JP6136521B2 - Information code display medium and information code reading system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information code display medium and an information code reading system.

  At present, information codes such as barcodes and QR codes (registered trademark) are used for various purposes, and their usage purposes are also diversifying. In particular, in recent years, there is an increasing need for improving the security of information codes, and there is a demand for a configuration that can read information codes only when specific conditions are satisfied. As a technique for adding a security function to an information code, for example, a technique as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided.

JP 2010-146461 A

  However, since the technique of Patent Document 1 attaches the key information (3) as numerical data and tries to make the operator visually check this in an ultraviolet environment, the operator can obtain the key information (3). There is a problem that whether or not it can be surely confirmed visually is greatly influenced by the environment (printing environment, reading environment, etc.) and configuration (size of information code and configuration of key information). In particular, when trying to reduce the size of the information code, even if the information code itself can be recognized by the reader, it is likely that the operator will not be able to see the key information (3). The operator cannot obtain the key information and the information code cannot be decrypted. Further, in the method in which the operator reads the data (2) and the key information (3) superimposed on each other, the success or failure of the final decoding depends on the skill level of the operator and the like. There is also a problem that it is difficult to decipher.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and makes it difficult to recognize an information code by a general reading device in a normal state, while reading using a specific reading device. Provides a configuration that can be read reliably.

1st invention, the to-be-formed part to which an information code is attached,
Provided with a configuration that covers a predetermined one surface side of the portion to be formed, and enters a transmission state when light having a predetermined wavelength different from visible light is applied, and transmits more than the transmission state when visible light is applied. A coating layer that is in a non-permeable state with low properties;
With
The portion to be formed is constituted by a light-transmitting medium capable of transmitting at least light of the predetermined wavelength,
It said information code is characterized in that said said coating layer in the forming portion is disposed at least in part is covered configured on the opposite side Oite, the coating layer.

The second invention is an information code reading system comprising an information code display medium on which an information code is displayed and an information code reading device for reading the information code attached to the information code display medium,
The information code display medium is
A formed part to which the information code is attached;
Provided in a configuration that covers one surface side of the formed portion, and is in a transmission state when light having a predetermined wavelength different from visible light is applied, and is more transmissive than the transmission state when visible light is applied. A coating layer that is in a low non-transmissive state;
With
The portion to be formed is constituted by a light-transmitting medium capable of transmitting at least light of the predetermined wavelength,
It said information code, the Oite the opposite surface side to the cover layer in the forming portion is disposed at least partially covered structure in the coating layer,
The information code reader is
An irradiation light source capable of irradiating light of the predetermined wavelength;
An imaging unit capable of imaging the information code;
A decoding unit that decodes a code image obtained when the information code is imaged by the imaging unit in a state in which light of the predetermined wavelength is applied to the information code display medium by the irradiation light source;
It is characterized by having.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the coating layer is provided so as to cover a predetermined one surface side of the portion to be formed to which the cord is attached. And this coating layer becomes a transmission state when light of a predetermined wavelength different from visible light is applied, and becomes a non-transmission state having a lower transparency than the transmission state when visible light is applied. It has become. On the other hand, the portion to be formed is constituted by a light-transmitting medium capable of transmitting at least the light having the predetermined wavelength. Then, the information code is arranged in Oite on the opposite side, it has at least partially covered by the coating layer structure and the covering layer in the forming portion.
Because of this configuration, when visible light is irradiated from one surface side (covering layer side) of the portion to be formed (when the proportion of visible light is relatively large), the covering layer is When the imaging is performed from one surface side (covering layer side) of the portion to be formed, it becomes difficult to accurately image the information code located behind the covering layer. Therefore, it is difficult to read the information code under a normal environment where the proportion of visible light is large, and reading under a general environment can be prevented. Also, under general circumstances, it is difficult to accurately duplicate an information code even if it is attempted to copy it from one side (covering layer side) of the part to be formed. It can also prevent spillage.
On the other hand, when light of the predetermined wavelength is irradiated from one surface side (covering layer side) of the formation part (when the proportion of light of the predetermined wavelength is relatively larger than in an environment where only visible light is present) In this case, the coating layer is in the transmission state. Therefore, the information code on the back side of the coating layer can be imaged more accurately by imaging while irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength even from one surface side (coating layer side) of the formed part. The information code can be read.
As described above, according to this configuration, it is possible to read a specific reading device that can take an image while irradiating light having a predetermined wavelength (light that can make the clothing layer transparent). Reading with an apparatus can be made difficult.
Further, since the information code can be formed on the surface of the portion to be formed opposite to the side on which the coating layer is formed, it is advantageous in applications where the information code should be formed at such a position. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to directly cover the information code with the covering layer, the information code pattern (print pattern, uneven processing pattern, etc.) does not appear due to the unevenness of the covering layer, and the security is further improved. .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, an adhesive layer made of an adhesive medium is provided on the surface of the portion to be formed opposite to the coating layer. According to this configuration, the entire information code display medium can be used as a seal, and an effect similar to that of the first aspect can be produced at a portion where the information code display medium is bonded. Thus, for example, in a case where it is desired to enjoy the same benefits as in claim 1 for an object on which it is difficult to directly form a coating layer or information code, or in the case where it is desired to add the same features as in claim 1 after the object is formed. Become advantageous.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the portion to be formed is configured as a plate material or a sheet material that can be flexibly deformed, and the covering layer is arranged to cover the surface on one side in the thickness direction of the portion to be formed. The adhesive layer is provided on the other surface in the thickness direction of the forming portion. According to this configuration, the degree of freedom of the application position of the information code display medium is increased. For example, a characteristic information code display medium can be used not only for a flat part but also for a part that is curved to some extent or a part that is slightly uneven. Can be attached.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the covering layer is provided so as to cover the entire information code. In this way, when the covering layer is arranged so as to cover the entire information code, in addition to the effect of making reading by a general reading device difficult, it is possible to make it difficult for a third party to know the presence of the information code itself. Thereby, security can be further improved.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the covering layer is provided so as to cover only a part of the information code. With this configuration, it is difficult to read by a general reading device, but the presence and position of the information code can be grasped. Thereby, for example, when a specific person reads an information code by a reading device that can irradiate light of a predetermined wavelength (light that can make the clothing layer transmissive), it becomes easier to read the information code more accurately. Alternatively, it is advantageous when it is desired to inform the third party (such as a consumer) of the presence of the information code.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the information code includes a feature pattern having a predetermined shape, and at least one of the features of the information code when the information code display medium is viewed from the coating layer side. The entire pattern is visible. According to this configuration, a characteristic pattern can be partially shown in the information code, and the presence of the information code can be easily notified intuitively.

