information.

In the invention of claim 24 , since the information code is divided in such a configuration that each code element includes one two-dimensional code, the size of each code element can be further reduced, and each code element is displayed on the display screen. Easier to fit.

According to the invention of claim 25, an information code formed by connecting a plurality of two-dimensional codes with a connecting block can be generated satisfactorily. In particular, in the connected block generation step, the color, density or luminance of each adjacent cell adjacent to the connected block in one two-dimensional code is detected, respectively, and connected based on the detected color, density or luminance of each adjacent cell. Since the color, density or brightness of each cell of the block is determined, each cell of the connected block can be set to an appropriate color etc. in consideration of adjacent cells, and as a result, the entire connected block is adjacent to one two-dimensional code. It can be set as a suitable structure as what should be arrange | positioned.

In the invention of claim 26 , the color, density or brightness of each cell of the connected block is detected by the first detection step, and the color, density or brightness of each adjacent cell adjacent to the connected block in one two-dimensional code is detected. , Respectively, based on the color, density or luminance of each adjacent cell adjacent to the connected block in the other two-dimensional code detected by the second detection step. In this way, each cell of the connected block can be set to an appropriate color etc. considering the adjacent cells on both sides of the connected block, and as a result, the entire connected block can be identified as one two-dimensional code and another two-dimensional code on both sides. It can be set as the suitable structure which is easy to do.

In the invention of claim 27 , the color of each cell of the connected block is obtained by comparing the hue value of an adjacent cell of one two-dimensional code adjacent to one side of each cell and the other two-dimensional code adjacent to the other side. This is determined based on an intermediate value between the hue value of the adjacent cell. In this way, each cell of the connected block can be made a color that can be easily distinguished from the adjacent cells arranged on both sides of each cell, and the information code that can easily identify the boundary of the two-dimensional code and the boundary of the connected block. Can be generated satisfactorily.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment embodying a two-dimensional code of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an information code according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for extracting and explaining the first specific pattern, the second specific pattern, and the connected block for the information code in FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining one of the two-dimensional codes in an enlarged manner. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for extracting and explaining the first specific pattern, the second specific pattern, and the like in one two-dimensional code. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an enlarged second specific pattern used in the two-dimensional code of FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the vicinity of the boundary between both two-dimensional codes in an enlarged manner. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of a connected block in comparison with each two-dimensional code. FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an optical reader that reads the information code of FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a reading process by the optical information reading apparatus in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the information code 1 according to the present embodiment is configured by integrally arranging a plurality of two-dimensional codes in close proximity. In the example of FIG. The cords 100 and 200 are arranged close to each other in a form aligned in a predetermined direction. Each two-dimensional code 100, 200 is configured in a matrix form in which a plurality of cells C are gathered, and the entire information code 1 is also configured in a matrix form. In the example of FIG. 1, both of the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 are configured in an array in which the number of cells is the same in the vertical and horizontal directions (27 cells × 27 cells), and any code area (area where the cell C is arranged). Also, a rectangular region whose outer shape is rectangular (specifically, a square region whose outer shape is square). The information code 1 is composed of an array of 55 cells × 27 cells, and the outer shape is rectangular. In FIG. 1 and the like, only some of the cells are denoted by reference symbol C, and the reference numerals of other cells are omitted.

  First, the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows one of the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 included in the information code 1 in an enlarged manner. Each of these two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 is composed of a plurality of types of cells having different colors, densities or luminances. In the following description, the configurations as shown in FIGS. Or, description will be made by giving an example of information code 1 using eight types of cells having different luminances (that is, black cells, white cells, red cells, blue cells, green cells, yellow cells, cyan cells, magenta cells). To do. Throughout this embodiment and other embodiments, the black cell is indicated by Cb, the white cell is indicated by Cw, the green cell is indicated by Cg, the red cell is Cr, the blue cell is Cu, the yellow cell is Cy, and cyan. The cell is indicated as Cn, and the magenta color cell is indicated as Cm.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the two-dimensional code 100 includes a first specific pattern 102 and a plurality of specific patterns (boundary adjacent patterns 110 and 120) arranged at positions different from the first specific pattern 102. , 105, 106, 107), and the code block 130 is arranged in an area other than these specific patterns. 2 to 4, some code blocks are conceptually shown with a broken line and reference numeral 130.

  The other two-dimensional code 200 has the same configuration as the one two-dimensional code 100 except for the code block 230. That is, the arrangement and configuration of the specific pattern 202 and the boundary adjacent patterns 210, 220, 205, 206, and 207 in the two-dimensional code 200 are respectively the specific pattern 102 and the boundary adjacent patterns 110 and 120 in the two-dimensional code 100. , 105, 106, 107 are the same in arrangement and configuration. In addition, a plurality of code blocks 230 provided in the two-dimensional code 200 are configured as data code blocks or error correction code blocks in the same manner as the code block 130 (described later) of the two-dimensional code 100. Various arrangements within 200 can be set.

  The first specific pattern 102 is arranged at a prescribed corner 109a among the four corners 109a to 109d provided in the code area (rectangular area) of one two-dimensional code 100. In the example of FIG. 3, the first specific pattern 102 is configured such that the outer shape of the first specific pattern 102 is a rectangular shape (specifically, a square shape), and two sides constituting the outer edge of the first specific pattern 102. The angular position of the prescribed corner 109a in the rectangular area is defined by The first specific pattern 102 functions as an element for specifying the position of each cell C in the rectangular area.

  3 and FIG. 4, the first specific pattern 2 has a first color cell (black cell 112a) arranged in a 3 × 3 matrix at the center, and the first color cell group ( A second color cell (white cell 112b) surrounds the periphery of the black cell 112a) in a rectangular shape. Further, the first cell (black cell 112c) is surrounded around the annular cell group (cell group of the white cell 112b), and this is configured as the outermost cell group. The outer periphery of the outermost cell group is formed in a square shape, and the outer shape of the first specific pattern 2 as a whole is rectangular.

  The boundary adjacent patterns 110 and 120 are boundary portions (first boundary portions 101a and 101b) that are in contact with the first specific pattern 102 among the four sides (four boundary portions 101) forming the boundary of the code region (rectangular region). ) Are arranged adjacent to each other. The boundary adjacent patterns 110 and 120 are used to separate the code area (rectangular area) of the two-dimensional code 1 from the background or the connected block 3 (described later). By using the boundary adjacent patterns 110 and 120 as a reference, the rectangular area can be separated from the background and the connected block 3.

  In one boundary portion adjacent pattern 110, an end pattern 103 indicating the corner portion 109b is arranged at a corner portion 109b different from a prescribed corner portion 109a (corner portion where the first specific pattern 2 is arranged) in the rectangular region. It is made. In the end pattern 103, a plurality of types of cells having different colors, densities or luminances are arranged in a predetermined order. In the two-dimensional code 100 of FIG. 4, eight cells are arranged in a predetermined color order. Has been placed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, in the color order of the black cell 103a, the red cell 103b, and the cyan cell 103c from the corner 109b side so as to be adjacent along one second boundary portion 101c. The black cells 103a are arranged in a straight line, and the outer edges of the black cells 103a indicate the corner positions of the corner portions 109b. Further, the black cell 103a, the red cell 103b, and the cyan cell 103c are bent at a right angle and arranged in a straight line in the color order of the cyan cell 103c, the yellow cell 103d, and the black cell 103e. Further, with respect to the arrangement of the cyan cell 103c, the yellow cell 103d, and the black cell 103e, the black cell 103e is bent at a right angle and arranged in a straight line in the color order of the black cell 103e, the magenta cell 103f, and the blue cell 103g. Further, the black cells 103e, magenta cells 103f, and blue cells 103g are bent at right angles from the blue cells 103g and arranged in a straight line in the color order of the blue cells 103g, green cells 103h, and black cells 103a. That is, the end pattern 103 has a black cell 103a, a red cell 103b, a cyan cell 103c, clockwise from the upper right side when the two-dimensional code 100 is arranged so that the first specific pattern 102 is at the upper left position. The yellow cell 103d, the black cell 103e, the magenta cell 103f, the blue cell 103g, and the green cell 103h are arranged in an annular and outer rectangular shape in the color order, and the white cell 103i is arranged at the center position. Yes. The corner position of the corner portion 109b in the code area (rectangular area) is determined by the two sides constituting the outer edge of the end pattern 103 thus configured.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an intermediate specific pattern 111 is arranged between the first specific pattern 102 and the end pattern 103 in the boundary adjacent pattern 110. The intermediate specific pattern 111 is formed by arranging cells of a plurality of colors in a predetermined arrangement. In this embodiment, a specific color cell (white cell 112 in the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4) and its specific color Is configured as a pattern in which cells of different colors (black cells 113 in the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4) are alternately arranged. In FIGS. 3 and 4, only some white cells and some black cells are denoted by reference numerals 112 and 113, respectively, and other reference numerals are omitted.

  The other boundary adjacent pattern 120 is also the same, and is formed by arranging the end pattern 104 indicating the corner 109c at a corner 109c different from the prescribed corner 109a. The end pattern 104 also has the same configuration as the end pattern 103. When the two-dimensional code 100 is arranged so that the first specific pattern 102 is at the upper left position, the black cell is rotated clockwise from the upper right side. , Red cell, cyan cell, yellow cell, black cell, magenta cell, blue cell, green cell are arranged in a circular and outer rectangular shape, and a white cell is arranged in the center position It has become. In the end pattern 104, a black cell 104e at the lower left is arranged at the corner portion 109c, and the corner position of the corner portion 109c is indicated by the outer edge of the black cell 104e.

  An intermediate specific pattern 121 is arranged between the first specific pattern 102 and the end pattern 104 in the boundary adjacent pattern 120. The intermediate specific pattern 121 also includes a plurality of color cells arranged in a predetermined arrangement. In this embodiment, the specific color cell (the white cell 122 in the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4) and the specific color are defined as follows. It is configured as a pattern in which cells of different colors (black cells 123 in the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4) are alternately arranged. 3 and 4, only some white cells and some black cells are denoted by reference numerals 122 and 123, respectively, and other reference numerals are omitted.

  In addition, at the diagonal position of the first specific pattern 102 in the code area (rectangular area) of the two-dimensional code 100, the corner 109d of the code area (rectangular area) (the corner that is diagonal to the specified corner 109a). ) Is arranged. This boundary adjacent pattern 105 corresponds to an example of an “end pattern”, and has a configuration in which a plurality of types of cells having different colors, densities, or luminances are arranged in a predetermined order. Specifically, eight-color cells are arranged in a predetermined color order to form a boundary adjacent pattern 105, and is configured to be adjacent to both of the two second boundary portions 101c and 101d. Yes.

  3 and 4, when the two-dimensional code 100 is arranged so that the boundary adjacent pattern 105 has the same configuration as the end pattern 103 and the first specific pattern 102 is at the upper left position. Are arranged in a circular and outer rectangular shape in the color order of black cells, red cells, cyan cells, yellow cells, black cells, magenta cells, blue cells, green cells, clockwise from the upper right side, and A white cell is arranged at the center position. In the boundary adjacent pattern 105, the lower right cyan cell 105c is arranged at the corner 109d, and the angular position of the corner 109d is indicated by the outer edge of the cyan cell 105c.

  Further, in the two-dimensional code 100 of FIGS. 3 and 4, the boundary adjacent pattern is located between the end pattern 103 and the boundary adjacent pattern 105 at a position away from each of the end pattern 103 and the boundary adjacent pattern 105. 107 is arranged. This boundary adjacent pattern 107 has the same configuration as the end pattern 103, and when the two-dimensional code 100 is arranged so that the first specific pattern 102 is at the upper left position, from the upper right side, clockwise. A black cell, a red cell, a cyan cell, a yellow cell, a black cell, a magenta cell, a blue cell, and a green cell are arranged in a circular and outer rectangular shape, and a white cell is arranged at the center. It is like that. In the boundary adjacent pattern 107, the black cell 107a, the red cell 107b, and the cyan cell 107c are adjacent to the second boundary 101c, and the outer edges of the black cell 107a, the red cell 107b, and the cyan cell 107c are the second boundary. A part of the part 101c is shown.

  Further, a boundary portion adjacent pattern 106 is arranged between the end pattern 104 and the boundary portion adjacent pattern 105 at a position away from each of the end pattern 104 and the boundary portion adjacent pattern 105. This boundary adjacent pattern 106 also has the same configuration as the end pattern 103, and when the two-dimensional code 100 is arranged so that the first specific pattern 102 is at the upper left position, A black cell, a red cell, a cyan cell, a yellow cell, a black cell, a magenta cell, a blue cell, and a green cell are arranged in a circular and outer rectangular shape, and a white cell is arranged at the center. It is like that. In the boundary adjacent pattern 106, the cyan cell 106c, the yellow cell 106d, and the black cell 106e are adjacent to the second boundary 101d, and the outer edges of the cyan cell 106c, yellow cell 106d, and black cell 106e are the second boundary. A part of the part 101d is shown.

