JP5120155B2 - Information code - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information code.

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-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 a technique for assembling and arranging a plurality of two-dimensional codes, there is, for example, one disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the technique of Patent Document 1, a plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged in a configuration in which a space (margin) is provided between two-dimensional codes. According to this technique, a boundary between two-dimensional codes becomes clear, and each two-dimensional code is defined. The advantageous effect that the code can be specified with high accuracy is obtained.

  However, in the case of the configuration as in Patent Document 1, that is, the configuration in which a space is provided between two-dimensional codes to clarify the boundary of each two-dimensional code, there is a problem that the space area is wasted. Such a problem becomes conspicuous when an attempt is made to secure a wider space in order to clarify the boundary of the two-dimensional code.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and in an information code including a plurality of two-dimensional codes, a space between two-dimensional codes can be accurately recognized, and a space for separating the two-dimensional codes. An object of the present invention is to provide a configuration that can effectively use.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an information code integrally formed by connecting a plurality of two-dimensional codes in which a plurality of cells are arranged in a matrix within a rectangular region, Between the two-dimensional codes, a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating the boundary positions of the plurality of the two-dimensional codes is arranged, and in the block region where the connection blocks are arranged, the cells and At least one of information represented by symbols or figures having different shapes, or a specific symbol represented by a plurality of the cells is displayed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information code according to the first aspect, a specific pattern for specifying a position of the two-dimensional code is displayed as the specific symbol in the block area.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information code according to the first aspect, content information indicating the content of the two-dimensional code is displayed in the block area.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information code according to the third aspect, the content information includes simple information for visually displaying a part of data included in the two-dimensional code.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information code according to the third aspect, the content information includes main body information indicating a main body that provides the two-dimensional code.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information code according to the third aspect, the content information includes advertisement information related to the two-dimensional code.

  The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that in the information code according to claim 1, an ID symbol of the two-dimensional code is displayed in the block area.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the information code according to claim 7, wherein the ID symbol of both two-dimensional codes adjacent to the connection block is displayed in the block area, and the information code on one side of the connection block is displayed. The ID symbol of the two-dimensional code on the one side is displayed at a position close to the two-dimensional code, and the position of the two-dimensional code on the other side is displayed at a position close to the two-dimensional code on the other side of the connection block. The ID symbol is displayed.

The invention according to claim 9 is the information code according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code has a color in which at least one of the plurality of cells is selected from a plurality of types of chromatic colors, and the block In the region, a reference region used for referring to the color of the cell is provided as the specific symbol .

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since a connection block indicating the boundary position of the two-dimensional code is provided between the two-dimensional codes, it is easy to accurately specify the boundary in the information code having a plurality of two-dimensional codes. Can be realized. Furthermore, in the block area where the connected block is arranged, at least one of information represented by a symbol or figure having a shape different from the cell or a specific symbol represented by a plurality of cells is displayed. Not only can the boundary position be specified, it can also be used as a display location for information, and the space separating the two-dimensional codes can be used effectively.

  In the invention of claim 2, since the specific pattern for specifying the position of the two-dimensional code is displayed in the block area, the position of the two-dimensional code is accurately determined by using the specific portion of the connected block that divides the two-dimensional code. It becomes possible to specify high.

  In the invention of claim 3, since the content information indicating the content of the two-dimensional code is displayed in the block area, the user can read the information code without reading the information code or in parallel with reading the information code. Information about the contents of the dimension code can be visually grasped, and the convenience for the user can be effectively enhanced.

  If the simplified information (information that visually represents a part of the data of the two-dimensional code) is displayed in the block area as in the fourth aspect of the invention, the user can specify the specific two-dimensional code. It is possible to quickly confirm whether the content is the same, and various measures can be taken using the displayed simple information as a judgment material.

  If the subject information (information indicating the subject providing the two-dimensional code) is displayed in the block area as in the invention of claim 5, which subject the user provided the two-dimensional code to Can be quickly confirmed, and various actions can be taken using the displayed subject information as a judgment material.

  When the advertisement information related to the two-dimensional code is displayed in the block area as in the sixth aspect of the invention, the user can recognize the merit of reading the information code, and the reading of the information code can be promoted.

  If the ID symbol of the two-dimensional code is displayed in the block area as in the invention of claim 7, the two-dimensional code is converted from the ID symbol when the two-dimensional code cannot be normally read due to dirt or the like. Can be identified.