According to the structure of Claim 7, the information code reading system which has the same effect as Claim 1 is realizable.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the information code reading system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of the information code display medium according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state where the information code display medium of FIG. 1 is viewed from the front side, and FIG. 3B is a view of the information code display medium of FIG. 1 viewed from the back side. FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a captured image captured when infrared light is irradiated from the surface side of the information code display medium of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of the information code display medium according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state in which the information code display medium of the third embodiment is viewed from the front side, and FIG. 6B is a view of the information code display medium from the back side. FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of the information code display medium according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8A is an explanatory view schematically showing a state in which the information code display medium of the fourth embodiment is viewed from the front side, and FIG. 8B is a view of the information code display medium from the back side. FIG. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state where an information code display medium according to a modification of the fourth embodiment is viewed from the front side, and FIG. 9B shows the information code display medium. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that it looked from the back side.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment that embodies an information code reading system and the like according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(Outline of information code reading system)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an information code reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. An information code reading system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an information code display medium 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as a medium 10) on which an information code C (see FIGS. 2 and 3) having a light color module Cw and a dark color module Cb is formed. And an information code reader 40 (hereinafter also simply referred to as a reader 40) capable of reading the information code C formed on the medium 10, and the information code C formed on the medium 10 Is extracted and decoded by the reading device 40, whereby the data recorded in the information code C can be acquired and output. Hereinafter, the medium 10 and the reading device 40 will be described in detail.

(Information code display medium)
The information code display medium 10 is formed by forming an information code C on a formation portion 14 such as a resin member or glass. The information code C is composed of a known one-dimensional code such as a barcode or a known two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), a data matrix code, a maxi code, or the like, and can be decoded by a known method. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information code display medium 10 includes a formed portion 14 to which the information code C is attached, and a covering layer 12 provided so as to cover a predetermined one surface 14A side of the formed portion 14. I have. The coating layer 12 is in a transmission state when “light of a predetermined wavelength” different from visible light is applied, and is in a non-transmission state that is less transmissive than the state (transmission state) when visible light is applied. It becomes the composition which becomes.