  The code block 130 includes a plurality of (for example, eight) cells C, and is configured as a data code block 131 or an error correction code block 132 in the example of FIG. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the arrangement of some code blocks is illustrated with broken line frames and symbols, and the symbols and the like are omitted for other blocks. Moreover, in the broken line part of FIG. 3 etc., although the code block 130 has shown the example comprised by the matrix form of 4x2 or 2x4, the shape of a part of code block is made into the shape different from this. Also good. Further, the arrangement and number of data code blocks 131 and error correction code blocks 132 can be varied.

  In the two-dimensional code 100, a plurality of code blocks are provided in an area avoiding the first specific pattern 102 and a plurality of specific patterns (boundary adjacent patterns 110, 120, 105, 106, 107) in the code area (rectangular area). 130 is arranged. Among these, the data code block 131 is configured as a block in which encoded data (data code word) obtained by encoding data to be decoded is expressed by a plurality of cells. As each cell constituting the data code block 131, any type of cell is selectively used from a plurality of predetermined types of cells (eight color cells in FIG. 3). Each data code block 131 is composed of an array of cells corresponding to encoded data (data code words) to be decoded as a whole.

  Further, the error correction code block 132 is composed of error correction code words for performing error correction of the data code block 131. The error correction code word constituting the error correction code block 132 is generated based on the encoded data (data code word) constituting the data code block 131. As a method for generating an error correction code word based on a data code word, for example, a known Reed-Solomon error correction method can be used (for example, an error correction code word generation method defined in JISX0510: 2004). (JISX0510: 2004, 8.5 error correction) can be preferably used). Further, the method of generating the error correction code word is not limited to this, and various known methods can be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the information code 1 has two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 arranged with the connection block 3 interposed therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the connection block 3 is composed of a plurality of cells arranged in the longitudinal direction, and functions to indicate the boundary position between the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200. The length of the connecting block 3 is preferably the same length as the side adjacent to the connecting block 3 in at least one of the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. In addition, the length of the connected block 3 is the side adjacent to the connected block 3 in each of the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 on both sides of the connected block 3 (that is, the second boundary portion 101c of the two-dimensional code 100 and the two-dimensional code 200). It is configured as the same length as the first boundary portion 201b)).

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the connecting block 3 has a longitudinal shape in which the cells C are arranged in a straight line. Specifically, a plurality of cells C are arranged in a line, and the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 are adjacent to both sides of the connecting block 3 arranged in a line. In the examples of FIGS. 6 and 7, since the cells C are arranged in a line to form the connection block 3, the width W1 of the connection block 3 is the same as the length of one side of the cell C configured in a square shape. It has become.

  The connected block 3 configured as described above is configured such that each cell constituting a part thereof is different in color, density, or luminance from an adjacent cell adjacent to each cell in one two-dimensional code 200. . For example, the connected block 3 is adjacent to the first specific pattern 202 in one two-dimensional code 200, and all the cells (each of the white cells 3a to 3g) of the portion adjacent to the first specific pattern 202 are each The first specific pattern 202 is configured to have a color different from that of each cell (each of the white cells 3a to 3g) in the first specific pattern 202 (that is, the black cells 202a to 202g forming the outer periphery of the first specific pattern 202). Has been. In this case, the cells 202a to 202g adjacent to the white cells 3a to 3g correspond to an example of “adjacent cells”.

  Further, in the connection block 3, all cells (white cells 3y, black cells 3z, and white cells 3aa) adjacent to the end pattern 204 in the two-dimensional code 200 are respectively connected to the end pattern 204 (white cells 3y, white cells 3aa). 3y, black cell 3z, and white cell 3aa) are each configured to have a different color. The end pattern 204 indicates the end of the first boundary portion 201b in the two-dimensional code 200, and a configuration in which a plurality of types of cells (eight-color cells in FIGS. 6 and 7) are arranged in a predetermined order (FIG. 6). In the example of FIG. 7, when the two-dimensional code 200 is arranged in the same configuration as the specific pattern 103, that is, the first specific pattern 202 is at the upper left, a black cell and a red color are clockwise from the upper right side. A cell, a cyan cell, a yellow cell, a black cell, a magenta cell, a blue cell, and a green cell are arranged in a circular shape and an outer peripheral rectangle). In the end pattern 204 configured as described above, the blue cell 204g, the magenta cell 204f, and the black cell 204e adjacent to the first boundary 201b, and the white cell 3y, the black cell 3z, and the white cell 3aa, respectively. Each is configured to have a different color. In this case, the blue cell 204g, the magenta cell 204f, and the black cell 204e correspond to examples of adjacent cells.

  Further, the connected block 3 is adjacent to the intermediate specific pattern 221 of the two-dimensional code 200 (specific pattern having the same configuration as the intermediate specific pattern 121 of the two-dimensional code 100), and all of the portions adjacent to the intermediate specific pattern 221 are adjacent to the intermediate specific pattern 221. Each cell (all cells from the black cell 3h to the white cell 3x) is configured to have a color different from each of the cells adjacent to each of the intermediate specific patterns 221 (each from the black cell 3h to the white cell x). ing. For example, the black cell 3h is configured to have a color different from the cell (white cell 222) adjacent to the black cell 3h in the intermediate specific pattern 221. Similarly, the white cell 3i is the white cell in the intermediate specific pattern 221. The color is different from that of the cell adjacent to 3i (black cell 223). The same applies to the other cells 3j to 3aa. In this case, each cell (each white cell 222, each black cell 223) of the intermediate specific pattern 221 corresponds to an example of “adjacent cell”.

  In this way, the connected block 3 has the colors of the cells 3a to 3aa adjacent to each other in the two-dimensional code 200 in the entire region adjacent to the one two-dimensional code 200 (that is, the entire one side of the two-dimensional code 200). It is configured to be different from the cell color.

  Further, the connected block 3 is configured such that each cell constituting a part thereof is different in color, density, or luminance from an adjacent cell adjacent to each cell in the other two-dimensional code 100. In the example of FIGS. 6 and 7, the connected block 3 is adjacent to the boundary adjacent patterns 103, 105, and 107 in the two-dimensional code 100. The cell is configured to be at least different in color from the cells adjacent to the respective cells (adjacent cells in the boundary adjacent patterns 103, 105, and 107).

  For example, all the cells (each of the white cells 3a to 3c) adjacent to the boundary adjacent pattern 103 in the connected block 3 are adjacent to each of the boundary adjacent pattern 103 (that is, each of the white cells 3a to 3g). The color is different from each cell (that is, the black cell 103a, the red cell 103b, and the yellow cell 103c adjacent to the second boundary portion 101c in the boundary portion adjacent pattern 103). In this case, the cell black cell 103a, the red cell 103b, and the yellow cell 103c adjacent to each of the white cells 3a to 3c correspond to an example of “adjacent cells”.

  In addition, all the cells (white cell 3y, black cell 3z, white cell 3aa) adjacent to the boundary adjacent pattern 105 in the connected block 3 are respectively connected to the boundary adjacent pattern 105 (that is, white cell 3y, black cell). The color is different from each of the cells adjacent to the cell 3z and the white cell 3aa (that is, the black cell 105a, the red cell 105b, and the yellow cell 105c adjacent to the second boundary portion 101c in the boundary adjacent pattern 105). It is configured. In this case, the cell black cell 105a, the red cell 105b, and the yellow cell 105c adjacent to each of the white cell 3y, the black cell 3z, and the white cell 3aa correspond to an example of the “adjacent cell”.

  Similarly, all the cells (white cells 3m, black cells 3n, white cells 3o) adjacent to the specific pattern 107 in the connected block 3 are respectively connected to the specific patterns 107 (that is, white cells 3m, black cells 3n, Each of the cells adjacent to the white cell 3o (that is, the black cell 107a, the red cell 107b, and the yellow cell 107c adjacent to the second boundary portion 101c in the specific pattern 107) has a different color. In this case, the cell black cell 107a, the red cell 107b, and the yellow cell 107c adjacent to the white cell 3m, the black cell 3n, and the white cell 3o correspond to an example of the “adjacent cell”.

  In the present embodiment, the boundary portion adjacent patterns 103, 105, and 107 correspond to an example of the second specific pattern, and are adjacent to the connected block 3 and function to indicate the boundary position of the two-dimensional code 100.

  As described above, the connected block 3 is divided into the first specific pattern 202 in one two-dimensional code 200 and the boundary adjacent patterns 103, 105, and 107 (second specific pattern) in the other two-dimensional code 100. All the cells adjacent to each other and adjacent to the first specific pattern 202 are configured to have different colors from the cells adjacent to each of the first specific pattern 202. Further, all the cells in the portion adjacent to the boundary adjacent pattern 103, 105, 107 (second specific pattern) in the other two-dimensional code 100 are adjacent to each of the boundary adjacent patterns 103, 105, 107. The cell and the color are different.

  Further, some of the cells of the connection block 3 are configured to have different colors from the adjacent cells on both sides. For example, the white cell 3a constituting a part of the connection block 3 is configured to have a color different from that of one adjacent cell (black cell 103a) and to be different from the color of the other adjacent cell (black cell 202a). . The same applies to the white cells 3b, 3c, 3m, the black cells 3n, the white cells 3o, the white cells 3y, the black cells 3z, and the white cells 3aa on which the specific patterns are arranged on both sides.

Next, an example of reading the information code 1 according to the present embodiment will be outlined.
The information code 1 according to the present embodiment can be read by an optical information reader 20 as shown in FIG. 8, for example. The optical information reader 20 shown in FIG. 8 mainly includes an optical system such as an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 23, a filter 25, and an imaging lens 27, a memory 35, a control circuit 40, an operation switch 42, and a liquid crystal display device. And a power supply system such as a power switch 41 and a battery 49.

  The optical system includes an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 23, a filter 25, an imaging lens 27, and the like. The illumination light source 21 functions as an illumination light source capable of emitting the illumination light Lf, and includes, for example, an LED and a diffusing lens, a condensing lens, and the like provided on the emission side of the LED. In the present embodiment, the illumination light sources 21 are provided on both sides of the light receiving sensor 23 so that the illumination light Lf can be irradiated toward the reading object R through the reading port (not shown in FIG. 8) of the housing. It is configured. The reading object R corresponds to a display medium such as a packaging container, packaging paper, or label, and the information code 1 according to the present embodiment is printed on the reading object R by printing or direct marking. Is formed.

  The light receiving sensor 23 is configured to receive the reflected light Lr irradiated and reflected on the reading object R and the information code 1. For example, the light receiving sensor 23 includes two light receiving elements which are solid-state imaging elements such as C-MOS and CCD. An area sensor arranged in a dimension corresponds to this. The light receiving sensor 23 is mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) so that incident light incident through the imaging lens 27 can be received by the light receiving surface 23a. The filter 25 is an optical low-pass filter that allows passage of light that is less than or equal to the wavelength of the reflected light Lr and can block passage of light that exceeds that of the reflected light, and is unnecessary for exceeding the wavelength of the reflected light Lr. Light is prevented from entering the light receiving sensor 23. The imaging lens 27 functions as an imaging optical system capable of condensing incident light incident from the outside via a reading port and forming an image on the light receiving surface 23a of the light receiving sensor 23. For example, A lens barrel and a plurality of condensing lenses housed in the lens barrel are configured.

  Next, a configuration outline of the microcomputer system will be described. The microcomputer system includes an amplification 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, a liquid crystal display device 46, and a communication interface 48. Etc. As the name suggests, this microcomputer system is composed mainly of a control circuit 40 and a memory 35 that can function as a microcomputer (information processing apparatus). The microcomputer system captures the image signal of the information code 1 captured by the optical system described above. It can perform signal processing in terms of hardware and software. The control circuit 40 also performs control related to the entire system of the optical information reading device 20.

  An image signal (analog signal) output from the light receiving sensor 23 of the optical system is input to the amplification circuit 31 and amplified by a predetermined gain, and then input to the A / D conversion circuit 33. Converted into a digital signal. When the digitized image signal, that is, image data (image information) 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 to be able to secure a work area and a reading condition table that are used by the control circuit 40 in each processing such as arithmetic operation and logical operation. . The ROM stores in advance a predetermined program that can execute reading processing, analysis processing, and the like, which 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 capable of controlling the entire optical information reading device 20 and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like. The control circuit 40 can constitute an information processing device together with the memory 35 and has an information processing function. . The control circuit 40 is configured to be connectable to various input / output devices (peripheral devices) via a built-in input / output interface. In this embodiment, the control circuit 40 includes a power switch 41, an operation switch 42, an LED 43, a buzzer. 44, a liquid crystal display device 46, a communication interface 48, and the like are connected to the control circuit 40. The communication interface 48 is connected to a host computer HST corresponding to the host system of the optical information reader 20. The power supply system includes a power switch 41, a battery 49, and the like. When the power switch 41 is turned on and off by the control circuit 40, the conduction of the drive voltage supplied from the battery 49 to each device and each circuit described above is performed. Shut-off is controlled.