  In the invention according to claim 8, the ID symbol of the one-dimensional two-dimensional code is displayed at a position close to the two-dimensional code on one side of the connection block, and the position close to the two-dimensional code on the other side of the connection block The ID symbol of the two-dimensional code on the other side is displayed. If it does in this way, the structure which a user can grasp | ascertain quickly the ID symbol of each two-dimensional code is easily realizable.

  When a reference area used for referring to the color of a cell is provided in the block area as in the invention of claim 9, at least part of the block area is an area for judging the color of each cell in the two-dimensional code. It can be used as both.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an information code according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating an information code according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a description for explaining each two-dimensional code and a connected block separately. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the information code 1 according to the present embodiment is formed by integrally connecting two two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 with a connecting block 30 interposed. In the example of FIG. 1, two two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 are arranged close to each other in a form aligned in a predetermined direction, and a connection block 30 is arranged in a configuration sandwiched between the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20.

First, the two two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 will be described with reference to FIG.
Each of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 is configured in a matrix form in which a plurality of types of cells C are gathered, and the entire information code 1 connecting them is also configured in a matrix form as shown in FIG. Has been. In the example of FIG. 1, each of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 is configured in an array in which the number of cells is the same in the vertical and horizontal directions (9 cells × 9 cells), and any code area (cell C is 9 cells × 9 cells). Is also a rectangular area having a rectangular outer shape (specifically, a square area having a square outer shape). The entire information code 1 is configured in an array of 9 cells × 23 cells as shown in FIG. 1A, and the outer shape is configured in a rectangular shape.

  In FIG. 1, only some of the cells are denoted by reference symbol C, and the other cells are omitted. In FIG. 1, the specific cell contents of the data recording areas AR1 and AR2 (see FIG. 1B) are omitted, but the data recording areas AR1 and AR2 have a plurality of different colors, densities, or luminances. It only needs to be composed of different types of cells, for example, eight types of cells having different colors (for example, black cells, white cells, red cells, blue cells, green cells, yellow cells, cyan cells, magenta cells) There may be two types of light and dark cells (for example, a white cell and a black cell).

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the two-dimensional code 10 includes functional patterns such as a first specific pattern 11 and second specific patterns 12, 13, and 14, and data configured as an encoding area. And a recording area AR1. The first specific pattern 11 is arranged at one corner 16a of the rectangular area, and indicates the boundary position of the two-dimensional code 10 and plays the role of specifying the position of each cell C in the two-dimensional code 10. Yes. The second specific patterns 12, 13, and 14 are arranged at the other three corners 16 b, 16 c, and 16 d, respectively, and play a role of indicating the boundary position of the two-dimensional code 10.

  In the first specific pattern 11, a single black cell 11a is arranged at the center, a white cell 11b is arranged in an annular shape and an outer peripheral rectangle, and a black cell is arranged around the annular white cell group. 11c is arrange | positioned at annular | circular shape and an outer periphery rectangular shape, and it is comprised as a cell group of the outermost periphery. The outer periphery of the outermost cell group is formed in a square shape, and the outer shape of the first specific pattern 11 as a whole is rectangular. The first specific pattern 11 is configured as a part of the sides 17a to 17d (hereinafter also referred to as boundary sides 17a to 17d) in which the two sides constituting the outer edge serve as the boundary of the two-dimensional code 10. The point where the side contacts is determined as the angular position of the corner portion 16a.

  As described above, the corner positions of the corner portions 16a and the boundary sides 17a and 17b are specified by the first specific pattern 11, and the coordinates of each cell C are determined based on the first specific pattern 11. Therefore, the first specific pattern 11 functions as an element for specifying the position of each cell C in the rectangular area.

  In the code area (rectangular area) of the two-dimensional code 10, the second specific pattern 14 indicating the corner 16 d diagonally with the corner 16 a is arranged at the diagonal position of the first specific pattern 11. . The second specific pattern 14 is composed of a single black cell, and two outer edges arranged outside function as boundaries of the two-dimensional code 10. Specifically, one side of the outer outer edge in the second specific pattern 14 is configured as a part of the boundary side 17c of the two-dimensional code 10, and the other side of the outer outer edge is configured as a part of the boundary side 17d. Yes. The position where these two sides are in contact is determined as the angular position of the corner portion 16d.

  In addition, the third specific patterns 12 and 13 are arranged in the corner portions 16b and 16c different from the corner portions 16a and 16d, respectively. The third specific pattern 12 arranged in the corner portion 16b has an outer edge configured as a part of the boundary sides 17a and 17c, and functions to indicate the boundary position of the two-dimensional code 10. In the example of FIG. 1, the third specific pattern 12 has three black cells arranged in an L shape, and the positions where the two outer sides of the black cells arranged at the corners of the L shape contact each other are corners. It is defined as the angular position of the part 16b.