  Specifically, for example, the coating layer 12 is made of an infrared transmitting ink or a similar material, and the infrared light corresponds to “light of a predetermined wavelength”. 3A, the coating layer 12 becomes opaque under a normal environment where visible light is irradiated, and the shape of the information code C positioned on the back side of the coating layer 12 when viewed from the front side is visually recognized. It is configured to be impossible or difficult to see. In FIG. 3A, the region of the covering layer 12 is conceptually shown by cross hatching, but this region is visually recognized or imaged as a dark color as a whole. On the other hand, the coating layer 12 is in a transparent state or a highly transparent state in an infrared light environment irradiated with infrared light as shown in FIG. 4, and is located on the back side of the coating layer 12 when viewed from the front side. The shape of the information code C is configured to be visible.

  The formation part 14 is composed of a light-transmitting medium capable of transmitting at least infrared light (light having a predetermined wavelength). In this configuration, the transparent part can transmit not only infrared light but also visible light. It is made of glass or a transparent resin member. That is, the formed portion 14 is in a transparent state or a highly transparent state when irradiated with visible light, and is in a transparent state or a highly transparent state when irradiated with infrared light. It is configured. The information code C has a configuration in which at least a part of the information layer C is covered with the covering layer 12 on the side opposite to the one surface 14A side (the other surface 14B side) where the covering layer 12 is formed in the formed portion 14. Has been placed. 2 and 3, the covering layer 12 is provided so as to cover the entire information code C. That is, the entire area of the information code C and the covering layer 12 are arranged so as to overlap in the thickness direction of the portion 14 to be formed, and the medium 10 is viewed from the surface side under a normal environment as shown in FIG. When this occurs, the information code C is hidden behind the opaque coating layer 12, making it invisible or difficult to view.

  In addition, in FIG. 2 etc., the example in which the information code C was formed in the to-be-formed part 14 comprised as a plate-shaped or sheet-like transparent member was shown, However, The structure and application of the to-be-formed part 14 are various. For example, it may be a plastic bag or a resin case configured as a product packaging, or may be a glass case. Or the to-be-formed part 14 may be goods or other articles themselves. Moreover, in the example of FIG. 2 etc., although the to-be-formed part 14 was formed in the single layer, if it was the structure which a transparent member or a highly transparent member overlaps, the structure overlap | superposed as multiple layers may be sufficient.

  The information code C formed in the formation portion 14 is divided into an inversion area and a non-inversion area. The inversion region shows dark color reflection characteristics when irradiated with visible light when viewed from the front surface side (one surface 14A side), and light in a second wavelength band having a wavelength different from that of visible light (for example, infrared light). Is configured to exhibit light-colored reflection characteristics when irradiated. Further, the non-inversion region shows a dark color reflection characteristic when irradiated with visible light, and a dark color reflection characteristic (with a second wavelength band) when irradiated with light of a second wavelength band (for example, infrared light). It is configured to exhibit a reflection characteristic having a lower brightness than the reflection characteristic (light color reflection characteristic) of the inversion region when irradiated with light.

  In the information code C, the area of the dark color module Cb (FIG. 3 (B), dark cell in the example shown in FIG. 4 and the like) is a non-inverted area, and the light color module Cw (FIG. 3 (B), FIG. In the example shown in 4 etc., the bright color cell area is an inversion area. An area adjacent to the periphery of the code area (minimum rectangular area including all areas where the dark color module Cb is arranged) is also an inversion area. For example, an annular margin area adjacent immediately adjacent to the code area is also configured as an inversion area.

  Since it is configured in this manner, the amount of illumination light in the second wavelength band (for example, infrared light) or the environment in which the illumination light in the second wavelength band (for example, infrared light) is not irradiated. In an environment that is as low as the normal environment, when viewed from the front side by a general user, as shown in FIG. 3A, the area of the light color module Cw, the area of the dark color module Cb, and the background area (code The area outside the area) appears to be integrated in a dark color (dark color such as black indicated by the covering layer 12), and the information code C located on the back side of the covering layer 12 cannot be grasped or is difficult to grasp. On the other hand, when illumination light (for example, infrared light) in the second wavelength band is irradiated from the surface side of the medium 10, a margin area adjacent to the bright color module Cw area and the code area as shown in FIG. The included background area appears to be reversed to light color, and the area of the dark color module Cb appears to remain dark. Accordingly, the outer shape of the information code C (the configuration of each light color module and each dark color module) can be recognized with the naked eye.

