JP6160528B2 - Parking lot use system and parking ticket reader - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a parking lot utilization system and a parking ticket reader.

  Currently, automatic payment systems are used in various parking lots such as coin parking. In this type of automatic payment system, for example, a parking ticket issuing device is installed at an entrance gate, and when a ticket is issued, the entrance time is recorded on the parking ticket by magnetic information or the like. In addition, a settlement apparatus is installed at the exit gate, etc., and the settlement ticket is read by the settlement apparatus and the settlement amount is calculated based on the staying time in the parking lot.

Japanese Patent No. 5057560

  In the parking lot system described above, a magnetic recording medium is widely used as a parking ticket. However, in such a configuration that requires magnetic recording, a wide magnetic recording area must be provided on the medium. The burden on the surface must be large. In addition, in the conventional system, when discounting at the parking lot according to the usage record at the store, etc., the parking ticket is stamped at the store etc., and this is confirmed visually by an administrator in the parking lot, Although discounts and exemptions from payments have been made, such a method increases the burden on the manager who manages the parking lot, and is likely to cause human errors such as an incorrect payment amount.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, can use an information code for managing a parking lot, and can easily add information used for settlement after a parking ticket is issued. It is an object of the present invention to provide a configuration that can automatically calculate a settlement fee or determine permission to leave using the information obtained.

The first invention is a parking ticket issuing device that issues a parking ticket on which an information code formed by arranging cells serving as units for displaying information inside a predetermined code area is displayed;
A parking ticket reader for reading the parking ticket;
A parking lot usage system comprising:
The parking ticket issuing device
A specific pattern area in which a specific pattern of a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, a data recording area for recording data by a plurality of types of the cells, and data recorded in the data recording area An information addition area capable of recording another additional information; and an information code generation unit that generates the information code in a configuration provided with;
A parking ticket forming unit for forming the parking ticket so as to represent the information code generated by the information code generating unit on a display medium;
With
The parking ticket reader is
An imaging unit capable of imaging the information code represented on the parking ticket issued by the parking ticket issuing device;
When the information code is imaged by the imaging unit, a data recording area reading unit that reads data recorded in the data recording area based on the content of the data recording area in the code image of the imaged information code When,
An additional information acquisition unit that analyzes the information addition area of the code image of the information code and acquires predetermined additional information added in the information addition area when the information code is imaged by the imaging unit; ,
Based on the data read by the data recording area reading unit and the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition unit, at least one of calculation of a settlement fee or determination of permission to leave the parking lot is performed. An information processing unit;
It is characterized by having.

A second invention is a parking ticket issuing device that issues a parking ticket on which an information code formed by arranging cells serving as units for displaying information in a predetermined code area is displayed;
A receipt issuing device for issuing a receipt;
A parking ticket reader for reading the receipt and the parking ticket;
A parking lot usage system comprising:
The parking ticket issuing device
Information for generating the information code in a configuration in which a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged and a data recording area for recording data by a plurality of types of cells are provided inside the code area. A code generator;
A parking ticket forming unit for forming the parking ticket so as to represent the information code generated by the information code generating unit on a display medium;
With
The receipt issuing device
A second code generation unit that generates a second code different from the information code;
A receipt issuing unit for issuing the receipt on which the second code generated by the second code generation unit is formed;
With
The parking ticket reader is
One or a plurality of imaging units capable of imaging the information code represented by the parking ticket issued by the parking ticket issuing device and the second code represented by the receipt issued by the receipt issuing device When,
When the information code is imaged by the imaging unit, a data recording area reading unit that reads data recorded in the data recording area based on the content of the data recording area in the code image of the imaged information code When,
A second code reading unit that reads data recorded in the imaged second code when the second code is imaged by the imaging unit;
Information for performing at least one of calculating a settlement fee or determining permission to leave the parking lot based on the data read by the data recording area reading unit and the data read by the second code reading unit A processing unit;
I have a,
The information code generation unit includes the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and an information additional area capable of recording additional information different from the data recorded in the data recording area. It is a configuration that generates code,
When the information code is imaged by the imaging unit, the parking ticket reader analyzes the information addition area of the code image of the information code, and adds predetermined additional information added in the information addition area. It has an additional information acquisition unit to acquire,
The information processing unit is based on data read by the data recording area reading unit and at least one of the data read by the second code reading unit or the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition unit. Then, at least one of calculating a settlement fee or determining permission to leave the parking lot is performed .