  The same applies to the third specific pattern 13 arranged in the corner 16c, and the outer edge is configured as a part of the boundary sides 17b and 17d, and functions to indicate the boundary position of the two-dimensional code 10. In the example of FIG. 1, the third specific pattern 13 has three black cells arranged in an L shape, and the positions where the two outer sides of the black cells arranged at the corners of the L shape contact each other are corners. It is defined as the angular position of the part 16c.

  In the two-dimensional code 10 of FIG. 1, an area other than the first specific pattern 11, the second specific pattern 14, and the third specific patterns 12 and 13 is configured as the data recording area AR1. The data recording area AR1 is an area for recording data to be decoded, and is composed of a plurality of code blocks. The code block recorded in the data recording area AR1 is a set of a plurality of (for example, eight) cells C. In the example of FIG. 1B, a data code block 18a, an error correction code are used as the code block. Block 18b is illustrated conceptually. In FIG. 1B, the arrangement of some code blocks is illustrated with broken line frames and reference numerals, and the reference numerals and the like are omitted for the other code blocks. In addition, the broken line portion in FIG. 1B shows an example in which the code blocks are configured in a 4 × 2 or 2 × 4 matrix, but some of the code blocks have a different shape. It is good. Further, the arrangement and number of data code blocks 18a and error correction code blocks 18b can be varied.

  The data code block 18a 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. Each cell constituting the data code block 18a is selectively selected from any of a plurality of predetermined types of cells (for example, eight colors as described above or two colors of light and dark). Each data code block 18a 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 18b is composed of error correction code words for performing error correction of the data code block 18a. The error correction code word constituting the error correction code block 18b is generated based on the encoded data (data code word) constituting the data code block 18a. 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.

  The two-dimensional code 20 has the same configuration as that of the two-dimensional code 10, and includes functional patterns such as the first specific pattern 21, the second specific patterns 22, 23, and 24, and data configured as an encoding area. A recording area AR2 is provided. The first specific pattern 21 is arranged at one corner 26 a of the rectangular area, and has the same configuration and function as the first specific pattern 11 of the two-dimensional code 10. In addition, the second specific patterns 22, 23, and 24 are arranged at the other three corners 26b, 26c, and 26d, respectively, and have the same configuration as the second specific patterns 12, 13, and 14 of the two-dimensional code 10. It has a function. In the data recording area AR2, a data code block 28a and an error correction code block 28b are arranged. The data code block 28a and the error correction code block 28b are different from the data code block 18a and the error correction code block 18b in the specific contents of the data. However, the basic configuration, the arrangement in the data recording area, and the functions are the data code block. 18a and the error correction code block 18b.

Next, the connection block 30 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), the connection block 30 is composed of a plurality of cells C arranged in a matrix, and indicates the respective boundary positions of the two two-dimensional codes 10 and 20. Is functioning. The connection block 30 is arranged in 9 cells × 5 cells (9 rows and 5 columns) and is formed in a longitudinal shape, and the side adjacent to the connection block 30 in each of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 on both sides (that is, two The boundary side 17c of the dimension code 10 and the boundary side 27b) of the two-dimensional code 20 have the same length.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting block 30 includes a linear first block 33 adjacent to one two-dimensional code 10, a linear second block 34 adjacent to the other two-dimensional code 20, The third block 35 is arranged between one block and the second block.

  The first block 33 has a configuration in which the cells C are arranged in a line, and at least some of the cells are configured so that the color, density, or luminance is different from the cell color of the adjacent two-dimensional code 10. For example, in the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the third specific pattern 12 is configured by black cells, and the cells 33 a and 33 b adjacent to the third specific pattern 12 in the first block 33 are configured by white cells. ing. Further, the second specific pattern 14 is configured by a black cell, and the cell 33 i adjacent to the second specific pattern 14 in the first block 33 is configured by a white cell. As described above, in the example of FIG. 2, the first block 33 is configured so that all the cells adjacent to the functional pattern of the two-dimensional code 10 are different in color, density, or luminance from the cell color of the adjacent functional pattern. And can be clearly distinguished from functional patterns. Further, regarding the other cells 33c to 33h other than the cells adjacent to the functional pattern, any one of the cells 33c to 33h is different in color, density, or luminance compared to the adjacent cells on the two-dimensional code 10 side. All of the cells 33c to 33h may be configured so that the color, density, or luminance is different from that of the adjacent cell on the two-dimensional code 10 side.