  In the optical information reader 20 configured as described above, the reading process is performed as follows. First, when the operator performs a predetermined operation (for example, an operation of turning on the operation switch 42), the reading process shown in FIG. 9 is started and an image data acquisition process is performed (S1). In the image data acquisition process, first, the control circuit 40 outputs a light emission signal to the illumination light source 21 based on the synchronization signal, and the illumination light source 21 that has received the light emission signal emits the LED to emit the illumination light Lf. Then, the illumination light Lf irradiated to the information code 1 is reflected, and the reflected light Lr enters the imaging lens 27 through the reading port and the filter 25. Then, an image of the information code 1, that is, a code image is formed on the light receiving surface 23 a of the light receiving sensor 23 by the imaging lens 27. Thereby, each light receiving element constituting the light receiving sensor 23 is exposed, and a light receiving signal corresponding to the image of the information code 1 is output from each light receiving element. These light reception signals constitute the image data of the information code 1, and this image data is temporarily stored in the memory 35.

  Thereafter, a process of specifying the code area (rectangular area) of the information code 1 in the image data acquired in S1 is performed (S2). In addition, the method for specifying the code area in the image data may be a method as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-198754, or the number of change points of brightness as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-353210 is counted. The idea of extracting code regions may be used. In addition, since various techniques for distinguishing different color areas in the field of image processing are provided, the areas may be specified using another known method.

  After the code area is specified in S2, processing for detecting the first specific patterns 102 and 202 is performed (S3). The method for detecting the first specific patterns 102 and 202 may be a method as described in Japanese Patent No. 2938338 or another image processing method.

  After the first specific patterns 102 and 202 are detected, processing for detecting the boundary between the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 is performed (S4). The information code 1 of the present embodiment has a feature that a margin by a white cell is secured next to the first specific pattern 202 and the boundary between the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 can be distinguished by the connection block 3. Therefore, in the process of S4, the boundary position of these two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 (the position of the second boundary part 101c and the position of the second boundary part 201b) is detected, and the information code 1 is converted into two Divide into codes 100 and 200.

  Thus, after the boundary position of the two-dimensional code 100 (the position of the second boundary portion 101c) and the boundary position of the two-dimensional code 200 (the position of the second boundary portion 201b) are specified, each two-dimensional code 100 is identified. , 200 is decoded (S5). The decoding process for each of the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 can use the same method as the known decoding process for the two-dimensional code.

According to the configuration of the present embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained.
In the information code 1 of the present embodiment, a connection block 3 indicating a boundary position between the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 is provided, and the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 are arranged with the connection block 3 interposed therebetween. Yes. In this way, since the information code 1 can be configured to include the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200, the amount of data can be increased. In addition, since the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 are integrated with the connecting block 3 interposed therebetween, the overall configuration can be reduced, and the connecting block 3 has a boundary between the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200. Since it becomes a mark indicating the position, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the boundary between codes can be easily specified accurately.

  In addition, each cell (white cell 3a or the like) constituting a part of the connected block 3 is connected to a cell (black cell 202a or the like) adjacent to the cell (white cell 3a or the like) in the two-dimensional code 200 with a color or density or The brightness is different. Each cell (white cell 3a, etc.) constituting a part of the connected block 3 has a color different from that of the cell (black cell 103a, etc.) adjacent to the cell (white cell 3a, etc.) in the two-dimensional code 100. It is configured. In this way, the boundary between the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 can be specified with high accuracy.

  Further, all the cells 3a to 3aa adjacent to the two-dimensional code 200 in the connection block 3 are configured to have different colors from the adjacent cells (black cells 202a to black cells 204e of the two-dimensional code 200). In this way, the boundary of one two-dimensional code 200 can be specified more reliably.

  Moreover, the connection block 3 has a configuration in which cells are arranged in a straight line, and the width W1 of the connection block 3 is the same as the length of one side of the cell. In this way, since the space between the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 can be made narrower, the entire information code 1 can be easily reduced in size.

  In addition, each cell (white cell 3a or the like) constituting a part of the connection block 3 is an adjacent cell adjacent to each cell (white cell 3a or the like) in each of the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 on both sides of the connection block 3. (Black cells 103a, 202a, etc.) are configured to have different colors. In this way, the boundary between the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 can be specified with high accuracy while reducing the size by narrowing the space between the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200.

  Further, the length of the connection block 3 is the same length as the side adjacent to the connection block 3 in the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200. In this way, the length of the connecting block 3 becomes an optimum length for specifying the boundary between the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200, the code structure is made compact, and the boundary between the two-dimensional codes is accurately recognized. Can be realized even better.

  In addition, the connected block 3 is configured to be adjacent to the first specific pattern 202 in one two-dimensional code 200, and each of all cells in the portion adjacent to the first specific pattern 202 is the first specific pattern. The color is different from the cells adjacent to each of the cells in 202. In this way, the first specific pattern 202 and the connected block 3 are clearly distinguished from each other in the first specific pattern 202 portion where the boundary should be surely specified. Will contribute.

Further, the connected block 3 is adjacent to the second specific pattern (boundary adjacent patterns 103, 105, 107) in the other two-dimensional code 100, and all of the portions adjacent to the boundary adjacent patterns 103, 105, 107 are also included. Each cell is configured to have a color different from that of the adjacent cells in the boundary portion adjacent patterns 103, 105, and 107. Therefore, for the other two-dimensional code 100, at least the boundary between the boundary adjacent patterns 103, 105, 107 and the connected block 3 can be reliably recognized.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for enlarging and explaining the vicinity of the boundary between both two-dimensional codes in the information code of the second embodiment. Moreover, FIG. 11 is explanatory drawing explaining the structure of a connection block in contrast with each two-dimensional code.

  The information code 300 in FIG. 10 differs from the information code 1 (FIG. 1 and the like) of the first embodiment only in the configuration of the connection block 303, and is otherwise the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, different parts will be explained mainly. 10 is different from the connection block 3 of the first embodiment only in that some cells are changed from white cells to green cells. Specifically, the white cells 3d, 3f, 3u, and 3w are different from FIG. 1 only in that the green cells 303d, 303f, 303u, and 303w are changed, and the other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

  Also in the information code 300 of FIG. 10, the connection block 303 has a configuration in which cells are arranged in a straight line, and the width W2 of the connection block 303 is the same as the length of one side of the cell. Two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 are arranged on both sides of each of the cells 303a to 303aa. Furthermore, in the information code 300 of this embodiment, all cells adjacent to the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 on both sides of the connection block 303 in the connection block 303 (that is, all cells 303a to 303aa of the connection block 303) The two-dimensional code 100, 200 is configured to have a different color from any adjacent cell. For example, the white cell 303a is configured to have a color different from any of the adjacent cells (black cells 103a and 202a) on both sides, and the white cell 303b is configured to have a color on both of the adjacent cells (red cells 103b and 202b) on both sides. The other cells 303c to 303aa are similarly configured to have different colors from the adjacent cells on both sides.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the boundary position between the two-dimensional codes 100, 200 can be specified with high accuracy over the entire longitudinal direction of the connecting block 303. The boundary can be grasped more reliably.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the information code according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 12, the arrangement and configuration of code blocks (same code blocks as in the first embodiment) arranged in the two-dimensional codes 410 and 420 are omitted (in FIG. 12, code blocks are not shown). The arrangement area is indicated by a one-dot chain line). In FIG. 12, only the cells at both ends of the connected block 403 are denoted by reference numerals 403a and 403k, and the reference numerals of the cells between them are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the information code 400 of this embodiment also includes two two-dimensional codes 410 and 420. The two-dimensional code 410 is provided with boundary portion adjacent patterns 413 and 414 adjacent to the boundary portion 411 adjacent to the first specific pattern 412 (first boundary portions 411a and 411b). Boundary part adjacent patterns 423 and 424 are provided adjacent to the boundary part 421 adjacent to the first specific pattern 422 (first boundary parts 421a and 421b).

  In the information code 400, the two-dimensional codes 410 and 420 are arranged with the connection block 403 interposed therebetween. Specifically, the second boundary portion 411c side of the two-dimensional code 410 is adjacent to one side portion of the connection block 403, and the first boundary portion 421b side of the two-dimensional code 420 is adjacent to the other side portion of the connection block 403. Adjacent.

  Further, the connected block 403 is configured to have a color different from any of the cells adjacent to the connected block 403 in the two-dimensional code 420 (the cells of the first specific pattern 422 and the boundary adjacent pattern 424). ing. That is, in the two-dimensional code 420, the portion adjacent to the first boundary portion 421b is configured by a black cell or a white cell, but all the cells of the connection block 403 are configured by green cells having different colors. .

  Also in the information code 400 of FIG. 12, the connection block 403 has a configuration in which cells are arranged in a straight line, and the width of the connection block 403 is the same as the length of one side of the cell. The adjacent cells of the two-dimensional codes 410 and 420 are arranged on both sides of the cells 403a to 403k. Further, the connection block 403 is configured to have the same length as the side adjacent to the connection block 403 in the two-dimensional codes 410 and 420, and extends over the entire connection block 403 (that is, both the two-dimensional codes 410, 420). The same type of cells (green cells) having the same color are arranged (over one side of 420).

  With the configuration as shown in FIG. 12, the boundary between the two-dimensional codes 410 and 420 can be satisfactorily identified by confirming the same type cells (green cells 403a to 403k) at the time of reading. That is, when configured as the information code 400, a configuration that can easily identify the boundary between the two-dimensional codes 410 and 420 can be easily realized.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining the information code according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the connected blocks used in the information code of FIG. 13 in comparison with each two-dimensional code. The information code 500 in FIG. 13 is different from the information code 1 in FIG. 1 only in the configuration of the connection block 503, and the other configuration is the same as the information code in FIG. Therefore, different parts will be described mainly, and the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 113, the code block is omitted.

  Also in the information code 500 of FIG. 13, the connection block 503 has a configuration in which cells are arranged in a straight line, and the width of the connection block 503 is the same as the length of one side of the cell. Two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 are arranged on both sides of each cell 503a to 503aa, and all cells adjacent to the two-dimensional code 200 in the connection block 503 (that is, all cells 503a to 503aa in the connection block 503) are respectively present. The color is different from that of the adjacent cell of the two-dimensional code 200. Further, the connected block 503 includes at least each cell in a portion adjacent to the end pattern 103 and the boundary adjacent patterns 105 and 107, and the adjacent cells of the end pattern 103 and boundary adjacent patterns 105 and 107 adjacent to the cells. The color is different.

  Furthermore, in the connection block 503 of the present embodiment, a plurality of types of cells having different colors are arranged in a combination of predetermined types, and the colors of the plurality of cells in the rectangular area of the two-dimensional code 100, 200 are displayed. It is also used as a reference area for referencing. In the example of FIG. 13, cells of all colors (eight colors here) used in the two-dimensional code 100, 200 are used to form a connection block 503, and the cell region of each color is represented by the two-dimensional code 100, 200. This is also used as a reference area for referring to the colors of a plurality of cells in the code area (rectangular area).

  Specifically, a configuration is formed in which a plurality of cells of each color are arranged. For example, three white cells 503a to 503c are arranged on one end side, and adjacent to the three blue cells 503d to 503f, three red cells 503g to 503i, three yellow cells 503j to 503l, and three cyan. Color cells 503m to 503o, three black cells 503p to 503r, three green cells 503s to 503u, three magenta cells 503v to 503x, and three white cells 503y to 503aa are arranged.

  In the reading process, the connection block 503 is used as a reference area for determining each color of a cell arranged in the code area (rectangular area) of the two-dimensional code 100 or 200. For example, at the time of reading, it is determined which of the plurality of candidate colors (eight colors in the example of FIG. 13) each cell in the code area of the two-dimensional code 100, 200 corresponds to the connection block 503. It is possible to make a determination based on the color of each cell. Alternatively, it is possible to determine whether or not the recognition of a cell recognized as a certain color is accurate based on the color of each cell in the connection block 503.