A third invention is a parking ticket reading device that reads a parking ticket on which an information code formed by arranging cells serving as units for displaying information within a predetermined code area is displayed,
The information code represented on the parking ticket includes a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, and a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells. And an information addition area capable of recording additional information different from the data recorded in the data recording area, and
An imaging unit capable of imaging the information code represented on the parking ticket issued by the parking ticket issuing device;
When the information code is imaged by the imaging unit, a data recording area reading unit that reads data recorded in the data recording area based on the content of the data recording area in the code image of the imaged information code When,
An additional information acquisition unit that analyzes the information addition area of the code image of the information code and acquires predetermined additional information added in the information addition area when the information code is imaged by the imaging unit; ,
Based on the data read by the data recording area reading unit and the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition unit, at least one of calculation of a settlement fee or determination of permission to leave the parking lot is performed. An information processing unit;
It is characterized by having.

A fourth invention is a parking ticket reading device that reads a parking ticket on which an information code formed by arranging cells serving as units for displaying information inside a predetermined code area, and a receipt,
The information code represented on the parking ticket includes a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, and a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells. Is provided, and
The receipt is configured to represent a second code different from the information code,
One or a plurality of imaging units capable of imaging the information code represented by the parking ticket issued by the parking ticket issuing device and the second code represented by the receipt issued by the receipt issuing device When,
When the information code is imaged by the imaging unit, a data recording area reading unit that reads data recorded in the data recording area based on the content of the data recording area in the code image of the imaged information code When,
A second code reading unit that reads data recorded in the imaged second code when the second code is imaged by the imaging unit;
Information for performing at least one of calculating a settlement fee or determining permission to leave the parking lot based on the data read by the data recording area reading unit and the data read by the second code reading unit A processing unit;
I have a,
The information code has a configuration in which the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and an information additional area capable of recording additional information different from the data recorded in the data recording area are provided.
An additional information acquisition unit that analyzes the information addition area of the code image of the information code and acquires predetermined additional information added in the information addition area when the information code is imaged by the imaging unit; Prepared,
The information processing unit is based on data read by the data recording area reading unit and at least one of the data read by the second code reading unit or the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition unit. Then, at least one of calculating a settlement fee or determining permission to leave the parking lot is performed .

According to the first and eighth aspects of the present invention, an area capable of recording additional information (information that is different from information recorded in the data recording area and can be added later) is provided in the code area. It is possible to build a parking lot system that uses a unique information code. For this reason, a wide magnetic region or the like is not indispensable, and restrictions on providing the magnetic region (cost, management burden, etc. due to preparation of magnetic material, etc.) can be reduced.
In particular, information used for calculating the settlement amount or determining permission to leave can be used after being entered in the information code, and when reading, the reader records the data recorded in the information code and additional information. Therefore, it is easy for the service providing entity (for example, the entity operating a facility near the parking lot, etc.) to take measures for discounting or exemption of the settlement amount. In addition, at the time of scrutiny, the reader can grasp the information added to the parking ticket afterwards without any complicated or troublesome response as much as possible. Alternatively, at least one of “judgment of leaving permission” can be performed.

According to invention of Claim 2, 9 , the parking lot system using an information code can be constructed | assembled.
For this reason, a wide magnetic region or the like is not indispensable, and restrictions on providing the magnetic region (cost, management burden, etc. due to preparation of magnetic material, etc.) can be reduced.
In particular, information used for calculating the settlement amount or determining permission to leave can be recorded and used in the second code in the receipt. At the time of reading, the data recorded in the information code of the parking ticket is read by the reading device. And the data recorded in the second code in the receipt can be more accurately associated and grasped, so the service provider (for example, the entity that operates a facility near the parking lot, etc.) It becomes easy to take measures for discounts and exemptions. In addition, at the time of scrutiny, the reader can grasp the information on the receipt issued afterwards and automatically perform “calculation of the settlement fee” or It becomes possible to perform at least one of “judgment of leaving permission”.

According to the second and ninth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to calculate a settlement fee using the receipt or to judge whether to leave, and to add additional information (information recorded in the data recording area) in the code area. Information that can be added afterwards). This further increases the degree of freedom in adding information later, and further increases convenience for the parking lot management side and the parking lot use side.

According to the third and tenth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the additional information recorded in the information additional area can be used afterwards in a form capable of error correction.

According to the inventions of claims 4 and 11 , an information code in which an area (empty area) in which no data to be decoded is recorded is secured in the code area is applied to a parking lot system, and the empty area can be used as an information additional area. The configuration can be realized. Since the empty area is an area where data to be decoded is not recorded by the cell, the information addition area is not easily affected by the cell, and the information addition area can be used more freely.