  Further, the boundary of the first block 33 on the two-dimensional code 10 side is shared by the boundary side 17c. That is, the boundary side 17 c of the two-dimensional code 10 functions as a boundary of the connection block 30, and no space (margin) is interposed between the two-dimensional code 10 and the connection block 30.

  In the first block 33, at least one cell of a color other than the background color constituting the background of the information code 1 is arranged. In the example of FIG. 3, the background color is white, and different-color cells (two black cells in FIG. 3) other than white are arranged in the first block 33. In the two-dimensional code 10, at least one of the cells arranged next to the different color cell (cell different from the background color) arranged in the first block 33 has a different color from the adjacent different color cell. (Colors other than black in the example of FIG. 3).

  The second block 34 also has a configuration in which the cells C are arranged in a line, and at least some of the cells are configured so that the color, density, or luminance is different from the cell color of the adjacent two-dimensional code 20.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the second block 34 and the first specific pattern 21 of the two-dimensional code 20 are adjacent to each other, and all the cells in the portion adjacent to the first specific pattern 21 in the second block 34 are The color, density, or luminance is different from that of the adjacent cell on the first specific pattern 21 side. More specifically, the first specific pattern 21 has a black cell at the outer periphery adjacent to the second block 34, and the second block 34 includes cells 34 a to 34 adjacent to the first specific pattern 21. All 34e are comprised by the white cell.

  In the second block 34, all cells adjacent to the third specific pattern 23 are configured by cells having a color, density, or luminance different from those of the third specific pattern 23. In the example of FIG. 2, the third specific pattern 23 of the two-dimensional code 20 is all configured by black cells, the cells 34h and 34i are adjacent to the third specific pattern 23, and the cells 34h and 34i are the third cells. The white cells are different from the black cells constituting the specific pattern 23. As described above, in the example of FIG. 2, the second block 34 is configured so that all the cells adjacent to the functional pattern of the two-dimensional code 20 are different in color, density, or luminance from the cell color of the adjacent functional pattern. And can be clearly distinguished from functional patterns.

  The second block 34 also includes at least one cell of a color other than the background color that constitutes the background of the information code 1. In the example of FIG. 3, different-color cells other than white (two black cells in FIG. 3) are arranged in the second block 34. Further, in the two-dimensional code 20, these different-color cells (colors different from the background color). At least one of the cells arranged next to the adjacent cell is composed of a color different from the adjacent different color cell (color other than black in the example of FIG. 3).

  Further, in the second block 34, any cell other than the cells adjacent to the functional pattern of the two-dimensional code 20 (cells 34f and 34g in FIG. 2) is compared with the adjacent cell on the two-dimensional code 20 side. The color, density, or luminance may be different, and all may be configured to have different color, density, or luminance as compared to the adjacent cells on the two-dimensional code 20 side. For example, for the cells adjacent to the cells 34f and 34g in the two-dimensional code 20, both of the cells may be configured by white cells or the like different from the cells 34f and 34g, and either one is configured by a white cell or the like. May be.

  The boundary of the second block 34 on the two-dimensional code 20 side is also used by the boundary side 27b. That is, the boundary side 27 b of the two-dimensional code 20 functions as a boundary of the connection block 30, and no space (margin) is interposed between the two-dimensional code 20 and the connection block 30.

  The third block 35 disposed between the first block 33 and the second block 34 has a matrix shape of 9 rows and 3 columns. In the third block 35, the alignment pattern 31 is constituted by some cells. This alignment pattern 31 has a single white cell arranged at the center and annular and rectangular black cells arranged around it, and has a square shape of 3 cells × 3 cells as a whole.

  The alignment pattern 31 is a functional pattern that is arranged to be arranged in a predetermined shape at a predetermined position in the information code 1 as shown in FIG. 1. When reading the information code 1, the alignment pattern 31 is based on such an arrangement. Distortion correction and the like. In the present embodiment, the alignment pattern 31 corresponds to an example of “specific symbol” and “specific pattern”, and functions to specify the positions of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20.

  For example, the white cell at the center of the alignment pattern 31 is arranged in the fourth row and the twelfth column, and the outer edge of the alignment pattern 31 is the side separating the second and third rows of the information code 1 31a, a side 31c separating the fifth and sixth rows, a side 31d separating the tenth and eleventh columns, and a side 31b separating the thirteenth and fourteenth columns. Therefore, by detecting not only the first specific patterns 11 and 21 but also the alignment pattern 31 at the time of reading, the coordinates of each cell C can be specified more accurately.