  In addition, because of such characteristics, a general reading apparatus that emits visible light as illumination light includes a light color module Cw region, a dark color module Cb region, and a margin region as shown in FIG. The background area (the area outside the code area) is imaged in a state where all the background areas are integrated in a dark color (dark color such as black indicated by the covering layer 12), and the information code C becomes difficult to extract. On the other hand, when imaging is performed while irradiating illumination light (for example, infrared light) in the second wavelength band as in the reading device 40 described later, it is adjacent to the area of the bright color module Cw and the code area as shown in FIG. Since the background area including the margin area to be inverted is inverted to a light color and the area of the dark color module Cb can be imaged with a dark color, the information code C can be extracted.

  For example, in the example of FIGS. 2 to 4, in the information code display medium 10, the covering layer 12 is formed of the first ink, and the dark color module Cb of the information code C is formed of the second ink. The inversion area is an area where the first ink is arranged on the one surface 14A side and the second ink is not arranged on the other surface 14B side. On the other hand, the non-inversion area is configured as an area where the second ink is applied at least on the other surface 14B side. In the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4, the first ink is arranged on the one surface 14A side, and the other side. It is configured as an overlapping region in which the second ink is arranged on the side of the direction 14B.

  Among these, the 1st ink which comprises the coating layer 12 shows the reflective characteristic of dark color (for example, dark colors, such as black, indigo blue, blue), when the light (for example, visible light) of the 1st wavelength band is irradiated. , It functions so as to be in a transparent state or a light-colored state with high light transmittance when irradiated with light in the second wavelength band (for example, infrared light). That is, when light in the second wavelength band is irradiated, the color is inverted from a dark color to a light color (transparent color or light color with high light transmission). Specifically, it is configured as an infrared reactive ink, and is configured to be in an invisible state or a highly transparent light color state when irradiated with infrared light having a wavelength of 750 nm or more.

  The second ink exhibits a reflection characteristic of dark color (for example, dark color such as black, indigo, and blue) when irradiated with light in the first wavelength band, and when irradiated with light in the second wavelength band. In addition, it functions to exhibit reflection characteristics of dark colors (for example, dark colors such as black, indigo, and blue). Specifically, it is configured as a normal ink (ink that is not inverted by infrared rays), and is dark when irradiated with visible light with a wavelength of 380 nm to 750 nm or with infrared light with a wavelength of 750 nm or more. (For example, dark colors such as black, indigo and blue).

  In the example of FIGS. 2 to 4, the area of the dark color module Cb (dark color cell) has a configuration in which the second ink and the first ink are overlaid. Even in the state of being irradiated with light, the reflection characteristic of dark color is exhibited. On the other hand, in the background area including the area of the light color module Cw (light color cell) and the margin area, only the first ink is arranged and the second ink is not overlaid. In the state irradiated with infrared light, it becomes a light color state or a transparent state with high light transmittance.

(Information code reader)
Next, the information code reading device 40 will be described.
The information code reader 40 shown in FIG. 1 has a function of imaging and reading an information code such as a QR code (registered trademark). The reading device 40 includes a control unit 41 including a CPU and the like, an imaging unit 42 configured as a camera including a light receiving sensor (for example, a C-MOS area sensor, a CCD area sensor, and the like), visible light (in the first wavelength band). A first illumination light source 43 for irradiating illumination light), a second illumination light source 44 for irradiating infrared light (illumination light in the second wavelength band), a storage unit 45 comprising storage means such as ROM, RAM, and nonvolatile memory. It has. Further, the reading device 40 is provided with a display unit 46 including a liquid crystal display, an operation unit 47 including various operation keys, and the like. The second illumination light source 44 corresponds to an example of an “illumination light source”, and is configured to be able to irradiate infrared light (light having a predetermined wavelength).