According to the inventions of claims 5 and 12 , based on the time when the parking ticket is issued, the information added after the parking ticket is issued, and the time when the parking ticket is read, It is possible to construct a system that can judge permission to leave the parking lot. In other words, grasp the time when parking ticket usage is started and the time when usage ends, check the usage time, and automatically add information added afterwards, Alternatively, at least one of “determination of leaving permission” can be performed.

According to the inventions of claims 6 and 13 , it becomes possible to add specific information that can specify at least one of discount time, discount amount, or payment exemption to the parking ticket afterwards, For example (for example, a subject operating a facility near a parking lot, etc.), it becomes easier to provide discount services and exemption services at the parking lot.

In the inventions of claims 7 and 14 , in the issued parking ticket, it is possible to fill in the information addition area of the information code with special ink that reacts when light of a predetermined wavelength band different from visible light is irradiated. ing. The parking ticket reader is provided with a light source that irradiates the parking ticket with light of a predetermined wavelength band. Since it is configured in this way, if the entry is made with special ink, it is possible to make it difficult to see the entry portion with the special ink during normal times, and when reading, the light source emits light of a predetermined wavelength band. This makes it possible to make an entry with special ink and use it for judgment. In particular, when the information addition area is analyzed in the code image of the information code captured by the imaging unit when the light source emits light in the predetermined wavelength band, and a predetermined normal result is obtained as a result of the analysis In addition, since it is configured to perform at least one of calculation of the settlement fee or judgment of permission to leave the parking lot, even if a counterfeit ticket that does not have special ink is used, the calculation of the settlement fee or the parking lot The decision to leave is not made and it is easy to prevent loss due to fraud.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view schematically illustrating a parking lot utilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of an information code reading device constituting the parking lot utilization system of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining the data configuration of an information code used in the parking lot utilization system of FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another type of code corresponding to the information code used in the parking lot utilization system of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 illustrates the correspondence between the arrangement of each data word in the information code generated by the information code generation apparatus constituting the parking lot utilization system in FIG. 1 and the arrangement of each data word in another type of code. It is explanatory drawing to do. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the format data of the information code used in the parking lot utilization system of FIG. FIG. 7 illustrates the correspondence between the arrangement of each data word in the information code generated by the information code generation apparatus constituting the parking lot utilization system in FIG. 1 and the arrangement of each data word in another type of code. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship different from that in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of information code generation in the information code generation device constituting the parking lot utilization system of FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of reading an information code in the information code reading device constituting the parking lot utilization system of FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a parking ticket issued by the parking lot utilization system of FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which additional information is entered in a facility such as a store for the parking ticket issued as shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a parking lot to which the parking lot utilization system of FIG. 1 is applied. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram exemplarily illustrating the appearance of the payment machine used in the parking lot utilization system of FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the payment process in the payment machine used in the parking lot utilization system shown in FIG. FIG. 15: is a figure which shows another example of the content filled in in an information addition area | region regarding the modification 1 of the parking lot utilization system of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 16: is a figure which shows another example of the content filled in in an information addition area | region regarding the modification 2 of the parking lot utilization system of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a parking ticket issuing device, a receipt issuing device, and the like used in the parking lot utilization system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a receipt issued by the parking lot utilization system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram exemplarily illustrating the appearance of a payment machine used in the parking lot utilization system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an example 1 of an information code according to another embodiment. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining an example 2 of an information code according to another embodiment. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining an example 3 of the information code according to another embodiment.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
An information code utilization system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is generated by an information code generation device 2 that generates an information code 100 in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged in a predetermined code area, and an information code generation device 2. The information code reading device 10 for reading the information code 100 is provided. The information code generation device 2 functions as a main part of a parking ticket issuing device described later, and the information code reader 10 functions as a main part of a parking ticket reading device described later.

(Information code generator)
The information code generation device 2 is configured as an information processing device such as a personal computer or other computer, for example, and includes a control unit 3 including a CPU, an operation unit 4 including a keyboard, a mouse, and other input devices, and a ROM. , RAM 5, HDD, non-volatile memory, etc., storage unit 5, display unit 6, such as a known display device (liquid crystal display or other display device), etc., wired communication or wireless communication with external devices And a communication unit 7 that functions as a communication interface for printing, and a printing unit 8 (printing apparatus) that has the same hardware configuration as a known printer and can print the information code 100 and the like based on print data from the control unit 3 And.