According to the configuration of the present embodiment, for example, the following effects can be obtained.
The information code 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of two-dimensional codes because the connection block 30 indicating the boundary position between the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 is provided between the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20. The boundary of each two-dimensional code can be accurately specified in the information code. Furthermore, since a specific symbol having a predetermined function is displayed in the block area where the connection block 30 is arranged, the connection block 30 can be used not only for specifying the boundary position but also for displaying information. , 20 can be used effectively.

  Further, since the specific symbol (alignment pattern 31) displayed in the block area functions as a specific pattern for specifying the positions of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20, it is possible to specify the connected block 30 that separates the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20. The portion can be used for distortion correction and the like, and at the time of reading, the position of each two-dimensional code 10, 20 and the position of each cell C constituting these two-dimensional code 10, 20 can be specified with high accuracy. become.

  Further, since the specific symbol (alignment pattern 31) is arranged not in the two-dimensional code 10, 20, but in the connection block 30, such a space can be omitted in the two-dimensional code 10, 20, and the two-dimensional code can be omitted. The code area of codes 10 and 20 can be used effectively.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating an information code according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram illustrating each two-dimensional code and a connected block. Note that the information code 200 of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the connection block (specifically, the configuration of the third block 235 in the connection block 230), and is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. It is. Therefore, different parts will be described in detail, and the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 and 2, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The information code 200 according to the present embodiment also has two-dimensional codes 10 and 20, and these two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 are integrally connected with a connection block 230 interposed. Each of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and a plurality of cells C are arranged in a matrix in a rectangular area. As shown in FIG. 3B, the connection block 230 includes the first block 33 and the second block 34 that are the same as the information code 1 of the first embodiment, and the first block 33 is two-dimensional. The boundary position with the code 10 is shown, and the second block 34 shows the boundary position with the two-dimensional code 20.

  A third block 235 is disposed between the first block 33 and the second block 34. The third block 235 has a matrix shape of 9 rows and 3 columns, and character information including characters “ABCD” related to the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 is displayed in the internal area. The characters “ABCD” correspond to an example of “content information” indicating the contents of the two-dimensional code, and “subject information” indicating the entity (corporation, individual, etc.) that provides the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20. It corresponds to.

  As an example in which the two-dimensional code 10 or 20 is provided by a corporation called “ABCD”, the two-dimensional code 10 or 20 includes a URL of the “ABCD”, a corporation name specifying the “ABCD”, a corporation such as a location, etc. Information, profit information such as coupons that can be used in “ABCD”, and the like are included. Even if such information is not included in the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20, the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 may be provided by “ABCD”.

  If the data of the subject name “ABCD” is included in the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20, the character information “ABCD” displayed in the connection block 230 is the data included in the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20. Is visually displayed and corresponds to an example of “simple information”. Further, the character information “ABCD” displayed in the connection block 230 is recognized by the user to be provided by the “ABCD”, and performs an advertising function related to the two-dimensional code. It corresponds to an example of "."

  In the example of FIG. 3, each character of the character information “ABCD” is displayed in a configuration straddling a plurality of cells, but may be displayed so that each character fits in each cell. The character information (subject information) may include numbers, kanji, and other symbols, and may include a pattern (for example, a graphic trademark) related to the subject.

According to the information code 200 of the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and further the following effects can be obtained.
In the information code 200, “content information” indicating the contents of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 is displayed in the block area. Therefore, the information code 200 is not read or is read in parallel with the reading of the information code 200. The user can visually grasp the information related to the contents of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20, and the user convenience can be effectively improved.

  In addition, since the subject information “ABCD” is displayed in the block area, the user can quickly confirm which subject the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 were provided, and determine the subject information to be displayed. Various measures can be taken as materials.

  For example, before reading the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20, the user can confirm whether or not the displayed “ABCD” is a desired subject, and if it is a desired subject or an interested subject, the user can provide useful information. Can be acquired efficiently. In this case, the provider of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 has an advantage that the user's reading can be promoted. Further, if the subject does not desire or is not interested, the user need not perform unnecessary reading.

  In addition, when simple information (information that visually represents a part of the data of the two-dimensional code) is displayed as described above, the user can specifically determine what the two-dimensional code has. It can be confirmed quickly (for example, in the example of FIG. 3, it can be confirmed quickly that it is related to “ABCD”), and various measures can be taken using the displayed simple information as a judgment material.