  The imaging unit 42 is configured to be able to image the information code C, and is disposed, for example, between the pair of first illumination light sources 43a and 43b. The imaging unit 42 functions to generate the image data of the information code display medium 10 by causing the reflected light from the information code display medium 10 to form an image on the light receiving surface of the light receiving sensor 42a. The light receiving sensor 42a is configured to receive reflected light that is irradiated and reflected on the medium 10. For example, the light receiving sensor 42a is a line sensor in which light receiving elements that are solid-state imaging elements such as C-MOS and CCD are arranged one-dimensionally, Or the area sensor arranged in two dimensions corresponds to this. The imaging lens 42c is constituted by, for example, a lens barrel and a plurality of condensing lenses accommodated in the lens barrel, and forms an image of the information code C on the light receiving surface of the light receiving sensor 42a. Is functioning. The image signal output from the light receiving sensor 42a of the optical system is stored in, for example, an image data storage area of the storage unit 45.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the 1st illumination light source 43 and the 2nd illumination light source 44 which comprise an illumination optical system are each provided in the both sides which pinched | interposed the imaging part 42 (light reception optical system), for example. A pair of 1st illumination light sources 43a and 43b are comprised by LED which irradiates visible light with a wavelength of 380 nm-750 nm, for example. Further, the second illumination light sources 44a and 44b arranged in pairs are constituted by light sources (LEDs, other infrared lamps, etc.) that emit infrared light having a wavelength of 750 nm or more. In this configuration, the number of light sources of the second illumination light source 44 (second illumination light irradiation means) is larger than the number of light sources of the first illumination light source 43 (first illumination light irradiation means).

  The storage unit 45 corresponds to, for example, RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.), and other storage devices. In addition to the above-described image data storage area, the RAM of the storage unit 45 is configured to be able to secure a work area and a reading condition table used by the control unit 41 in each processing such as arithmetic operation and logical operation. Yes. The ROM stores in advance a predetermined program that can execute various processes and the like, and a system program that can control each hardware such as the illumination light source and the light receiving sensor 42a.

  The control unit 41 includes a microcomputer that can control the entire reading device 40, and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and has an information processing function. In this configuration, the control unit 41 corresponds to an example of a decoding unit, and the information code C is imaged by the imaging unit 42 in a state where light of a predetermined wavelength is applied to the information code display medium 10 by the irradiation light source. It functions to decipher the code image obtained when

  Specifically, for example, an imaging mode by irradiating infrared light can be set. In this case, for example, the first illumination light source 43 is turned off and the second illumination light source 44 is turned on, for example, the imaging unit 42. Perform imaging with. In this way, when the second illumination light source 44 is turned on and imaging is performed while irradiating illumination light (for example, infrared light) in the second wavelength band, the medium 10 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 is in the imaging range. When an image is taken from the surface side of the medium 10, the background area including the margin area adjacent to the area of the light color module Cw and the code area is inverted to a light color as shown in FIG. 4, and the area of the dark color module Cb remains dark. The image picked up by is obtained. Therefore, it is possible to obtain data recorded in the information code C by decoding such an image of the information code C (that is, an image in which the inversion area and the non-inversion area are distinguished) by a known decoding method. It becomes. Although the case where the information code C is a QR code (registered trademark) is illustrated here, it can be similarly applied to various two-dimensional codes expressed by a light color module and a dark color module such as a data matrix code and a maxi code. As long as the code is expressed by a light color module and a dark color module, a one-dimensional code such as a one-dimensional barcode can be similarly applied.

(Main effects of this embodiment)
In this configuration, the covering layer 12 is provided so as to cover the predetermined one surface 14A side of the forming portion 14 to which the cord is attached. And this coating layer 12 becomes a light transmission state when light of a predetermined wavelength different from the visible light is applied, and when the visible light is applied, the light transmission state is lower in light transmission than the light transmission state. It becomes the composition which becomes. On the other hand, the portion to be formed 14 is composed of a light-transmitting medium capable of transmitting at least the light having the predetermined wavelength. The information code C is arranged in a configuration in which at least part of the information layer C is covered with the covering layer 12 on the opposite side of the forming portion 14 from the covering layer 12 or inside the forming portion 14.
Since it is configured in this way, when visible light is irradiated from the one surface 14A side (the coating layer 12 side) of the portion 14 to be formed (the amount of infrared light is very small, the proportion of visible light is relative) Information layer C located behind the covering layer 12 when the image is taken from the one surface 14A side (the covering layer 12 side) of the portion 14 to be formed. It is difficult to accurately capture the image. Therefore, it is difficult to read the information code C under a normal environment where the proportion of visible light is large, and reading under a general environment can be prevented. Also, under general circumstances, it is difficult to accurately duplicate the information code C from the one surface 14A side (the coating layer 12 side) of the portion 14 to be formed by copying or the like. It is also possible to prevent the information code C from leaking out.