  Note that the reading process of the information code 500 according to the present embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment (that is, the same as that of FIG. 9), but the process of S4 of FIG. 9 may be slightly changed. For example, in S4, a specific pattern (boundary adjacent pattern 220) adjacent to the first specific pattern 202 is detected, and cells adjacent to the first specific pattern 202 and boundary adjacent pattern 220 are connected. A process for confirming whether the cell is a corresponding cell in block 503 can be provided. For example, the white cells 503a to 503c, the blue cells 503d to 503f, and the red cells 503g of the connection block 503 should be arranged next to the black cells 202a to 202g in the first specific pattern 202. It is confirmed whether the white cells 503a to 503c, the blue cells 503d to 503f, and the red cell 503g are adjacent to the cells 202a to 202g. If it is confirmed that the adjacent cells are adjacent to each other, the black cells 202a to 202g in the connection block 3 are appropriate, so the black cells 202a to 202g and these cells (white cells 503a to 503c, The boundaries between the blue cells 503d to 503f and the red cell 503g) are specified as a part of the first boundary portion 201b.

  Also, for each cell in the boundary adjacent pattern 220, it is confirmed whether the corresponding cell is arranged. That is, since each cell 503h to 503aa should be arranged next to each cell of the boundary adjacent pattern 220, whether or not these 503h to 503aa are arranged next to each cell of the boundary adjacent pattern 220 is determined. Check. When each of the cells 503h to 503aa is confirmed, it can be said that the adjacent part of the boundary adjacent pattern 220 in the connected block 503 is appropriate. Is specified as a part of the first boundary portion 201b. In this way, by detecting a color change that occurs between the first specific pattern 202 and the boundary adjacent pattern 220 and the connection block 503, the boundary position of the first specific pattern 202 and the boundary adjacent pattern 220 is detected. Further, it is possible to confirm whether or not the boundary position is appropriate based on each cell of the connected block 503.

  Moreover, when each cell 503a-503aa is confirmed, each cell of the two-dimensional code 100 adjacent to these cells 503a-503aa is confirmed. Since most of the cells adjacent to the cells 503a to 503aa in the two-dimensional code 100 are cells having colors different from those of the cells 503a to 503aa, a change in color between the cells 503a to 503aa and the two-dimensional code 100 is detected. For example, cells that are different in color from the cells 503a, 503b, and 503c (black cells 103a, red cells 103b, and yellow cells 103c that are part of the end pattern 103) are arranged at positions adjacent to the cells 503a, 503b, and 503c. Therefore, the black cell 103a, the red cell 103b, and the yellow cell 103c are confirmed. Similarly, cells adjacent to the cells 503m, 503n, and 503o have different colors from those of the cells 503m, 503n, and 503o (black cells 107a, red cells 107b, and yellow cells 107c that are part of the boundary adjacent pattern 107). ) Are arranged, the black cells 107a, red cells 107b, and yellow cells 107c are confirmed. Further, cells adjacent to the cells 503y, 503z, and 503aa have different colors from those of the cells 503y, 503z, and 503aa (a black cell 105a, a red cell 105b, and a yellow cell 105c that are part of the boundary adjacent pattern 105). Therefore, the black cell 105a, the red cell 105b, and the yellow cell 105c are confirmed. As described above, the boundary position between the end pattern 103 and the boundary adjacent patterns 107 and 105 is estimated by detecting the color change that occurs between the end pattern 103 and the boundary adjacent patterns 107 and 105 and the connected block 503. Further, based on each cell of the connection block 503, it can be confirmed whether or not the boundary position is appropriate. Note that the boundary positions of portions other than the end pattern 103 and the boundary adjacent patterns 107 and 105 in the two-dimensional code 100 can also be specified by the same method.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment, a plurality of types of cells having different colors are arranged in a combination of predetermined types to form a connection block 503, and in the code region (rectangular region) of the two-dimensional code 100, 200. It is also used as a reference area for referring to the colors of a plurality of cells. If the connection block 503 is also used as the reference area in this way, it is not necessary to secure a large space for the reference area in the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200, and the data area can be increased and the entire code can be reduced in size. it can.

  Further, the configuration using the connection block as the reference region is not limited to the configuration in FIG. 13 and may be configured as in FIG. 15, for example. FIG. 15 illustrates an information code 600 provided with four two-dimensional codes similar to the two-dimensional code 410 described in FIG. 12, and the two-dimensional codes 410, 420, 430, and 440 are 2 × 2 matrices. Are lined up. A connecting block 603 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the plurality of two-dimensional codes 410, 420, 430, and 440. The connection block 603 has a cross shape, and includes a cell row 613 extending in the vertical direction and a cell row 623 extending in the horizontal direction.

  Each cell row 613, 623 has a configuration in which cells are arranged in a straight line, and the width of each cell row 613, 623 is the same as the length of one side of the cell. The upper part 613a of the cell row 613 is sandwiched between the two-dimensional codes 410 and 420, and each cell of the upper part 613a has a color with at least one adjacent cell of the two-dimensional code 420 (each cell of the boundary adjacent pattern 424). Configured differently. The lower part 613b of the cell row 613 is sandwiched between the two-dimensional codes 430 and 440, and each cell of the lower part 613b is connected to at least one adjacent cell (boundary part adjacent pattern 444 (boundary part adjacent pattern) of the two-dimensional code 440. Each cell) of the same pattern) as in 414 is configured to have a different color.

  In the cell column 623, the left part 623a is sandwiched between the two-dimensional codes 410 and 430, and each cell of the left part 623a is at least one adjacent cell (boundary part adjacent pattern 433 (boundary part) of the two-dimensional code 320. Each cell) of the same pattern as the partial adjacent pattern 413 is configured to have a different color. The right part 623b of the cell row 623 is sandwiched between the two-dimensional codes 420 and 440, and each cell of the right part 623b includes at least one adjacent cell (boundary part adjacent pattern 443 (boundary part) of the two-dimensional code 440. Each cell) of the same pattern as the adjacent pattern 413 is configured to have a different color.

  Even in this configuration, cells of all colors (eight colors here) used in the two-dimensional codes 410, 420, 430, and 440 are used to form the connection block 603, and the cell regions of the respective colors are represented by the two-dimensional code. This is also used as a reference area for referring to the respective colors of the code areas (rectangular areas) 410, 420, 430, and 440.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the information code according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concatenated blocks used in the information code of FIG. 16 in comparison with each two-dimensional code. The information code 700 in FIG. 16 is different from the information code 1 in FIG. 1 only in the configuration of the connection block 703, and the other configuration is the same as the information code in FIG. Therefore, different parts will be described mainly, and the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the connection block 703 used in the information code 700 according to the present embodiment is adjacent to the first block 713 adjacent to one two-dimensional code 200 and the other two-dimensional code 100. And a second block 723.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the first block 713 has a linear form in which cells are arranged in a line. Specifically, the first block 713 has the same configuration as the connection block 3 in FIG. 1, that is, the cells 713a to 713aa. The configuration is the same as the cells 3a to 3aa of FIG. The first block 713 is arranged so that one side is adjacent to the first specific pattern 202 and the boundary adjacent pattern 220 of the two-dimensional code 200 and the other side is adjacent to the second block 723. The first block 713 is configured to have the same length as one side (first boundary portion 201b) of one two-dimensional code 200, and all the cells are adjacent to each of the two-dimensional code 200. The color is different from that of (adjacent cell). In this way, in the entire region adjacent to the first block 713 in one two-dimensional code 200, the colors of adjacent cells of the first block 713 and the two-dimensional code 200 are different from each other.

  The second block 723 also has a straight line shape in which cells are arranged in a line, and is in a shape sandwiched between the two-dimensional code 100 and the first block 713. The first block 713 is configured to have the same length as one side (second boundary portion 101 c) of the other two-dimensional code 100, and all the cells are adjacent to the cells in the two-dimensional code 100 ( The color is different from that of the adjacent cell. For example, each of the green cells 723a to 723c is configured to have a color different from each cell (black cell 103a, red cell 103b, yellow cell 103c) of the end pattern 103 adjacent to the green cells 723a to 723c, Each of the green cells 723m to 723o is configured to have a color different from each cell (black cell 103a, red cell 103b, and yellow cell 103c) of the boundary adjacent pattern 107 adjacent to the green cells 723m to 723o. Further, each of the green cells 723y to 723aa is configured to have a color different from each cell (black cell 105a, red cell 105b, yellow cell 105c) of the boundary adjacent pattern 105 adjacent to the green cells 723y to 723aa. Yes. Each of the cells 723d to 723l or the cells 723p to 723x is the same, and is configured to have a color different from the adjacent cells adjacent to each of the two-dimensional code 100. In this way, in the entire region adjacent to the second block 723 in the two-dimensional code 100, the colors of adjacent cells of the second block 723 and the two-dimensional code 100 are configured to be different.

  In the configuration of this embodiment, a first block 713 adjacent to one two-dimensional code 200 and a second block 723 adjacent to the other two-dimensional code 100 are provided. In the entire region adjacent to one block 713, adjacent cells of the first block 713 and the two-dimensional code 200 are configured to have different colors. In this way, the boundary can be reliably specified in the entire area adjacent to the first block 713 in one two-dimensional code 200, and the entire area adjacent to the second block 723 also in the other two-dimensional code 100 In FIG. 5, since the adjacent cells of the second block 723 and the two-dimensional code 100 are configured to have different colors, the boundary can be reliably specified. In particular, the first block 713 can have a cell configuration corresponding to one two-dimensional code 200, and the second block 723 can have a cell configuration corresponding to the other two-dimensional code 100. The boundary cells of the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 can be distinguished well regardless of the configuration.

  The first block 713 and the second block 723 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are merely examples, and may be changed to other configurations. For example, all the cells in the area close to the first specific pattern 202 in the second block 723 (that is, arranged next to the white cells 713a to 713g adjacent to the first specific pattern 202 in the second block 723). The plurality of cells may be different in color, density, or luminance from the outer peripheral portion of the first specific pattern 202 (cells 202a to 202g adjacent to the first block 713). As an example, there is a configuration in which the green cells 723a to 723c, the black cells 723d to 723f, and the yellow cell 723g shown in FIG. 17 are all changed to white cells. As described above, if the cells 723a to 723g are changed to white cells so that the color is different from that of the outer periphery of the first specific pattern 202, a margin for two cells can be secured next to the first specific pattern 202. Thus, the first specific pattern 202 can be specified better. When the cells 723a to 723g are changed to white cells in this way, it is desirable that all cells adjacent to the white cells (partial boundary cells 108 of the two-dimensional code 100) are cells other than the white cells.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an information code according to the sixth embodiment. Note that the information code 1 illustrated in FIG. 22 has the same configuration and the same characteristics as the information code 1 described in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and further includes The point that the information (two-dimensional code related information) regarding the plurality of two-dimensional codes is included in the plurality of two-dimensional codes connected by the blocks is added as a new feature. Therefore, in the following description, the description of the same configuration and the same features as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the newly added specific features will be described mainly. Further, FIG. 22 schematically shows the information code 1 of FIG. 1 and will be described with reference to FIG. 1 as necessary.

  The information code 1 shown in FIG. 22 is configured by integrally arranging two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 close to each other as in the first embodiment. One two-dimensional code 100 includes a code block 130 in which a plurality of cells are aggregated and a first specific pattern 102 for specifying the position of the cell, and the first specific pattern 102 is a rectangular area. And a plurality of code blocks 130 are arranged in a rectangular area. Similarly to the first embodiment, the code block 130 arranged in the information code 1 is a set of a plurality of (for example, eight) cells C (see FIG. 1). One of them is configured as a data code block 131, and the other is configured as an error correction code block 132. In FIG. 22, some data code blocks 131 and some error correction code blocks 132 are indicated by broken lines, and the other data code blocks and error correction blocks are omitted. Further, a specific cell configuration in the code block is also omitted.

  The same applies to the other two-dimensional code 200, which includes a code block 230 formed by a plurality of cells and a first specific pattern 202 for specifying the position of the cell. 202 is arranged at a predetermined corner of the rectangular area, and a plurality of code blocks 230 are arranged in the rectangular area. Similarly to the first embodiment, the code block 230 includes a plurality of (for example, eight) cells C (see FIG. 1), and any one of the plurality of code blocks 230 is a data code block. 231 is configured as an error correction code block 232. In FIG. 22, some data code blocks 231 and some error correction code blocks 232 are indicated by broken lines, and the other data code blocks and error correction blocks are omitted. Further, a specific cell configuration in the code block is also omitted.

  The two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 configured in this way are arranged with a connection block 3 composed of a plurality of cells interposed therebetween, and the boundary position of the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 is indicated by the connection block 3. Has been. The connecting block 3 shown in FIG. 22 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment and has the same characteristics.

  In addition to the above-described configuration (that is, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment), the information code 1 of the present embodiment includes two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 connected by the connecting block 3. Another feature is that information relating to the codes 100 and 200 (two-dimensional code related information) is included. The characteristics will be described in detail below.