  Further, when the character information “ABCD” functions as advertisement information related to the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20, an effect of prompting reading of the information code 200 can be obtained. In particular, when the subject information “ABCD” is displayed in the block area, the user can recognize that the information code 200 is provided by the subject without providing a special display area, and the subject remains unknown. The anxiety of reading the code can be eliminated.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating an information code according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram illustrating each two-dimensional code and a connected block. Note that the information code 300 in FIG. 4A differs from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the connection block (specifically, the configuration of the third block 335 in the connection block 330), and otherwise the first embodiment. Is the same. Therefore, different parts will be described in detail, and the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 and 2, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The information code 300 according to the present embodiment also has two-dimensional codes 10 and 20, and these two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 are integrally connected with a connection block 330 interposed therebetween. Each of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and a plurality of cells C are arranged in a matrix in a rectangular area. Moreover, as shown in FIG.4 (b), the connection block 330 has the 1st block 33 and the 2nd block 34 which are the same as the information code 1 of 1st Embodiment, and the 1st block 33 is two-dimensional. The boundary position with the code 10 is shown, and the second block 34 shows the boundary position with the two-dimensional code 20.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a third block 335 is disposed between the first block 33 and the second block 34. The third block 335 has a matrix of 9 rows and 3 columns, and the ID symbols of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 are displayed in the internal area. Specifically, the ID symbols of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 adjacent to the connection block 330 are displayed in the area of the connection block 330.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the character information “1234” that is the ID symbol of the two-dimensional code 10 on one side is located closer to the two-dimensional code 10 (on the two-dimensional code 10 side than the center of the connection block 330). (Closed position). Further, the character information “5678” which is the ID symbol of the other two-dimensional code 20 is located at a position close to the two-dimensional code 20 (position closer to the two-dimensional code 20 side than the center of the connection block 330). Has been placed.

According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and further, the following effects can be obtained.
In the information code 300 according to the present embodiment, since the ID symbols of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 are displayed in the block area, the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 can be identified by the ID symbols without reading the information code 300. This is particularly advantageous when the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 cannot be read normally. For example, when the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 cannot be normally read due to dirt or the like, the provider who provides the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 is inquired and the two-dimensional code 10 specified by the ID symbol from the provider. , 20 information can be obtained.

  In the information code 300, the ID symbol “1234” of the one-dimensional two-dimensional code 10 is displayed at a position close to the two-dimensional code 10 on one side of the connection block 330, and the two-dimensional code 20 on the other side is displayed. The ID symbol “5678” of the two-dimensional code 20 on the other side is displayed at a close position. In this way, it is possible to easily realize a configuration in which the user can quickly grasp the ID symbols of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating an information code according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram illustrating each two-dimensional code and connected blocks. The information code 400 in FIG. 5A differs from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the connection block (specifically, the configuration of the third block 435 in the connection block 430), and otherwise the first embodiment. Is the same. Therefore, different parts will be described in detail, and the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 and 2, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The information code 400 according to the present embodiment also includes two-dimensional codes 10 and 20, and these two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 are integrally connected with a connection block 430 interposed. Each of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and a plurality of cells C are arranged in a matrix in a rectangular area. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the connection block 430 includes the first block 33 and the second block 34 that are the same as the information code 1 of the first embodiment, and the first block 33 is two-dimensional. The boundary position with the code 10 is shown, and the second block 34 shows the boundary position with the two-dimensional code 20.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the third block 435 is disposed between the first block 33 and the second block 34. The third block 435 has a matrix shape of 9 rows and 3 columns, and a reference pattern 431 (a reference pattern 431 corresponds to an example of a “specific symbol”) represented by a plurality of cells C in the inner region. It is displayed.

  The information code 400 according to the present embodiment has a color selected from a plurality of types of chromatic colors, and an area provided with the reference pattern 431 in the block area is a “reference area” used for referring to the color of the cell. Is functioning as

  In the example of FIG. 5, the information code 400 includes the above-described eight color cells (black cell, white cell, red cell, blue cell, green cell, yellow cell, cyan cell, magenta cell). The pattern 431 includes all eight colors that may be arranged in the code area (rectangular area).

  Each cell of the reference pattern 431 is handled as a reference color of each color, and is used to set a threshold value for determining which color each cell constituting the information code 400 corresponds to. Specifically, a threshold value for determining each black cell of the information code 400 is set based on at least the black cell 431a or 431e, and a threshold value for determining each red cell of the information code 400 is set to at least the red cell 431b. A threshold for determining each green cell of the information code 400 is set based on at least the green cell 431c, and a threshold for determining each blue cell of the information code 400 is based on at least the blue cell 431d. It is set up. Further, a threshold value for determining each cyan cell of the information code 400 is set based on at least the cyan cell 431f, and a threshold value for determining each magenta color cell of the information code 400 is based on at least the magenta color cell 431g. The threshold value for determining each yellow cell of the information code 400 is set based on at least the yellow cell 431h, and the threshold value for determining each white cell of the information code 400 is set based on the white cell 431i. It has become so.