On the other hand, when light (for example, infrared light) of the predetermined wavelength is irradiated from the one surface 14A side (the coating layer side) of the forming portion 14 (the proportion of the light of the predetermined wavelength is from an environment where only visible light is present) In the case where the coating layer 12 becomes relatively large), the covering layer 12 is in the transmission state. Therefore, the information code C on the rear side of the coating layer 12 can be imaged more accurately by imaging while irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength even from the one surface 14A side (the coating layer 12 side) of the formation portion 14. In this case, the information code C can be read.
As described above, according to this configuration, it is possible to perform reading for a specific reading device that can capture an image while irradiating with light of a predetermined wavelength (light that can make the coating layer in a transmissive state). Reading with an apparatus can be made difficult.

  In addition, since the information code C can be formed on the surface of the portion to be formed 14 opposite to the side on which the coating layer 12 is formed or inside the portion to be formed 14, it is advantageous in applications where the information code C should be formed at such positions. Become. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to directly cover the information code C with the covering layer 12, the information code C pattern (printing pattern, uneven processing pattern, etc.) does not appear due to the unevenness of the covering layer 12. Becomes even higher.

  In the present configuration, the covering layer 12 is provided so as to cover the entire information code C. In this way, when the covering layer 12 is arranged so as to cover the entire information code C, in addition to the effect of making it difficult to read by a general reading device, it is difficult to inform the third party of the existence of the information code C itself. Can do. Thereby, security can be further improved.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The second embodiment includes all the configurations of the first embodiment, and further has a configuration in which an adhesive layer 16 is added. The information code reading system 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in that an adhesive layer 16 is provided, and is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the same configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In particular, the configuration of the information code reader 40 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the information code display medium 10 according to the present configuration is provided in a configuration that covers the formation portion 14 to which the information code C is attached and the one surface 14 </ b> A side of the formation portion 14. A coating layer 12 that is in a transmissive state when irradiated with light of a different predetermined wavelength (for example, infrared light) and is in a non-transmissive state that is less transmissive than the transmissive state when irradiated with visible light. I have. Then, the information code C is the side opposite to the coating layer 12 in the portion 14 to be formed (that is, the other surface 14B side), the surface side of the coating layer 12 in the portion 14 to be formed (that is, the one surface 14A side), or Inside the portion to be formed 14 (that is, between one surface 14A (front surface) and the other surface 14B (back surface)), the coating layer 12 is disposed in a configuration that is at least partially covered. In the following, as in the first embodiment, an example in which the information code C is formed on the other surface 14B will be described as a representative example.

  Further, in this configuration, an adhesive layer 16 made of an adhesive medium is provided on the surface of the forming portion 14 opposite to the coating layer 12 (that is, the other surface 14B side). The adhesive layer 16 may be constituted by a known adhesive having a certain degree of viscosity, or may be constituted by an adhesive sheet such as a known double-sided tape. When the adhesive layer 16 is configured by an adhesive sheet, the adhesive layer 16 is configured in a sheet shape, the surface on the other surface 14B side has adhesiveness, and the surface opposite to the other surface 14B side (FIG. 5). In the example, the exposed surface) also has adhesiveness. In this case, the surface of the adhesive layer 16 on the side of the formed portion 14 is adhered to the other surface 14B, and the surface of the adhesive layer 16 opposite to the formed portion 14 is adhered to another object. Note that the target object to which the information code display medium 10 is bonded is various, may be various products, and may be various devices, facilities, tools, and the like. Further, it is useful to stick to an article such as a glass product or a precious metal product that is difficult to directly print or for which direct printing is not desired.

  Also in this configuration, the formed portion 14 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and is configured as a plate material or a sheet material that can be flexibly deformed. And the coating layer 12 is distribute | arranged by the structure which covers the surface (one surface 14A) of the thickness direction of the to-be-formed part 14, and the structure which covers the surface (other surface 14B) of the to-be-formed part 14 thickness direction The adhesive layer 16 is provided. In this configuration, functions and effects of portions other than the adhesive layer 16 are the same as in the first embodiment. For example, the configuration viewed from the surface side during normal time (when visible light is irradiated) is the same as that in FIG. 3A, and the captured image in a state where visible light is irradiated is also the same as that in FIG. On the other hand, an image taken by the imaging unit while irradiating infrared light (light of a predetermined wavelength) with the above-described reading device 40 is the same as that in FIG. 4, and such an image is taken by the reading device 40. Thus, the information code C can be decoded.

  In this configuration, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, since the adhesive layer 16 made of an adhesive medium is provided on the opposite side of the coating layer 12 in the formation portion 14, the entire information code display medium 10 can be used as a seal, and the information code display medium 10 The above-mentioned effect can be produced in the part where the is adhered. This is particularly advantageous when, for example, an object in which the covering layer 12 or the information code C is difficult to be directly formed, or when it is desired to add the covering layer 12 or the information code C after the formation of the object.