First, code number information, which is one of the two-dimensional code related information, will be described.
In the information code 1 of FIG. 23, code number information representing the number of codes of the two two-dimensional codes connected in the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 connected by the connection block 3 is recorded. More specifically, the information code 1 in FIG. 22 includes two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200, and the number of two-dimensional codes included in the entire information code 1 is “2”. This number data is used as code number information. The code number information “2” is code number information specifying data indicating that the “2” is code number information (for example, data consisting of a specific number string or character string indicating code number information). The code number information and the code number information specifying data are represented by the data code blocks 131 and 231 of the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200, respectively.

  As described above, the code number information is recorded as data in association with the code number information specifying data in the two-dimensional code 100, and the code number information is also stored in the two-dimensional code 200 as data in association with the code number information specifying data. Therefore, even if any two-dimensional code is read by the reading device, the number-of-codes information can be easily specified by the reading device, and the number of two-dimensional information in the entire information code 1 based on the number-of-codes information. Whether or not the code is included can be confirmed by the reading device.

  In addition, each of the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 constituting the information code 1 is recorded with unique information for identifying the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 in association with the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200, respectively. Yes. The unique information only needs to be able to identify each two-dimensional code. In this embodiment, the unique information “ABC” that is unique to the two-dimensional code 100 and the “ABC” are unique information. Specific information specifying data (for example, data such as a specific numeric string or character string indicating specific information) is associated with the two-dimensional data including the specific information and the specific information specifying data. The code 100 is represented by a data code block 131. Thus, when the two-dimensional code 100 is read by the reading device, it can be specified by the reading device that “ABC” associated with the specific information specifying data is the specific information, and the reading target The reader can confirm that the two-dimensional code 100 is a two-dimensional code related to “ABC”.

  The same applies to the two-dimensional code 200. The unique information “DEF” that is unique to the two-dimensional code 200 and unique information specifying data (for example, unique information) indicating that the “DEF” is unique information. Data such as a specific numeric string or character string indicating that) and the data including the specific information and the specific information specifying data are represented by a data code block 231 of the two-dimensional code 200. Since it is configured in this manner, when the two-dimensional code 200 is read by the reading device, the reading device can grasp that “DEF” associated with the specific information specifying data is the specific information, The reading device can confirm that the target two-dimensional code 200 is a two-dimensional code related to “DEF”.

  In addition, in the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 constituting the information code 1, arrangement configuration information representing the arrangement configuration of the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 connected by the connection block is recorded. This arrangement configuration information is information for specifying what arrangement a plurality of two-dimensional codes constituting the information code is arranged. Various arrangement configuration information can be considered. When an arrangement configuration is expressed for an information code in which a plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged in a matrix, column number information for specifying the matrix configuration of the plurality of two-dimensional codes. In addition, the line number information can be arranged configuration information. The “matrix shape” as used in the present invention includes a configuration in which a two-dimensional code is arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns (for example, a configuration as shown in FIG. 15), as shown in FIG. Including a configuration in which two-dimensional codes are arranged in one row and a plurality of columns (that is, a configuration in which one row is arranged in a horizontal direction), or a configuration in which a two-dimensional code is arranged in a row and a column (that is, a configuration in which one row is arranged in a vertical direction) ) Etc. as a concept.

  In the case of the information code 1 in FIG. 22, since the two-dimensional code 100, 200 has a matrix configuration arranged in one row and two columns, for example, the row number information “01” and the column number information “02” It can be arranged configuration information. In the present embodiment, such arrangement configuration information “01” and “02” (number of rows information and number of columns information) and arrangement configuration information specifying data indicating that the “01” and “02” are arrangement configuration information. (For example, data consisting of specific numeric strings and character strings indicating arrangement configuration information), and the data consisting of these arrangement configuration information and arrangement configuration information specifying data are both two-dimensional codes 100, It is represented by 200 data code blocks 131 and 231 respectively.

  As described above, the arrangement configuration information is recorded as data in association with the arrangement configuration information specifying data in the two-dimensional code 100, and the arrangement configuration information is also associated with the arrangement configuration information specifying data in the two-dimensional code 200 as data. Since it is recorded, it is easy to identify which information in the code is the arrangement configuration information regardless of which two-dimensional code is read by the reader, and the information code based on the specified arrangement configuration information It is possible for the reading apparatus to easily specify the arrangement configuration of the plurality of two-dimensional codes constituting the.

According to the configuration of the present embodiment, for example, the following effects can be obtained.
In the information code 1 of the present embodiment, code number information indicating the number of codes of the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 to be connected is recorded in the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 connected by the connection block 3. ing. With this configuration, the number of two-dimensional codes included in the information code 1 can be grasped at the time of reading, and various confirmations (for example, how many two-dimensional codes out of all two-dimensional codes are read). Confirmation of whether or not all the two-dimensional codes have been read can be easily performed.

  Further, in the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 connected by the connection block 3, unique information for specifying the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 is recorded in association with the two-dimensional codes 100 and 200, respectively. Yes. In this way, it is possible to accurately grasp which two-dimensional code has been read when reading the information code 1 on the reading device side.

  Further, in the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 connected by the connection block 3, arrangement configuration information representing the arrangement configuration of the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 connected is recorded. With this configuration, when reading, the arrangement configuration of the two-dimensional code in the information code 1 can be grasped, and appropriate reading considering the arrangement configuration of the two-dimensional code is possible. Specifically, for example, confirmation of whether or not all the two-dimensional codes whose arrangement is specified by the arrangement configuration information has been read can be quickly and accurately performed.

  The arrangement configuration information recorded in the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 includes a column number information and a row number information that specify the matrix configuration of the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200. In this way, the arrangement configuration of the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 can be quickly and accurately grasped with a small amount of information.

Next, another example 1 of this embodiment will be described.
In the description according to FIG. 22, an example in which two-dimensional code related information (code number information, unique information, arrangement configuration information) is recorded in the two two-dimensional codes 100 and 200 constituting the information code 1 is shown. The same idea can be applied even if the information code has a different configuration. For example, in the information code 600 having a matrix configuration of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns as shown in FIG. 23, code number information, unique information, and arrangement configuration information similar to those in the example of FIG. 22 may be recorded in a two-dimensional code. it can. Hereinafter, an example in which two-dimensional code related information is recorded in the two-dimensional code constituting the information code 600 of FIG. 23 will be described.

  The basic configuration of the information code 600 of FIG. 23 is the same as that of FIG. 15, and FIG. 23 is intended to explain the information code 600 of FIG. 15 in more detail. As described with reference to FIG. 15, the information code 600 is obtained by arranging four two-dimensional codes 410, 420, 430, and 440 in a matrix and connecting them by a connection block 603. In each two-dimensional code 410, 420, 430, 440 of the two-dimensional code 600, code number information indicating the number of codes of the four two-dimensional codes 410, 420, 430, 440 to be connected is recorded. The code number information may associate not only the number of two-dimensional codes included in the entire information code 600 but also the position and order of each two-dimensional code. For example, in the information code 600, when the two-dimensional code 410 is defined as the first and the two-dimensional codes 420, 430, and 440 are defined as the second, third, and fourth, respectively, The total number of codes can be recorded.

  For example, when code number information is recorded in the two-dimensional code 410, the order information of the two-dimensional code 410 (that is, the first “1” information) and the number of two-dimensional codes “4” included in the information code 600 are obtained. As the code number information, data in which the code number information “1” and “4” are associated with the code number information specifying data can be represented by the data code block 415 of the two-dimensional code 410. In this way, when the two-dimensional code 410 is read by the reading device, the reading device can specify that “1” and “4” are the code number information. 4 and the reading device can confirm that the first two-dimensional code in the four two-dimensional codes has been read. The two-dimensional code 420 is the same, and the order information of the two-dimensional code 420 (that is, the second information “2”) and the number of two-dimensional codes “4” included in the information code 600 are used as the code number information. The code number information “2” and “4” and the code number information specifying data may be associated with each other by the data code block 425 of the two-dimensional code 420. The same applies to the two-dimensional codes 430 and 440. The code number information “3” and “4” is recorded in the two-dimensional code 430, and the code number information “4” and “4” is recorded in the two-dimensional code 440. Can be recorded. In FIG. 23, some data code blocks are conceptually shown by broken lines 415, 425, 435, and 445, and symbols of other data code blocks are omitted. The specific configuration of each data code block is also omitted.

  In the case of the information code 600 of FIG. 23, since the two-dimensional code 410, 420, 430, 440 has a matrix configuration arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns, for example, the number of rows information “02” and “02” Column number information can be used as arrangement configuration information. Specifically, such arrangement configuration information “02” and “02” (number of rows information and number of columns information) and arrangement configuration information specifying data indicating that “02” and “02” are arrangement configuration information. And the data composed of the arrangement configuration information and the arrangement configuration information specifying data are represented by the data code blocks 415, 425, 435, and 445 of the two-dimensional codes 410, 420, 430, and 440, respectively. Good. In this way, when the two-dimensional code 410 is read by the reading device, it is possible for the reading device to specify that “02” and “02” are arrangement configuration information. The reading apparatus can grasp that the two two-dimensional codes 410, 420, 430, and 440 are arranged in a matrix of 2 rows and 2 columns.

Next, another example 2 of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 24 illustrates an information code 900 according to another example 2, and this information code 900 is also provided with a plurality of two-dimensional codes 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, and 960. The cords 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, 960 are connected by row-like connecting blocks 901, 902, 903, 904, 905. Each two-dimensional code 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, 960 constituting the information code 900 includes a code block in which a plurality of cells are aggregated, a first specific pattern for specifying a cell position, In addition, the first specific pattern is arranged at a predetermined corner of the rectangular area, and a plurality of code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area. In FIG. 24, the first specific patterns of the two-dimensional codes 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, and 960 are represented by reference numerals 912, 922, 932, 942, 952, and 962, respectively. The codes and specific configurations of code blocks (data code blocks and error correction code blocks) arranged inside the codes 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, and 960 are omitted.

  The two-dimensional codes 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, and 960 constituting the information code 900 are arranged in the two-dimensional codes 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, and 960 connected by the connecting blocks 901 to 905. The arrangement configuration information representing the configuration is recorded. This arrangement configuration information includes shape information for specifying the arrangement of a plurality of two-dimensional codes constituting the information code 900 in a shape. Specifically, the information code 900 includes two columns (two-dimensional codes 910, 920, 930, and 940, and two-dimensional codes 940, 950, and 960). Is arranged in an L shape, and shape information (for example, information “L”) indicating an L configuration is used as the arrangement configuration information. Further, the specific content of the L-shaped configuration is specified by the arrangement information of one column (vertical column) and the arrangement information of the other column (horizontal column). The arrangement configuration information is constituted by the information and the shape information.

  More specifically, since one column (vertical column) is composed of 4 rows and 1 column, the information code 900 uses data “4” and “1” as array information of one column. Since the other column (horizontal column) is composed of 1 row and 3 columns, the data “1” and “3” can be used as the arrangement information of the other column. In the information code 900, the data “L”, “4”, “1”, “1”, and “3” represented in this way is used as the arrangement configuration information, and the two-dimensional codes 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, and 960 are used. The arrangement configuration information is expressed by a data code block to be configured. The arrangement configuration information may be included as data in all the two-dimensional codes 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, and 960, and any one or a plurality of two-dimensional codes (for example, end portions) (2D code) may be included as data only.

  Also, in the information code 900 of FIG. 24, code number information (for example, the number of two-dimensional codes constituting the information code 900 in all or part of the two-dimensional codes 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, and 960 (for example, Information "6") can be recorded. Also in the information code 900, information unique to each two-dimensional code (for example, unique information as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 24) is recorded in each of the two-dimensional codes 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, and 960. be able to.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 25A is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an information code generated by the generation method according to the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 25B configures the information code of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining each two-dimensional code. FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a generation process for realizing the generation method according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the cell color determination process of the connected block in the generation process of FIG. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the achromatic color process in the process of FIG. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the cell colors of both adjacent cells and the cell color of the target cell therebetween. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a hue circle. FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram for enlarging and explaining the vicinity of the connection block of the information code in FIG.

  The information code generated by the generation method according to the present embodiment is configured integrally by arranging a plurality of two-dimensional codes with a connection block indicating the boundary position of the two-dimensional code interposed therebetween, as shown in FIG. An example of such an information code is shown in (a).