(Information code reader)
Next, the overall configuration of the information code reader 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the information code reader 10 is configured as a code reader capable of reading a two-dimensional code in hardware, and an outer case is formed by a case (not shown), and various electronic components are included in the case. Is housed.

  The information code reader 10 mainly includes optical systems such as illumination light sources 21a and 21b, a light receiving sensor 23, a filter 25, and an imaging lens 27, a memory 35, a control circuit 40, an operation switch 42, a liquid crystal display device 46, and the like. And a power source system such as a power switch 41 and a battery 49. These are mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) or housed in a case (not shown).

  The optical system includes illumination light sources 21a and 21b, a light receiving sensor 23, a filter 25, an imaging lens 27, and the like. The illumination light sources 21a and 21b function as illumination light sources capable of emitting illumination light Lf, and include, for example, a red LED and a diffusion lens, a condensing lens, and the like provided on the emission side of the LED. In the present embodiment, illumination light sources 21a and 21b are provided on both sides of the light receiving sensor 23, and the illumination light Lf is irradiated toward the reading object R through a reading port (not shown) formed in the case. It is configured to be possible. As the reading object R, for example, various objects such as a resin material and a metal material are conceivable, and an information code 100 (described later) as shown in FIG. 1 is formed on the reading object R by printing or the like. ing.

  The light receiving sensor 23 corresponds to an example of an “imaging unit” that can image the information code 100 (described later), and is configured to receive the reflected light Lr irradiated and reflected on the reading object R and the information code 100. Thus, for example, an area sensor in which light receiving elements, which are solid-state imaging elements such as C-MOS and CCD, are two-dimensionally arranged corresponds to this. The light receiving sensor 23 is mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) so that incident light incident through the imaging lens 27 can be received by the light receiving surface 23a.

  The filter 25 is an optical low-pass filter that allows passage of light having a wavelength less than or equal to the wavelength of the reflected light Lr, for example, and can block passage of light exceeding the wavelength, and a reading port (not shown) formed in the case. And the imaging lens 27. Thereby, unnecessary light exceeding the wavelength equivalent of the reflected light Lr is prevented from entering the light receiving sensor 23. Further, the imaging lens 27 is constituted by, for example, a lens barrel and a plurality of condensing lenses accommodated in the lens barrel. In the present embodiment, the imaging lens 27 is provided at a reading port (not shown) formed in the case. The incident reflected light Lr is collected, and a code image of the information code 100 is formed on the light receiving surface 23 a of the light receiving sensor 23.

  The microcomputer system includes an amplification circuit 31, an A / D conversion circuit 33, a memory 35, an address generation circuit 36, a synchronization signal generation circuit 38, a control circuit 40, an operation switch 42, an LED 43, a buzzer 44, a liquid crystal display device 46, and a communication interface 48. Etc. This microcomputer system is configured around a control circuit 40 and a memory 35 that can function as a microcomputer (information processing apparatus), and the image signal of the information code 100 captured by the optical system described above is signaled in hardware and software. It can be processed.

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

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

  The control circuit 40 is a microcomputer capable of controlling the entire information code reader 10, and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and has an information processing function. Various input / output devices (peripheral devices) are connected to the control circuit 40 via a built-in input / output interface. In this embodiment, a power switch 41, an operation switch 42, an LED 43, a buzzer 44, A liquid crystal display device 46, a communication interface 48, and the like are connected. In addition, a host computer HST corresponding to the host system of the information code reader 10 can be connected to the communication interface 48.

  The power supply system includes a power switch 41, a battery 49, and the like. When the power switch 41 managed by the control circuit 40 is turned on and off, the conduction of the drive voltage supplied from the battery 49 to each device and each circuit described above is established. Or shut off is controlled. The battery 49 is a secondary battery that can generate a predetermined DC voltage, and corresponds to, for example, a lithium ion battery.