  Further, in this configuration, the formed portion 14 is configured as a plate material or a sheet material that can be bent and deformed, and the cover layer 12 that can be bent and deformed in a configuration that covers the surface on one side in the thickness direction of the formed portion 14 is disposed, Furthermore, an adhesive layer 16 that can be bent and deformed is provided on the other surface in the thickness direction of the portion 14 to be formed. According to this configuration, the degree of freedom of the application position of the information code display medium 10 is increased. For example, an information code display medium that is characteristic not only for a flat part but also for a part that is curved to some extent or a part that is slightly uneven. 10 can be attached.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The information code reading system 1 according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the size and arrangement position of the covering layer 12 formed on the information code display medium 10, and is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. . For example, the reading device 40 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the information code display medium 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the covering layer 12. Therefore, the same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3 and the like, not only the code area to which the information code C is attached (the minimum rectangular area including all the areas where the dark color module Cb is arranged), but also the margin area around it and the outside thereof are covered. Although the coating layer 12 is arranged in the configuration, in the example of FIGS. 6 and 7, the coating layer 12 is configured to cover only the code region to which the information code C is attached. In particular, in this example, as shown in FIG. 6, the margin area adjacent to the code area (minimum rectangular area including all areas where the dark color module Cb is arranged) is not covered by the covering layer 12. The covering layer 12 is provided with the minimum necessary. This configuration is very advantageous when it is desired to make the information code C difficult to grasp, but to make the coating layer 12 as narrow as possible.

  In this configuration, the function and effect of the portion covered with the coating layer 12 are the same as in the first embodiment. For example, the configuration viewed from the surface side during normal time (at the time of visible light irradiation) is as shown in FIG. 6A, but the code area is the same as in FIG. 3A of the first embodiment. Further, the captured image in a state in which visible light is irradiated is as shown in FIG. 6A, and the image in the code area is the same as that in FIG. On the other hand, an image taken by the imaging unit while irradiating infrared light (light of a predetermined wavelength) with the above-described reading device 40 is the same as that in FIG. 4, and such an image is taken by the reading device 40. Thus, the information code C can be decoded.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The information code reading system 1 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the size and arrangement position of the coating layer 12 formed on the information code display medium 10, and is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. . For example, the reading device 40 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the information code display medium 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the covering layer 12. Therefore, the same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In any of the information code display media 10 of FIGS. 8 and 9, the covering layer 12 is provided so as to cover only a part of the information code C. That is, in a part of the information code C, the area of the dark color module Cb (area drawn with the second ink), the area of the light color module (area not attached with the second ink), and the covering layer 12 are included. It overlaps in the thickness direction of the portion 14 to be formed, and in the other portions, the area of the dark color module Cb (area drawn with the second ink) and the area of the light color module (the second ink is not attached). The region) and the covering layer 12 do not overlap in the thickness direction of the portion 14 to be formed.

  8 and 9, the information code C is a known QR code (registered trademark) in which position detection patterns (cutout symbols) FP1, FP2, and FP3 having predetermined shapes are arranged at three predetermined corners. ). 8 and 9, when the information code display medium 10 is viewed from the coating layer 12 side, the entire at least one position detection pattern FP1, FP2, FP3 of the information code C is visible. ing. That is, at least one position detection pattern FP1, FP2, FP3 is not covered with the coating layer 12, and viewed from the surface side even in a visible light environment (in an environment where the amount of infrared light is very low as in a normal environment). The cover layer 12 is not hidden. In the example of FIG. 8, only the position detection patterns FP2 and FP3 are visible when viewed from the front surface side in the visible light environment. In the example of FIG. 9, the position detection patterns FP2 and FP3 are viewed from the front surface side in the visible light environment. The position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 are all visible.

  In this configuration, the function and effect of the portion covered with the coating layer 12 are the same as in the first embodiment. For example, the configuration viewed from the surface side during normal time (during visible light irradiation) is as shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 9A, but the portion covered with the coating layer 12 is the diagram of the first embodiment. It is the same as 3 (A). Moreover, the picked-up image in the state which irradiated the visible light also becomes like FIG. 8 (A) and FIG. 9 (A), and the image of the part covered with the coating layer 12 is the same as that of FIG. 3 (A). On the other hand, an image taken by the imaging unit while irradiating infrared light (light of a predetermined wavelength) with the above-described reading device 40 is the same as that in FIG. 4, and such an image is taken by the reading device 40. Thus, the information code C can be decoded.