  The information code in FIG. 25 (a) is formed integrally by arranging two two-dimensional codes 1010 and 1020 with a connection block 1003 indicating the boundary position between these two-dimensional codes 1010 and 1020 interposed therebetween. One two-dimensional code 1010 includes a code block (a data code block and an error correction code block similar to those in the above embodiment) formed by a plurality of cells, and a first specific pattern 1012 for specifying a cell position. The first specific pattern 1012 is arranged at a prescribed corner of the rectangular area, and a plurality of code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area. The other two-dimensional code 1020 is the same, and a code block (a data code block and an error correction code block similar to those in the above embodiment) formed by a plurality of cells and a first block for specifying the position of the cell. The specific pattern 1022 is provided, the first specific pattern 1022 is arranged at a predetermined corner of the rectangular area, and a plurality of code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area. In the example of FIG. 25, the specific cell configuration of the code block is omitted, and only a cell adjacent to the borders 1011 and 1021 is shown as a specific example.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a generation process for generating an information code as shown in FIG. This generation process is executed by an information processing apparatus (for example, a computer) equipped with a CPU, a memory, an input device, and the like. When the process starts, first, the two-dimensional code generation process of S1 is performed. . In the two-dimensional code generation process, various known processes for generating a two-dimensional code can be used. As an example, first, input data (data to be encoded) input by an input device or the like is analyzed to understand the amount of data, and then the input data is encoded to generate a data code word. . Further, an error correction code word is generated based on the input data. In the method according to the present embodiment, a plurality of two-dimensional code model numbers are prepared in advance, and the model number is selected based on an instruction by the user or an input data amount. Therefore, the data code block for expressing the data code word and the error correction code block for expressing the error correction code word are arranged in the order determined in the selected model number.

In the two-dimensional code generation process of S1, a plurality of two-dimensional codes are generated using the above generation method. A method for generating a plurality of two-dimensional codes is a method of expressing a series of input data by a plurality of two-dimensional codes (for example, dividing a series of input data into a plurality of pieces and generating a two-dimensional code for each divided data. Or a method of generating a two-dimensional code for each separately input data.
The process of S1 corresponds to an example of a “two-dimensional code generation step”.

  After a plurality of two-dimensional codes are generated in the two-dimensional code generation process of S1, a process for detecting the hue value of the adjacent cell is performed (S2). The hue value detection process of the adjacent cell is a process of detecting the hue value of the adjacent cell adjacent to the connected block in each two-dimensional code. For example, two two-dimensional codes 1010 as shown in FIG. When 1020 is generated, the hue value of the adjacent cell is detected in each of these two two-dimensional codes 1010 and 1020.

  In the two-dimensional code 1010, the cells 1011a to 1011k adjacent to the side 1011 to be the boundary with the connected block 1003 are adjacent cells (see also FIG. 31). In S2, these adjacent cells 1011a to 1011k are used. The hue value of is confirmed. The same applies to the other two-dimensional code 1020. The cells 1021a to 1021k adjacent to the side 1021 to be a boundary with the connected block 1003 are adjacent cells (see also FIG. 31). Hue values of 1021a to 1021k are also confirmed.

Then, the process which sets the cell color of each cell which comprises a connection block is performed (S3).
The process of S3 is performed in the flow as shown in FIG. 27, for example. First, it is determined whether or not adjacent cells on both sides of a cell (hereinafter also referred to as a target cell) for cell color setting in a connected block are chromatic colors. For example, when the target cell is a cell arranged between the adjacent cell 1011a and the adjacent cell 1021a in FIG. 25 (b), both the adjacent cells 1011a and 1021a are black and are achromatic, so No in S11. Then, the achromatic color process of S16 is performed.

  The achromatic color process in S16 is performed in a flow as shown in FIG. 28, for example. In this process, first, it is determined whether or not adjacent cells on both sides of the target cell for which the cell color is to be set are all achromatic (S101). For example, when the cell color is set using the cell arranged between the adjacent cell 1011a and the adjacent cell 1021a as the target cell, both the adjacent cells 1011a and 1021a adjacent to the target cell are both black and achromatic. The process proceeds to Yes in S101. On the other hand, if only one of the adjacent cells adjacent to the target cell is achromatic, the process proceeds to No in S101. When the process proceeds to Yes in S101, it is determined whether both adjacent cells adjacent to the target cell are white (S102). If both adjacent cells adjacent to the target cell are white, the process proceeds to Yes in S102, and the cell color of the target cell is set to black (S103).

  If it is determined in S102 that at least one of the adjacent cells adjacent to the target cell is not white, the process proceeds to No in S102. When the process proceeds to No in S102, it is determined whether the adjacent cells on both sides of the target cell are all black (S104). For example, when the cell between the adjacent cell 1011a and the adjacent cell 1021a is set as the target cell, since both adjacent cells are black, the process proceeds to Yes in S104, and the cell color of the target cell is set to white (S105). ). That is, the cell color between the adjacent cell 1011a and the adjacent cell 1021a is set to white in such a flow (see also FIG. 29).

  If it is determined in S104 that at least one of the adjacent cells adjacent to the target cell is not black, the process proceeds to No in S104. In this case, the target cell is set to an achromatic color, and the luminance of the target cell is set to the average value of the luminance of both adjacent cells arranged on both sides (S106). For example, when the adjacent cell on one side of the target cell is white and the adjacent cell on the other side is black, the target cell is set to gray (see FIG. 29), and the luminance is the average value of the luminance of both adjacent cells. Is set.

  On the other hand, if only one of the adjacent cells adjacent to the target cell is determined to be achromatic in S101, the process proceeds to No in S101 to determine whether the cell color of the one achromatic cell is white ( S107). If one achromatic cell is white, the process proceeds to Yes in S107, and the cell color of the target cell is set to black (S108). Note that this setting is made when the target cell is the cell between the adjacent cell 1011i and the adjacent cell 1021i in FIG.

  If the cell color of the achromatic cell is not white, the process proceeds to No in S107, and the cell color of the target cell is set to white (S109). For example, such a setting is made when the target cell is a cell between the adjacent cell 1011b and the adjacent cell 1021b in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 27, a case will be described where both cells are determined to be chromatic colors in S11. If it is determined in S11 that both adjacent cells adjacent to the target cell are chromatic colors, the process proceeds to Yes in S11, and a difference in hue value between both adjacent cells is calculated (S12).

  FIG. 30 schematically shows a hue circle in which hues are arranged in a circular pattern in the order of the spectrum. Red is 0 °, yellow is 60 °, green is 120 °, cyan is 180 °, and blue is 240. °, magenta color is set to 300 °. In the present embodiment, an angle determined by such a hue circle is used as a hue value. In FIG. 30, only the hue values of red, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and magenta are representatively shown, but it goes without saying that the hue values of other colors are determined according to the spectrum arrangement. .

  In this embodiment, regarding the hue value determined in this way, the difference between the hue value X1 of the adjacent cell on one side of the target cell and the hue value X2 on the other side is calculated, and the difference in hue value is less than 180 °. It is determined whether or not there is (S13). The difference in hue value can also be expressed by an absolute value of X1-X2. If the difference between the hue values of both adjacent cells is less than 180 °, the process proceeds to Yes in S13 to obtain an intermediate value Xa between the hue values X1 and X2 of both cells, and the hue obtained by adding 180 ° to the intermediate value Xa. The color corresponding to the value is set as the cell color of the target cell (S14). For example, when the adjacent cell on one side of the target cell is red and the adjacent cell on the other side is green, the hue value of the adjacent cell on one side (that is, 0 °) and the hue value of the adjacent cell on the other side (that is, 120) )), An intermediate value of 60 ° is obtained, and a color corresponding to a hue value of 240 ° obtained by adding 180 ° to the intermediate value (that is, blue) is set as the hue value of the target cell. Note that such a setting is made when a cell between the adjacent cell 1011f and the adjacent cell 1021f is targeted (see FIG. 31).

  On the other hand, if the difference between the hue values of both adjacent cells adjacent to the target cell is 180 ° or more, the process proceeds to No in S13, and the color corresponding to the intermediate value between the hue values X1 and X2 of both cells is selected. The color is set (S15). For example, when the adjacent cell on one side of the target cell is red and the adjacent cell is blue on the other side, the hue value of the adjacent cell on one side (that is, 0 °) and the hue value of the adjacent cell on the other side (that is, 240 °) ) And an intermediate value of 120 ° is obtained, and the color corresponding to the intermediate value (that is, green) is set as the hue value of the target cell. Note that such a setting is made when a cell between the adjacent cell 1011k and the adjacent cell 1021k is set as a target cell (see FIG. 31).

  The process of S3 (FIG. 26) is performed according to the flow as described above. This process of S3 is performed for each target cell constituting the connected block. Specifically, after the cell color of the target cell is set by the process of S3, it is determined whether or not the cell color is set for all the cells constituting the connected block in S4, and the cell color is not set. If cells remain, the process proceeds to No in S4, and the process of S3 is repeated for the remaining cells. If the cell color is set for all the cells, the process proceeds to Yes in S4, and a connected block generation process is performed (S5). In the connected block generation process, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 31, all the cells with cell colors set are arranged to form a connected block 1003, and the two-dimensional codes 1010 and 1020 generated in S1 are arranged on both sides thereof. Then, the information code 1 is completed.

  In the present embodiment, the processing of S2 to S5 corresponds to an example of a “connected block generation step”. Further, the process of S2 corresponds to an example of “first detection step” and “second detection step”. The processes of S3 and S4 correspond to an example of “cell color determination step”.

  According to the invention according to the present embodiment, it is possible to satisfactorily generate an information code formed by connecting a plurality of two-dimensional codes with a connecting block. In particular, in the processing of S2 to S5 (connected block generation step), the colors (specifically hue values) of the adjacent cells 1011a to 1011k adjacent to the connected block in one two-dimensional code 1010, and other two-dimensional codes. The color (specifically, the hue value) of each of the adjacent cells 1021a to 1021k adjacent to the connected block in 1020 is detected, and based on the detected color of each of the adjacent cells 1011a to 1011k, each cell of the connected block 1003 is detected. Since the color is determined, each cell of the connected block 1003 can be set to an appropriate color in consideration of adjacent cells on both sides of the connected block 1003. As a result, the two-dimensional codes 1010 and 1020 on both sides can be easily specified for the entire connected block 1003. An appropriate configuration can be obtained.

  In addition, the colors of the cells 1003a to 1003k of the connection block 1003 are set to the hue values of the adjacent cells 1011a to 1011k of one two-dimensional code 1010 adjacent to one side of the cells 1003a to 1003k, and adjacent to the other side. It is determined based on the intermediate value between the hue values of the adjacent cells 1021a to 1021k of the other two-dimensional code 1021. In this way, the cells 1003a to 1003k of the concatenated block 1003 can be colored more easily than the adjacent cells arranged on both sides of the cell, and the boundary of the two-dimensional code and the boundary of the concatenated block can be defined. An information code that is easier to specify can be generated satisfactorily.

[Eighth Embodiment]
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating display processing for realizing the display method according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 33A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an information code to be displayed, and FIG. 33B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the information code of FIG. 33A is divided into a plurality of code elements. It is. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example on the display device. FIG. 34 schematically shows only the screen portion of the display device.

  The display process shown in FIG. 32 is realized by information processing means (for example, a computer) provided with a CPU, a memory, and the like, and a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display).

  When the display process of FIG. 32 is started, first, a process of acquiring an information code to be displayed is performed (S201). This information code acquisition process is a process for acquiring an information code as exemplified in FIG. The information code acquisition method in the process of S201 may be a method of acquiring the information code itself from the outside, or a method of acquiring only the input data from the outside and generating the information code based on the input data. May be. As a method for acquiring the information code itself from the outside, the data of the information code as shown in FIG. 33A may be received from the external device, and the code image as shown in FIG. Alternatively, a method for obtaining image data may be used. Note that the information code 820 in FIG. 33A is the same as the information code in FIG. 19 described in the above embodiment, and the specific cell configuration of the internal code block is omitted.

After the information code is acquired in S201, processing for dividing the information code is performed (S202). For example, when the information code 820 as shown in FIG. 33A is acquired in S201, the information code 820 is divided into a plurality of code elements E1 to E3 as shown in FIG. 33B in S202.
In the present embodiment, the process of S202 corresponds to an example of “dividing step”.

  In the process of S202, the information code 820 is divided in such a configuration that each code element E1 to E3 includes one two-dimensional code as shown in FIG. That is, the code element E1 includes one two-dimensional code 410, the code element E2 includes one two-dimensional code 420, and the code element E3 includes one two-dimensional code 430. In addition, any one specific code element (code element E3 in FIG. 33B) does not include a concatenated block, and concatenated blocks 823 and 824 are provided in code elements E1 and E2 other than the specific code element, respectively. The information code 820 is divided in the included state.