(Information code)
Next, the information code 100 used in the information code using system of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The example of FIG. 1 and the example of the right side of FIG. 5 are slightly different in the cell arrangement and the size of the specific pattern, but the basic idea is the same and has the same characteristics. The information code 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 is generated by, for example, the information code generation device 2 described above, and has a configuration in which cells 102 serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area. It has become. In the information code 100 of FIGS. 1 and 5, the “code area” is a rectangular area that can include all of the plurality of dark cells arranged, and is the smallest square area that includes all of the specific pattern area and the data recording area. It is a rectangular area. Specifically, it is a minimum square area or rectangular area including all three position detection patterns (cutout symbols) 104. The “code area” may be a minimum square area or rectangular area including all of a plurality of types of cells constituting the information code, and is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. Further, in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 5, the plurality of cells 102 are configured by either a rectangular (for example, a square outer diameter) light (white) cell or a dark (black) cell, Within the code area, these cells 102 are arranged in a matrix around an empty area 110 described later. The light color cell and the dark color cell are not limited to the white cell and the black cell, respectively. When the dark color cell is configured with a predetermined lightness, the light color cell only needs to have a higher lightness. In the information code 100, a light or dark margin area is formed around the code area so as to surround the code area. In the examples of FIGS. A margin area (for example, another color having a lightness higher than that of a white or dark cell) is arranged adjacent to the periphery of the code area.

  This information code 100 has a predetermined pattern (specifically, a fixed shape of a region larger than a single cell) inside a rectangular (for example, square or rectangular) code region. ) Are arranged, a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells 102, and an error correction code recording area in which an error correction code is recorded by a plurality of types of cells 102. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the specific pattern of the information code 100 is, for example, a known predetermined model number of a QR code (registered trademark) (in the example of FIG. 5, a predetermined model number of a QR code standardized by JIS or the like). ), The position detection pattern (cutout symbol) 104 as the specific pattern is arranged at each of the three corners of the code area in the examples of FIGS. ing. Further, a timing pattern 106 and an alignment pattern 108 as specific patterns are also provided at predetermined positions in the predetermined model number. Note that the timing pattern 106 and the alignment pattern 108 need not be arranged. As described above, in the information code 100, a specific pattern (position detection pattern 104, timing pattern 106, alignment pattern 108 (not shown in FIG. 5)) having a predetermined shape is arranged at a predetermined position. . It should be noted that, within the code area, positions other than the empty area 110, which will be described later, are configured by such specific pattern areas, recording areas (areas consisting of either data recording areas or error correction code recording areas), and the like. Yes.

  The number of rows and columns of cells of the information code 100, the shape and position of a specific pattern, the position of format information, the codeword candidate position (address for specifying the arrangement order of codewords), etc. You may grasp. For example, a plurality of model numbers may be provided in the type of the information code 100. In this case, the number of rows and columns of cells, the shape and position of a specific pattern, the position of format information, and a code word are arranged for each model number. The candidate position (address) may be determined in advance. If the model number information for specifying the model number is arranged at a predetermined position (reserved area) in the code area, the reader 10 grasps this position as a known position, so that the model number information is obtained. Based on the above, the number of rows and columns of the information code 100, the shape and position of the specific pattern, the position of the format information, and the candidate position (address) of the code word can be grasped. Note that the present invention is not limited to this method, and other methods may be used as long as the reading device 10 can grasp the method.

  Within the code area, the area other than the specific pattern area, data recording area, and error correction code recording area is an area where data is not recorded by the cell 102 and is not subject to error correction by the error correction code. A certain free area 110 is provided in a size larger than the size of the single cell 102. In the examples of FIGS. 1 and 5 and the like, the data recording area and the error correction code recording area are arranged in an annular and rectangular shape along the periphery of the code area, and the center of the code area (the center of the code area is defined). A free area 110 is formed in a predetermined area. The “area in which no data is recorded by the cell 102” means an area in which a code word such as a data code word and an error correction code word to be described later is not recorded, and an area in which format information is not recorded. To do. The “region not subject to error correction by the error correction code” means a region where error correction using the error correction code recorded in the error correction code recording region is not performed. Therefore, even if some information (additional information to be described later) is recorded in the empty area 110, error correction for the information is performed by the error correction code in the error correction code recording area existing around the empty area 110. Absent.

  In the following description, a configuration corresponding to the predetermined model number as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5 is associated with another model number (Ver. Number) having a smaller size than the predetermined model number as illustrated in the left diagram of FIG. An example in which the position of each code word of the information code 100 in the right diagram of FIG. 5 and the position of each code word of the other code 120 in the left diagram of FIG. 5 are associated by the arrangement conversion table as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. Will be described as a representative example. In this example, the amount of data that can be stored in the other type code 120 in the left diagram of FIG. 5 can be expressed with the empty area 110 provided by the information code 100 as shown in the right diagram of FIG. Conversely, when the information code 100 shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5 is read, each code word of the information code 100 can be read as a code word of another type code 120 as shown in the left diagram of FIG. .