  Thus, in this configuration, since the covering layer 12 is provided so as to cover only a part of the information code C, it is difficult to read by a general reading device, while the presence and position of the information code C are present. Can be grasped. Accordingly, for example, when the information code C is read by a reading device that can irradiate light of a predetermined wavelength (light that can make the clothing layer transmissive), it becomes easier to read the information code C more accurately. Alternatively, it is advantageous when it is desired to inform the third party (such as a consumer) of the presence of the information code C.

  Further, in this configuration, the information code C includes a feature pattern having a predetermined shape, and at least one feature pattern of the information code C when the information code display medium 10 is viewed from the coating layer 12 side. Is visible. According to this configuration, a characteristic pattern can be partially shown in the information code C, and the presence of the information code C can be easily notified intuitively.

[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, the information code C is arranged in a configuration in which at least a part of the information code C is covered with the coating layer 12 on the opposite side of the coating layer 12 in the forming portion 14. 14 (between one surface 14A and the other surface 14B).

  In 2nd Embodiment, although the example which provided the adhesive layer 16 in the information code display medium 10 of 1st Embodiment was shown, it adhere | attached on the other surface 14B of the information code display medium 19 of 3rd Embodiment or 4th Embodiment. As described above, a similar adhesive layer 16 may be provided.

  In the fourth embodiment, a QR code (registered trademark) is illustrated as the information code C, and the position detection pattern is illustrated as a feature pattern that is not covered by the coating layer 12, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, a data matrix code may be used as the information code C, and another region may be covered with the covering layer 12 so as not to hide the L-shaped alignment pattern or the L-shaped timing cell of the data matrix code.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information code reading system 10 ... Information code display medium 12 ... Covering layer 14 ... Formed part 14A ... One side 14B ... Other side 16 ... Adhesive layer 40 ... Information code reading device 41 ... Control part (decoding part)
42 ... Imaging unit 44 ... Second illumination light source (illumination light source)
C: Information code FP1, FP2, FP3 ... Position detection pattern (feature pattern)

Claims (7)

A forming part to which an information code is attached;
Provided with a configuration that covers a predetermined one surface side of the portion to be formed, and enters a transmission state when light having a predetermined wavelength different from visible light is applied, and transmits more than the transmission state when visible light is applied. A coating layer that is in a non-permeable state with low properties;
With
The portion to be formed is constituted by a light-transmitting medium capable of transmitting at least light of the predetermined wavelength,
It said information code, the Oite the opposite surface side to the cover layer in the forming portion, the information code display medium characterized by being arranged at least partially covered structure in the coating layer.   The information code display medium according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive layer made of an adhesive medium is provided on the surface of the formation portion opposite to the covering layer. The formed portion is configured as a plate material or a sheet material that can be deformed flexibly, and the covering layer is arranged to cover a surface on one side in the thickness direction of the formed portion, and the other in the thickness direction of the formed portion. The information code display medium according to claim 2, wherein the adhesive layer is provided on a side surface . The information code display medium according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the covering layer is provided so as to cover the entire information code. The information code display medium according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the covering layer is provided so as to cover only a part of the information code. The information code is a configuration including a feature pattern having a predetermined shape,
At least one information code display medium according to claim 5, generally characterized viewable der Rukoto of the characteristic pattern of the information code when viewed the information code display medium from the coating layer side. An information code reading system comprising: an information code display medium on which an information code is displayed; and an information code reading device that reads the information code attached to the information code display medium,
The information code display medium is
A formed part to which the information code is attached;
Provided in a configuration that covers one surface side of the formed portion, and is in a transmission state when light having a predetermined wavelength different from visible light is applied, and is more transmissive than the transmission state when visible light is applied. A coating layer that is in a low non-transmissive state;
With
The portion to be formed is constituted by a light-transmitting medium capable of transmitting at least light of the predetermined wavelength,
The information code is arranged in a configuration in which at least a part of the information code is covered on the side of the formation portion opposite to the cover layer,
The information code reader is
An irradiation light source capable of irradiating light of the predetermined wavelength;
An imaging unit capable of imaging the information code;
A decoding unit that decodes a code image obtained when the information code is imaged by the imaging unit in a state in which light of the predetermined wavelength is applied to the information code display medium by the irradiation light source;
An information code reading system comprising:

Images