  After the process of S202, a process of ordering the divided code elements E1 to E3 is performed (S203). Various methods for ordering the divided code elements are conceivable. For example, in the case of information codes arranged in a line as shown in FIG. 33A, a two-dimensional code 450 at one end is used as shown in FIG. The code element E3 to be included is not included as a code element to be displayed last, so that the connected block is not included, and the code element E1 on the other side opposite to the two-dimensional code 450 at the one end is preferentially displayed. Can be ordered. When ordered by this method, the code element E1 is the first, the code element E2 is the second, and the code element E3 having no connection block is the third code element to be displayed last.

After the ordering process in S203, a process for displaying the ordered code elements E1 to E3 on the display device is performed (S204). In this process, the code element E1 set first by the ordering process in S203 is first displayed on the display device P (FIG. 34A), and then the code element E2 set second is displayed on the display device. Displayed on P (FIG. 34 (b)). Finally, the code element E3 set third is displayed on the display device P (FIG. 34 (c)). As described above, in S204, code elements (that is, code elements E1 and E2 having a connected block) other than a specific code element that does not have a connected block (that is, code elements E1 and E2) are sequentially displayed, and then a specific code element E3 is displayed. The process is performed so as to be displayed last.
In the present embodiment, S203 and S204 correspond to an example of a display step.

  The code elements E1 to E3 displayed in this way can be read by the reading device. For example, when the displayed code elements E1 to E3 are imaged by the imaging device of the reading device, the obtained three code images may be connected and decoded, or each code image may be decoded separately. Good.

According to the invention according to the present embodiment, for example, the following effects can be obtained.
In the invention according to this embodiment, the information code 820 is divided into a plurality of code elements E1 to E3, and the divided code elements E1 to E3 are sequentially displayed on the display screen of the display device P. In this way, when the size of the information code is large, the information code can be displayed in a small space, and even when the size of the display device is small, the information code can be displayed and read satisfactorily. In addition, since code elements other than the specific code element E3 having no connection block (that is, code elements E1 and E2 including the connection block) are sequentially displayed, the specific code element E3 is displayed last. Thus, the code element to be displayed at the end can be surely specified without using a complicated configuration or information.

  In the invention according to the present embodiment, since the information code 820 is divided in a configuration in which each code element E1 to E3 includes one two-dimensional code, the size of each code element E1 to E3 is further reduced. The code elements E1 to E3 can be easily accommodated on the display screen.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the background color is white has been described. However, the background color is not limited to white, and various colors can be used.

  In the above embodiment, the information code using three or more types of cells (specifically, cells of three or more colors) is illustrated, but the information code may be constituted by two types of cells. For example, the information code may be composed of light cells (white cells, etc.) and dark cells (black cells, etc.).

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the information code using the cell of 8 colors was illustrated as an example comprised by three or more types of cells, the color used and the number of types are not restricted to this. For example, 5 colors (for example, R (red), G (green), B (blue), white, black), 12 colors, etc.) may be used in more or less than the number of colors in the above embodiment. The combination of colors may be different from the above embodiment.

  In the above embodiment, the square area whose outer shape is formed in a square shape is illustrated as the code area (rectangular area) of the two-dimensional code. However, the present invention is not limited to this. There may be.

  In the above-described embodiment, the block composed mainly of eight cells is exemplified as the configuration of the code block, but the number of cells may be other than 8 for both the data code block and the error correction code block. . For example, it may be a block formed by a collection of cells less than 8 (for example, 2, 4, 6, etc.), and a larger number of cells (for example, 10, 16, etc.) may be collected. It may be a block formed.

  In the above-described embodiment, several examples (FIGS. 1, 12, etc.) have been described as the first specific pattern. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, if a cell having a color different from the background color is arranged at a specified corner of a rectangular area and the specified corner can be specified, the colors used, the number of cells, the shape, the arrangement order, etc. are various. can do.

  In the said embodiment, although the example like FIG. 1 was given and demonstrated as a 2nd specific pattern adjacent to a connection block, it is not restricted to such a structure. For example, as long as cells having a color different from the background color are arranged at the boundary portion of the rectangular area and the boundary portion can be specified, the color, the number of cells, the shape, the arrangement order, and the like can be varied. .

  In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which each cell constituting at least a part of the connected block is configured to have a color different from that of an adjacent cell adjacent to each cell in at least one two-dimensional code. It is not limited to a simple configuration. For example, each cell constituting at least a part of the connected block may be configured to have a concentration different from that of an adjacent cell adjacent to the corresponding cell in at least one two-dimensional code. Each cell to be configured may be configured to have a luminance different from that of an adjacent cell adjacent to each cell in at least one of the two-dimensional codes.

  In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a plurality of two-dimensional codes of the same size are connected by a connecting block is illustrated, but two-dimensional codes of different sizes may be connected by a connecting block. The information code 800 in FIG. 18 shows an example, and a two-dimensional code having the same configuration as the two-dimensional code 100 in FIG. 1 and a two-dimensional code having the same configuration as the two-dimensional code 420 in FIG. 803 is connected. Even in this configuration, the connection block 803 has a configuration in which cells are arranged in a straight line (in a line), and the width of the connection block 803 is the same as the length of one side of the cell. The length of the connection block 803 is the same as the length of one side of one two-dimensional code 420, and all the cells adjacent to the two-dimensional code 420 in the connection block 803 are adjacent to each of the two-dimensional code 420. The cell (adjacent cell) is configured to have a different color.

  In the above embodiment, a configuration in which two two-dimensional codes are arranged in a predetermined direction is illustrated. However, three or more two-dimensional codes are arranged in a predetermined direction, and a connection block similar to that in the above embodiment is provided between the two-dimensional codes. It may be. For example, in the example of FIG. 19, the same two-dimensional codes 410 and 420 as in FIG. 12 are arranged and a connection block 823 is arranged therebetween. A two-dimensional code 450 similar to the two-dimensional code 410 is arranged next to the two-dimensional code 410, and a connection block 824 is disposed between the two-dimensional code 420 and the two-dimensional code 450. That is, the three two-dimensional codes 410, 420, and 450 are arranged in one direction, and the connection blocks 823 and 824 are arranged therebetween so as to be integrally formed. Even in this configuration, the connection block 823 has a configuration in which cells are arranged in a straight line (in a line), and the width of the connection block 823 is the same as the length of one side of the cell. In addition, all the cells adjacent to the two-dimensional code 420 in the connection block 823 are configured to have different colors from the cells adjacent to the two-dimensional code 420 (adjacent cells). Similarly, the connection block 824 has a configuration in which cells are arranged in a straight line (in a line), and the width of the connection block 824 is the same as the length of one side of the cell. In addition, all the cells adjacent to the two-dimensional code 450 in the connection block 824 are configured to have different colors from the cells adjacent to the two-dimensional code 450 (adjacent cells). In FIG. 19, code blocks such as a data code block and an error correction code block are omitted.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the overall shape of the information code may not be a rectangular shape. In FIG. 20, two-dimensional codes 410 and 420 similar to those in FIG. 12 are arranged in a predetermined direction, and a connecting block 843 is arranged therebetween. Further, the two-dimensional codes 410 and 430 are arranged in a direction different from the arrangement direction of the two-dimensional codes 410 and 420, and the connection block 844 is arranged between them. The two-dimensional code 430 has the same configuration as the two-dimensional code 410, that is, the first specific pattern 432 and the boundary adjacent patterns 433 and 434 are the first specific pattern 412 and the boundary adjacent pattern of the two-dimensional code 410. The configuration is the same as 413 and 414. In FIG. 20, code blocks such as a data code block and an error correction code block are omitted.

  In the third embodiment, an example in which a concatenated block in which the same type of cells are arranged is used in the code configuration as shown in FIG. 12, but an example in which the information code is configured by arranging the same type of cells is not limited thereto. For example, the same idea may be applied to a code structure as shown in FIG. The information code 860 in FIG. 21 is an example thereof, and only the configuration of the connection block 863 is different from that in FIG. In the connection block 863, white cells having a color different from that of the outer peripheral cell (that is, black cell) of the first specific pattern 202 in the region adjacent to the first specific pattern 202 are the length of the first specific pattern 202. In a region adjacent to the boundary adjacent pattern 220, cells of different colors (black cells) are aligned by the length of the boundary adjacent pattern 220.

In the above-described embodiment, each cell constituting at least a part of the connected block has been described mainly with respect to an example in which the color is different from that of an adjacent cell adjacent to each cell in at least one two-dimensional code. The configuration is not limited to this. In any of the configurations of the embodiments, each cell constituting at least a part of the connected block may be configured to have a concentration different from that of an adjacent cell adjacent to each cell in at least one two-dimensional code, Each cell constituting at least a part of the connected block may be configured to have a luminance different from that of an adjacent cell adjacent to each cell in at least one two-dimensional code. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, that is, in the configuration in which the connection block 3 is arranged so as to be adjacent to the first specific pattern 202 in one two-dimensional code 200, All the cells in the portion adjacent to the specific pattern 202 may be configured to have different concentrations from the adjacent cells 202a to 202g in the first specific pattern 202. That is, the cells 3a to 3g do not have to be white as long as the cells have different densities from the cells 200a to 202g (for example, cells having a density value lower than the density values of the cells 200a to 202g). In this case, the information code 1 is composed of a plurality of types of cells having different concentrations.
Alternatively, all the cells in the portion adjacent to the first specific pattern 202 in the connection block 3 in FIG. 1 may be configured to have different luminance from the adjacent cells 202a to 202g in the first specific pattern 202. Good. That is, the cells 3a to 3g may be cells having a luminance different from that of the cells 200a to 202g (for example, cells having luminance values higher than the luminance values of the cells 200a to 202g). In this case, the information code 1 is composed of a plurality of types of cells having different luminances.

  In the sixth embodiment, several examples in which code number information, unique information of each two-dimensional code, and arrangement configuration information are recorded in a plurality of two-dimensional codes constituting the information code have been described. In any of the information codes, such code number information, unique information, and arrangement configuration information can be recorded in a two-dimensional code. In addition, in the information code described in the sixth embodiment and other information codes in this specification, when code number information, unique information, and arrangement configuration information are recorded in a two-dimensional code, all these types of information are recorded. Instead of recording, only one type (for example, only code number information) or only two types (for example, only code number information and unique information) may be recorded.

  In the sixth embodiment, an example is shown in which the code number information is recorded in all the two-dimensional codes constituting the information code. However, the code number information is included only in some of the two-dimensional codes (for example, only the two-dimensional code at the end). May be recorded.

  In 6th Embodiment, although the example which records arrangement | positioning structure information in all the two-dimensional codes which comprise an information code was shown, arrangement | positioning structure information only in a part of two-dimensional code (for example, only the two-dimensional code of an edge part) May be recorded.

  In the sixth embodiment, the configuration in which the unique information of each two-dimensional code is recorded in each two-dimensional code is exemplified. However, the unique information of a plurality of two-dimensional codes is collectively recorded in any two-dimensional code. May be. For example, if the two-dimensional code is recorded in any two-dimensional code by associating the unique information of each two-dimensional code with the order information or position information of each two-dimensional code, when any two-dimensional code is read, Unique information related to each two-dimensional code can be grasped.

In the seventh embodiment, the method of determining the cell color of each cell based on the hue value of the adjacent cell arranged on both sides of each cell constituting the concatenated code is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cell density between both adjacent cells may be determined based on the density of both adjacent cells arranged on both sides of each cell constituting the connection code. For example, the density of each cell is set so that the density of each cell in the connected block is equal to or greater than a predetermined value with respect to any density of both adjacent cells arranged on both sides of each cell. Also good.
Or you may make it determine the brightness | luminance of each cell which comprises a connection code | cord based on the brightness | luminance of the both adjacent cell arrange | positioned at the both sides of each said cell, respectively. For example, the brightness of each cell in the connected block is set so that the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value with respect to the brightness of both adjacent cells arranged on both sides of each cell. May be.

  In the seventh embodiment, the method of determining the cell color of each cell based on the hue value of both adjacent cells arranged on both sides of each cell constituting the concatenated code is exemplified, but the hue value of each cell of the concatenated code May be determined based on the hue value of only the adjacent cells arranged on one side of each cell. For example, the cell color of each cell of the connected block may be set to be a complementary color of the cell color of the adjacent cell adjacent to one side of each cell.

  In the eighth embodiment, the information code is divided by a configuration in which one two-dimensional code is arranged in each code element, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of two-dimensional codes may be included in any of a plurality of code elements to be divided.