  5 and FIG. 6 conceptually show the cells of each color with different patterns. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 6, the black cells are Cb, the white cells are Cw, and the red cells are shown for each color pattern. , Cr for blue cells, Cg for green cells, Cy for yellow cells, Cn for cyan cells, Cm for magenta cells, and Cy for yellow cells.

The information code 400 in FIG. 5 is read by an optical information reading device including a light receiving sensor (CCD imaging means or the like), and threshold value setting processing is as follows, for example.
First, when converting image data acquired by the light receiving sensor from an analog signal to a digital signal, it is necessary to determine each of the RGB signals. For example, in an R image (an image composed of R components), there is no significant difference in signal levels obtained from each color of “red”, “white”, “magenta”, and “yellow”. It becomes a level similar to “Ming”. On the other hand, in the R image, there is no significant difference in the signal levels obtained from the colors of “black”, “green”, “blue”, and “cyan”, and in the R image, these are all levels similar to “dark”. This tendency is that the signal level obtained from each color of “green”, “white”, “cyan”, “yellow” becomes “bright” level in the G image (image composed of G components), and “black”, “red” ”,“ Blue ”, and“ magenta ”, the signal level obtained from each color becomes the“ dark ”level. Similarly, in the B image (image composed of the B component), the signal level obtained from each color of “blue”, “white”, “cyan”, and “magenta” becomes the “bright” level, and “black” “red” “ The signal level obtained from each color of “green” and “yellow” becomes the “dark” level.

  Accordingly, when all of the R image, G image, and B image are “bright”, it is determined as “white”, and when all of the R image, G image, and B image are “dark”, “black” is determined. Determined. Also, it is determined as “red” when the image is “bright” only when the image is R, and “red” when it is “dark” when the image is B, and only when it is “bright” when the image is G image. When it is “dark”, it is determined as “green”, and when it is B image, it is determined as “bright” when it is “bright” and R image, and when it is “dark” when it is G image.

  Also, if the image is “bright” for the G image and B image and “dark” for the R image, it can be determined as “cyan”, and “bright” can be determined for the R image and B image. When the image is “dark”, it can be determined as “magenta”, and when the image is R or G, it is “bright”, and when it is “B”, it is “yellow”. Can be determined.

  Since each color can be determined as described above, by setting threshold values for determining light and dark for each of the R image, the G image, and the B image, each cell color constituting the information code 400 is surely determined based on the image data. Can be determined.

  The threshold for distinguishing light and dark in the R image, the threshold for distinguishing light and dark in the G image, and the threshold for distinguishing light and dark in the B image are based on the reference pattern 431 arranged in the reference region of the connected block 430. Is set. There are various methods for setting the threshold values. For example, the threshold values of the R image are the brightness levels of the red cell 431b, the magenta cell 431g, the white cell 431i, and the yellow cell 431h in the R image of the information code 400. There is a method in which an average value and an average value of brightness levels of blue cells, green cells, black cells, and cyan cells are calculated, and an intermediate value thereof is used as a threshold value of the R image. In this case, the threshold values for the G image and the B image can be set as in the case of the R image. Note that the threshold setting method is merely an example, and it is needless to say that another method may be used as long as it can be set using the reference region as shown in FIG.

  As in the information code 400 according to the present embodiment, when a reference region used for cell color reference is provided in the block region of the concatenated block 430, at least a part of the block region is assigned to each of the two-dimensional codes. It can also be used as an area for determining the color of the cell, and the connection block 430 can be effectively used for purposes other than distinguishing the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20.

[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-described embodiment, a configuration in which two two-dimensional codes are arranged side by side and a connection block is arranged between them is illustrated, but the number of two-dimensional codes included in the information code may be three or more. For example, a configuration in which three or more two-dimensional codes are arranged in a line and a connection block is arranged between the two-dimensional codes may be employed. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged in a matrix, and connected blocks are arranged between two-dimensional codes arranged in the row direction and between two-dimensional codes arranged in the column direction. In any case, symbols, figures having shapes different from cells, specific symbols represented by a plurality of cells, and the like can be arranged in the block area of each connected block.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the connected block is configured by 9 rows and 5 columns is shown, but another example (for example, 9 rows and 2 columns, 9 rows and 6 columns, etc.) may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the connected block is sandwiched between two two-dimensional codes of the same size, but may be sandwiched between two two-dimensional codes of different sizes. In this case, the length of the connected block may be the same length as the side adjacent to the connected block in one two-dimensional code.