  In the right diagram of FIG. 5, each codeword area arranged around the empty area 110 is conceptually shown by a broken line frame or the like. An area (predetermined position 105) for recording format information is conceptually indicated by a predetermined type of hatching. In the right diagram of FIG. 5, in the area where the format information is recorded and the area where the code word is recorded, only the squares are shown, and the specific arrangement of light cells and dark cells is omitted. Further, in the example of the right diagram in FIG. 5, the interior of the empty area 110 (the central part of the code area) is also assigned to correspond to the cell arrangement, but the configuration of the empty area 110 is free, and FIG. It may be configured as described above, or may be other configurations.

  The format information (format information) is configured as shown in FIG. 6, for example, and is recorded at a predetermined position 105 (a predetermined type of hatching position) in the information code 100 with a specific format configuration. This format information includes correction level information for specifying an error correction level and mask number information for specifying a mask number. The correction level information is information for specifying an error correction level used in the information code 100, and corresponds to an error correction level used in the other type code 120 in the case of being converted into the other type code 120 and read, for example. The mask number is information for specifying which mask type is the mask applied to the codeword area of the information code 100 (area in which the data codeword and error correction codeword are recorded).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the format information is recorded in a state reflecting a predetermined type of mask pattern (specific mask), and the format information is identified by identifying the mask type of the format information in the same manner as a known QR code. 5 It is possible to detect a specific code type (type provided with a free area 110) as shown in the right figure. For example, when the model 1 is configured as a QR code of a known standard, data (cell array) expressed when the model 1 mask is applied to the format information as shown in FIG. 6 is recorded at a predetermined position. However, when configured as the model 2, data (cell array) expressed when the model 2 mask is applied to the format information as shown in FIG. 6 is recorded at a predetermined position. . On the other hand, in the information code 100 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 5 (special type code having a free area 110), a specific mask of a different type from the models 1 and 2 (FIG. 6) for the format information as shown in FIG. Then, the data (cell array) expressed when the frame QR is used is recorded at a predetermined position 105. Then, in any of the types 1 and 2 of the known standard and the type of the information code 100, a check digit corresponding to the correction level (correction level information) and mask number (mask number information) to be recorded is added. Format information is configured, on which various types of masks can be applied. Specifically, mask processing is performed by a known method using various types of mask patterns, and the bit pattern after the mask processing is recorded at a predetermined position 105. Therefore, when the format information is recorded at the predetermined position 105 after applying a specific mask (example for frame QR in FIG. 6) to the format information like the information code 100, the information recorded at the predetermined position 105 in this way is recorded. If the mask process is canceled and decoded based on the specific mask, the check digit is matched, so that the type of the information code 100 can be specified. On the contrary, even if the data at the predetermined position 105 of the information code 100 is removed based on the masks of the model 1 and model 2, the check digit does not match. be able to.

  In this information code 100, after detecting a specific pattern (position detection pattern 104, etc.) and specifying the code area, code direction, and each cell position in the same manner as the known QR code, the same as the known QR code. By decoding the predetermined position 105 where the format information is recorded by the method, it is possible to identify the type of the information code 100 (special type having the empty area 110) according to the type of the mask that has been successfully decoded. Then, the error correction level used in the information code 100 can be specified by the decoded format information, and applied to the code word area of the information code 100 (the area where the data code word and the error correction code word are recorded by the cell). It is possible to specify the mask type.

  Further, an identification display (mark 121 a) indicating the range of the information addition area 121 is provided inside the empty area 110, and writing can be performed later in the information addition area 121. Specifically, a portion in the mark 121a in the information addition area 121 is configured with one or a plurality of predetermined colors (for example, white), and the mark 121a indicating the outer edge of the information addition area 121 has a predetermined color (information A color (for example, black or the like) different from the color in the additional area 121 (the color constituting the area in the mark) is indicated as an identification display. Since it is configured in this manner, it is possible to write in the information addition area 121 with a color different from the predetermined color (the background color constituting the area in the mark in the information addition area 121). When the information is written in a different color, the information code reader 10 can recognize the writing.

  In the examples in the right diagram of FIG. 5, FIG. 10, etc., the mark 121 a made up of a rectangular figure is illustrated as the identification display, and the inside of the mark 121 a is configured as the information addition area 121. As long as the boundary (outer edge) of the additional region 121 can be specified, any shape or configuration of the identification display may be used. For example, when the information addition area 121 is configured in a predetermined color (for example, white), if the background adjacent to the periphery of the information addition area 121 is other than the predetermined color, the information addition area and the background are classified by different colors. Will be. In this case, the background adjacent to the periphery of the information addition area corresponds to the identification display.