  In the eighth embodiment, an example of a method for dividing and ordering information codes has been described, but the method for dividing and ordering information is not limited thereto. For example, when ordering information for ordering these two-dimensional codes is recorded in the two-dimensional code constituting the information code 820, the information code is divided according to the ordering information and the ordering process is performed. Can do. More specifically, for example, the ordering information “third” is recorded as the data of the two-dimensional code 410, the ordering information “second” is recorded as the data of the two-dimensional code 420, and the data of the two-dimensional code 450 is 1 When the rank order information is recorded, the information code 820 can be divided based on the rank order information in S202. In this case, the code elements are divided by the two-dimensional code 450 and the connection block 824, and the code elements are divided by the two-dimensional code 420 and the connection block 823. In addition, the connected block is not attached to the two-dimensional code 410 that is third according to the ordering information. In such a case, since the ranking is already performed, the process of S203 can be omitted, and the display device P performs the ranking in the order (that is, the order of the two-dimensional code 450, the two-dimensional code 420, and the two-dimensional code 410). Display is performed.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an information code according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the information code of FIG. 1 by extracting the first specific pattern, the second specific pattern, and the connected block. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining one of the two-dimensional codes in an enlarged manner. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for extracting and explaining the first specific pattern, the second specific pattern, and the like in one two-dimensional code. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an enlarged second specific pattern used in the two-dimensional code of FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the vicinity of the boundary between both two-dimensional codes in an enlarged manner. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of a connected block in comparison with each two-dimensional code. FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an optical reader that reads the information code of FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a reading process by the optical information reading apparatus in FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for enlarging and explaining the vicinity of the boundary between both two-dimensional codes in the information code of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the connected blocks used in the information code of FIG. 10 in comparison with each two-dimensional code. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the information code according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining the information code according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the connected blocks used in the information code of FIG. 13 in comparison with each two-dimensional code. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modification of the information code according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the information code according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concatenated blocks used in the information code of FIG. 16 in comparison with each two-dimensional code. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 1 different from FIG. 1 for the information code of the present invention. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a modification 2 different from FIG. 1 for the information code of the present invention. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a third modified example different from that in FIG. 1 for the information code of the present invention. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth modification example different from that in FIG. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an information code according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an information code according to another example 1 of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an information code according to another example 2 of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 25A is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an information code generated by the generation method according to the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 25B configures the information code of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining each two-dimensional code. FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a generation process for realizing the generation method according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the cell color determination process of the connected block in the generation process of FIG. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the achromatic color process in the process of FIG. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the cell colors of both adjacent cells and the cell color of the target cell therebetween. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a hue circle. FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram for enlarging and explaining the vicinity of the connection block of the information code in FIG. FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating display processing for realizing the display method according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 33A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an information code to be displayed, and FIG. 33B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the information code of FIG. 33A is divided into a plurality of code elements. It is. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example on the display device.

1,300,400,500,600,700,800,820,840,860,900,1000 ... Information code 3,303,403,503,603,703,803,823,824,843,844,863 901-905, 1003 ... Connection block 100, 200, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, 960, 1010, 1020 ... Two-dimensional code 102, 202, 412, 422, 432 , 442, 452, 912, 922, 932, 942, 952, 962, 1012, 1022... First specific pattern 103, 105, 107... Border part adjacent pattern (second specific pattern)
130, 230 ... code block 109a, 209a ... corner (regular corner)
415, 425, 435, 445 ... Data code block (code block)
713 ... 1st block 723 ... 2nd block 1011a-1011k, 1021a-1021k ... Neighboring cell C ... Cell E1-E3 ... Code element P ... Display device

Claims (27)

In the information code that is configured by integrally arranging a plurality of two-dimensional codes close to each other,
Each 2D code is
A code block composed of a plurality of cells,
A first specific pattern for specifying a position of the cell;
With
The first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of a rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area,
The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged across a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes ,
An information code characterized in that all cells adjacent to one of the two-dimensional codes in the connected block are different in color, density or luminance from the adjacent cells . 2. The information code according to claim 1, wherein the connected blocks are composed of cells of the same type having the same color, density, or luminance . The connection block has a configuration in which the cells are arranged in a straight line,
The information code according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a width of the connection block is the same as a length of one side of the cell . In the information code that is configured by integrally arranging a plurality of two-dimensional codes close to each other,
Each 2D code is
A code block composed of a plurality of cells,
A first specific pattern for specifying a position of the cell;
With
The first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of a rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area,
The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged across a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes,
All the cells adjacent to the two-dimensional code on both sides of the connected block in the connected block are configured such that the color, density, or luminance is different from the adjacent cells of any of the two-dimensional codes on both sides. information code that. In the information code that is configured by integrally arranging a plurality of two-dimensional codes close to each other,
Each 2D code is
A code block composed of a plurality of cells,
A first specific pattern for specifying a position of the cell;
With
The first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of a rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area,
The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged across a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes,
The concatenated block has a first block adjacent to one of the two-dimensional codes and a second block adjacent to the other two-dimensional code;
In the entire region adjacent to the first block in one of the two-dimensional codes, the adjacent cells of the first block and one of the two-dimensional codes are configured to have different colors, densities, or luminances,
In the entire area adjacent to the second block in the other two-dimensional code, the adjacent cells of the second block and the other two-dimensional code are configured to have different colors, density, or luminance. An information code characterized by 6. The length of the connection block is the same length as a side adjacent to the connection block in at least one of the plurality of two-dimensional codes. 6. Information code described in . The information code according to claim 6, wherein the length of the connection block is the same length as a side adjacent to the connection block in each of the two-dimensional codes on both sides of the connection block . In the connection block, a plurality of types of cells having different colors, densities or luminances are arranged in a combination of predetermined types, and for referring to the colors, densities or luminances of the plurality of cells of the two-dimensional code The information code according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the information code is also used as a reference area . In the information code that is configured by integrally arranging a plurality of two-dimensional codes close to each other,
Each two-dimensional code is
A code block composed of a plurality of cells,
A first specific pattern for specifying a position of the cell;
With
The first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of a rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area,
The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged across a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes,
In the connection block, a plurality of types of cells having different colors, densities or luminances are arranged in a combination of predetermined types, and for referring to the colors, densities or luminances of the plurality of cells of the two-dimensional code An information code that is also used as a reference area . The connected block is adjacent to the first specific pattern in at least one of the two-dimensional codes, and all the cells in a portion adjacent to the first specific pattern are adjacent to each other in the first specific pattern. The information code according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cell is configured to have a different color, density, or luminance . In the information code that is configured by integrally arranging a plurality of two-dimensional codes close to each other,
Each 2D code is
A code block composed of a plurality of cells,
A first specific pattern for specifying a position of the cell;
With
The first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of a rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area,
The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged across a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes,
The connected block is adjacent to the first specific pattern in at least one of the two-dimensional codes, and all the cells in a portion adjacent to the first specific pattern are adjacent to each other in the first specific pattern. The information code is configured to be different in color, density, or luminance from the cell . The two-dimensional code has a second specific pattern indicating a boundary position of the two-dimensional code at a position different from the first specific pattern,
The connecting block is
All of the cells adjacent to the first specific pattern in one of the two-dimensional codes and adjacent to the first specific pattern are different in color from the adjacent cells in the first specific pattern. Or configured to have different concentrations or brightness,
Furthermore, each of all cells adjacent to the second specific pattern in the other two-dimensional code and adjacent to the second specific pattern is different from the adjacent cell in the second specific pattern. The information code according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the information code is configured to have different concentrations or luminances . In the information code that is configured by integrally arranging a plurality of two-dimensional codes close to each other,
Each 2D code is
A code block composed of a plurality of cells,
A first specific pattern for specifying a position of the cell;
With
The first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of a rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area,
The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged across a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes,
The two-dimensional code has a second specific pattern indicating a boundary position of the two-dimensional code at a position different from the first specific pattern,
The connecting block is
All of the cells adjacent to the first specific pattern in one of the two-dimensional codes and adjacent to the first specific pattern are different in color from the adjacent cells in the first specific pattern. Or configured to have different concentrations or brightness,
Furthermore, each of all cells adjacent to the second specific pattern in the other two-dimensional code and adjacent to the second specific pattern is different from the adjacent cell in the second specific pattern. Alternatively, the information code is characterized in that the density or brightness is different . 14. The code number information representing the number of codes of the plurality of two-dimensional codes connected by the connection block is recorded in the plurality of two-dimensional codes. 15. Information code described in the section . In the information code that is configured by integrally arranging a plurality of two-dimensional codes close to each other,
Each 2D code is
A code block composed of a plurality of cells,
A first specific pattern for specifying a position of the cell;
With
The first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of a rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area,
The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged across a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes,
In the plurality of two-dimensional codes, code number information indicating the number of codes of the plurality of two-dimensional codes connected by the connection block is recorded . 16. The plurality of two-dimensional codes, wherein unique information for specifying each two-dimensional code is recorded in association with each two-dimensional code, respectively. Information code described in . The arrangement information representing the arrangement configuration of the plurality of two-dimensional codes connected by the connection block is recorded in the plurality of two-dimensional codes. Information code described in the section . In the information code that is configured by integrally arranging a plurality of two-dimensional codes close to each other,
Each 2D code is
A code block composed of a plurality of cells,
A first specific pattern for specifying a position of the cell;
With
The first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of a rectangular area, and a plurality of the code blocks are arranged in the rectangular area,
The plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged across a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating boundary positions of the plurality of two-dimensional codes,
The plurality of two-dimensional codes are recorded with arrangement configuration information representing an arrangement configuration of the plurality of two-dimensional codes connected by the connection block . The plurality of two-dimensional codes are formed by arranging each two-dimensional code in a matrix form,
19. The information code according to claim 17, wherein the arrangement configuration information includes column number information and row number information for specifying a matrix configuration of the plurality of two-dimensional codes. Each cell constituting at least a part of the connected block is configured to be different in color, density, or luminance from an adjacent cell adjacent to each cell in at least one of the two-dimensional codes. The information code according to any one of claims 9, 11, 13, 15, and 18 . Each cell constituting at least a part of the connected block is configured to have a color, density, or luminance different from that of the adjacent cell adjacent to each cell in each of the two-dimensional codes on both sides of the connected block. The information code according to any one of claims 9, 11, 13, 15, and 18 . All the cells adjacent to the two-dimensional code on both sides of the connected block in the connected block are configured such that the color, density, or luminance is different from the adjacent cells of any of the two-dimensional codes on both sides. The information code according to any one of claims 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, and 21 .   A display method for displaying the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 22 using a display device,
  A dividing step of dividing the information code into a plurality of code elements;
  A display step of sequentially displaying the plurality of code elements divided by the dividing step on a display screen of the display device;
  With
  The dividing step includes one or a plurality of the two-dimensional codes in each code element, and does not include the connection block in any one specific code element, and the code elements other than the specific code element The information code is divided with the connection block included in each,
  In the display step, the code elements other than the specific code element are sequentially displayed, and then the specific code element is displayed last.   24. The information code display method according to claim 23, wherein the dividing step divides the information code with a configuration in which each code element includes the one two-dimensional code. A code block formed by a plurality of cells and a first specific pattern for specifying the position of the cell; and the first specific pattern is arranged at a prescribed corner of a rectangular region; And a plurality of two-dimensional codes comprising a plurality of code blocks arranged in the rectangular region, and the plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged with a connecting block indicating a boundary position of the two-dimensional code in between. A method for generating a structured information code,
A two-dimensional code generation step for generating any one two-dimensional code and another two-dimensional code;
A connected block generating step for generating the connected block to be arranged between the one two-dimensional code and the other two-dimensional code in a configuration in which cells are arranged in a line;
With
The connected block generation step includes:
A first detection step of detecting the color, density or luminance of each adjacent cell adjacent to the connected block in the one two-dimensional code;
The color, density or luminance of each cell of the connected block is based on the color, density or luminance of each adjacent cell adjacent to the connected block in the one two-dimensional code detected by the first detection step. A cell color determination step for determining each;
An information code generation method characterized by comprising :   The connected block generation step includes:
  Generate the connected block in a configuration in which cells are arranged in a line,
  And a second detection step of detecting the color, density or luminance of each adjacent cell adjacent to the connected block in the other two-dimensional code,
  The cell color determining step includes:
  The color, density or brightness of each cell of the connected block is detected by the first detection step, and the color, density or brightness of each adjacent cell adjacent to the connected block in the one two-dimensional code, and the first 26. The information according to claim 25, wherein the determination is made based on the color, density, or luminance of each adjacent cell adjacent to the connected block in the other two-dimensional code detected by two detection steps. How to generate code.   In the cell color determination step, the color of each cell of the connected block is changed to a hue value for the adjacent cell of the one two-dimensional code adjacent to one side of the cell and the other adjacent to the other side. 27. The information code generating method according to claim 26, wherein the information code is determined based on an intermediate value between a hue value of the adjacent cell of the two-dimensional code and the neighboring cell.

Images