  In the first to third embodiments, the connection blocks are configured by the black cells and the white cells. However, the connection blocks shown in the first to third embodiments may also be configured by three or more types of cells. .

  In the above embodiment, the first block 33 and the second block 34 constituting the connection block are configured by a plurality of types of cells. However, the first block 33 and the second block 34 have the same color, density, or luminance. (For example, a configuration in which a single color different from the background color is aligned) may be used.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which a symbol or a specific symbol is displayed in the block area of the connected block is shown, but a symbol or a specific symbol other than the above embodiment may be used. For example, numbers or kanji may be used, or other specific marks may be used.

  In the second embodiment, an example of “subject information” is shown, but a configuration other than this may be used. For example, it may be information that indirectly indicates the provider of the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 but not indirectly. As an example, it may be a trade name used by a subject providing the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20.

  In the second embodiment, an example of “simple information” is shown, but other examples may be used. For example, if the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 include URL data, only this URL may be displayed as character information. Alternatively, when the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 include store information or coupon information related to a specific product (for example, cake), a pattern (for example, a pattern of cake) indicating the product may be displayed.

  In the second embodiment, the example in which the main information is displayed as an example of the “advertisement information” has been described. For example, information on product names and service names handled by the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 (for example, product names that can be purchased using the two-dimensional codes 10 and 20 and service names that can be provided), the two-dimensional code 10 , 20 PR information for urging reading (for example, PR information such as “... is a must-see!” “... Campaign in progress”, etc.) Alternatively, it may be information that conveys the possibility of giving a profit (for example, “You don't have to win ...”, “Give a lottery ...”, etc.).

  In the above embodiment, all of the plurality of two-dimensional codes included in the information code are configured in a square shape, but the outer shape of any or all of the two-dimensional codes may be a rectangular shape. Further, the cell array of each two-dimensional code is not limited to 9 × 9, but can be various arrays such as 11 × 11, 13 × 13, 17 × 17, 9 × 15, and 15 × 9.

  In the above embodiment, the first specific patterns 11, 21, the second specific patterns 14, 24, and the third specific patterns 12, 13, 22, 23 are exemplified as the function patterns arranged in each two-dimensional code. However, the shape of these specific patterns may be other than this.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating an information code according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating each two-dimensional configuration of the information code in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining a code | cord | chord and a connection block. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the main part of the information code of FIG. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating an information code according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating each two-dimensional configuration of the information code in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining a code | cord | chord and a connection block. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating an information code according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating each two-dimensional configuration of the information code in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining a code | cord | chord and a connection block. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating an information code according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating each two-dimensional configuration of the information code in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining a code | cord | chord and a connection block. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a reference area in the information code of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1,200,300,400 ... information code 10,20 ... two-dimensional code 30,230,330,430 ... connected block 31 ... positioning pattern (specific symbol)
431 ... Reference pattern C ... Cell

Claims (9)

An information code integrally configured by connecting a plurality of two-dimensional codes in which a plurality of cells are arranged in a matrix in a rectangular region,
Between the plurality of two-dimensional codes, a connection block composed of a plurality of cells indicating the boundary positions of the plurality of the two-dimensional codes is arranged,
In the block region where the connected blocks are arranged, at least one of information represented by a symbol or figure having a shape different from that of the cells or a specific symbol represented by the plurality of cells is displayed. Information code 2. The information code according to claim 1, wherein a specific pattern for specifying a position of the two-dimensional code is displayed as the specific symbol in the block region.   The information code according to claim 1, wherein content information indicating the content of the two-dimensional code is displayed in the block area.   The information code according to claim 3, wherein the content information includes simple information for visually displaying a part of data included in the two-dimensional code.   The information code according to claim 3, wherein the content information includes entity information indicating an entity that provides the two-dimensional code.   The information code according to claim 3, wherein the content information includes advertisement information related to the two-dimensional code.   The information code according to claim 1, wherein an ID symbol of the two-dimensional code is displayed in the block area. In the block area, the ID symbols of both two-dimensional codes adjacent to the connected block are displayed,
The ID symbol of the two-dimensional code on one side is displayed at a position close to the two-dimensional code on one side of the connection block,
The information code according to claim 7, wherein the ID symbol of the two-dimensional code on the other side is displayed at a position close to the two-dimensional code on the other side of the connection block. In the two-dimensional code, at least one of the plurality of cells has a color selected from a plurality of types of chromatic colors,
The information code according to claim 1, wherein a reference area used for referring to the color of the cell is provided as the specific symbol in the block area.

Images