  The content recorded in the information code 100 has, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG. 3, header data (frame QR header) is set at the beginning of the data array, and input data (decryption target data) after the header data. ) Continues. In the example of FIG. 3, input data (data to be decoded) is compressed by, for example, a known method and converted into a data word (data code word). However, such compression may not be performed. The header data used in the information code 100 is also referred to as a “frame QR header” in the following description. Further, in this specification, such an area for recording data words (data code words) of header data and input data (data to be decoded) and an area for recording the above-described format information correspond to “data recording areas”. To do. Further, in the example of FIG. 3, as header data (frame QR header), another type code 120 (a code type used for decoding the information code 100, which will be described later), and the information code 100 according to the arrangement conversion table (FIG. 5). Information (identified as Ver. Number in FIG. 3) and identification information that can specify the format in the empty area are recorded. In the example of FIG. 3, it is specified that the format of the free area 110 is the entry method shown in FIGS. 1, 5, 10, etc. in addition to the type of other type code (Ver. Number) as the header data. Information (first information) and information (“entry field position information corresponding to second information”) that can specify an entry area (writable position) in the empty area 110 are recorded. Among these, the information (first information) specifying that the format of the empty area 110 is the entry method corresponds to an example of “identification information” indicating the presence of the information addition area. The information (second information) that can specify the entry area (writable position) in the empty area corresponds to an example of “position data” indicating the position of the information addition area in the code area.

  In the example of FIGS. 3 and 5, information that can specify the column position and the row position of the information addition area 121 configured as an enterable area (entry field) is recorded as entry field position information (position data). More specifically, the combination of the row position and the column position of the information addition area when the information code 100 configured in a rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 5 is divided into a plurality of rows and columns in a grid pattern is the entry column position. It is recorded as information (position data). As shown in FIG. 5, the width of each row and each column when the information code 100 is divided in a lattice shape corresponds to the width in the row direction and the width in the column direction of a single cell, respectively. With such contents, the position of the information addition area 121 can be specified.

  An error correction code word (ECC word) that becomes an error correction code follows the input data (data word that is data to be decoded). In the information code 100, an area for recording the error correction code is an error correction code recording area. Note that a method for generating an error correction code (error correction code word) based on a data word (in the example of FIG. 3, header data and input data (data to be decoded)) is a known two-dimensional code (such as a QR code). A method defined in the standard can be used. For example, as a method for generating an error correction codeword based on a data word (data codeword), an error correction codeword generation method (JISX0510: 2004, 8.5 error correction) defined in JISX0510: 2004 is used. be able to. Note that the method of generating the error correction codeword is not limited to this, and various known methods can be used.

  Further, in the information code 100, each data word (data code word) representing the data to be decoded (data code word) and an error correction code word are arranged in the code area based on predetermined arrangement position information. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, the arrangement candidate positions of the respective code words are determined in advance within the code area of the information code 100, and a number (address) is assigned to each arrangement candidate position. The arrangement position information is information for specifying which arrangement candidate position each code word constituting the recording contents shown in FIG. 3 should be arranged. In the example of the right diagram in FIG. 5, the arrangement candidate positions Nos. 1 to 25 are schematically illustrated. In each arrangement candidate position, the first and last bit portions are numbered and clearly shown. In the right diagram of FIG. 5, the arrangement candidate positions after the 26th are omitted.

  Specifically, in the model number of the other type code 120 (known QR code) (the model number of the other type code 120 specified by the header data shown in FIG. 3), the code word in each order is included in the other type code 120. Whether or not to be arranged at a position is determined in advance by a known standard or the like, and when the other-type code 120 is decoded, the code words in each order are decoded based on the arrangement determined in this way. For example, in the example of the other type code 120 shown in the left diagram of FIG. 5, the 0th code word is arranged at the lower right, the first code word is arranged thereon, and the second code word is arranged thereon. The arrangement position of each code word is determined in advance. Therefore, when decoding this other type code 120, the 0th code word, the 1st code word, the 2nd code word, the 3rd code word, etc. based on the arrangement determined in this way. It will be deciphered in order.

  On the other hand, in the arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table) shown in FIG. 5, the numbers of the arrangement positions (arrangement positions of the code words in each order) determined in advance by the other-type code 120 in this way are pre- Each number is associated with a number of a determined candidate position (position candidate position of each code word). Specifically, “the arrangement position of the first code word in the other type code 120 corresponds to the first arrangement candidate position of the information code 100”, “the arrangement position of the second code word in the other type code 120 is information. Information such as “corresponding to the second arrangement candidate position of the code 100” and “the arrangement position of the third code word in the other type code 120 corresponds to the third arrangement candidate position of the information code 100” is, for example, table data Each code word is recorded, and the arrangement position of each numbered code word in the other type code 120 is associated with each arrangement candidate position of the information code 100. Thus, when the information code 100 is decoded, the code word (code word at each address) in each placement candidate position in the code area is associated with the placement position information (placement conversion table). The other-type code 120 may be rearranged at each arrangement position, and the other-type code 120 rearranged in this way may be decoded by a known method. For example, when the information code 100 is decoded using the arrangement conversion table shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 5, the code word at the first arrangement candidate position of the information code 100 is changed to the arrangement position of the first code word in the other type code 120. The code word at the second placement candidate position of the information code 100 is placed at the placement position of the second code word in the other code 120, and the code word at the Nth placement candidate position of the information code 100 is placed in the other kind. The code 120 is rearranged in such a manner as to be arranged at the arrangement position of the M-th code word associated with the N-th arrangement candidate position, and the other type code (re-arranged in this way) QR code) may be decoded by a known method. As for the above-described arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table), data (common arrangement conversion table) common to the information code generation apparatus 2 that generates the information code 100 and the information code reading apparatus 10 that reads the information code 100 are respectively provided. It is desirable to be provided.

(Information code generation process)
Next, an information code generation process and an information code generation method will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, a case where the other type code 120 is a QR code (registered trademark) and the information code 100 has a specific pattern similar to the QR code as shown in FIG. 5 will be described as an example. In this example, the information code 100 having the empty area 110 is also referred to as “frame QR”.

  The information code generation process of FIG. 8 is a process performed by the information code generation device 2 and is started by a predetermined operation on the operation unit 4, for example. In this processing, first, data to be encoded from outside (decoding target data), attribute data, and code type data (information code 100 is generated, or a general two-dimensional code (for example, a general QR code) is generated. (Data specifying whether to generate) (S1). In this configuration, the control unit 3 and the operation unit 4 correspond to an example of a “data acquisition unit” and function to acquire data to be decoded (input data from the outside). Further, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the control unit 3 and the communication unit 7 may be configured as a “data acquisition unit” and function to acquire data input from outside through communication as decryption target data. Good.

  After acquiring the data in S1, a method for compressing the acquired data is determined by a known method (S2), and the compressed data (decoded data) is expressed by a plurality of data words (data code words). (S3). Then, after S3, it is determined whether or not the code type data acquired in S1 is the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free space 110. If the code type data acquired in S1 is the type of the information code 100 having the free area 110 (frame QR), the process proceeds to Yes in S4, and the type of the information code 100 having the free area 110 (frame QR). ) Is generated and set at the head of the data array including a plurality of data words as shown in FIG. 3 (S5). In the header data of FIG. 3, as described above, information (version number information etc.) that can specify the type (model number) of the other type code 120 shown in the right diagram of FIG. Information that identifies the presence (first information) and information that can identify the entry area (writable position) in the empty area 110 ("entry field position information corresponding to the second information") are recorded. It will be. On the other hand, when the code type data acquired in S1 is not the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free area 110 (data for selecting a general two-dimensional code (for example, model 1 or model 2 is selected). If (data), the process proceeds to No in S4.

  When the process proceeds to No in S4, an error correction code is generated by a known method based on the configuration of the data word (data code word) generated in S3, and a plurality of error correction words (error correction) representing the error correction code are generated. Codeword) is generated (S6). On the other hand, when proceeding from S4 to S5, an error correction code is generated by a known method based on the configuration of the final data word (a plurality of data code words representing header data and input data) generated in S3 and S5. Then, a plurality of error correction words (error correction code words) representing the error correction code are generated (S6).

  After S6, it is determined whether or not the code type data acquired in S1 is the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free area 110 (S7), and the code type data acquired in S1 is If it is not the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free area 110, the process proceeds to No in S7, and a two-dimensional code (for example, QR code) is generated by a known method. When the process proceeds to No in S7, the model number of the two-dimensional code having a size capable of storing the data word (data code word) generated in S3 and the error correction word (error correction code word) generated in S6 (in this example, In a plurality of standardized known QR code model numbers, a model number of a size that can store the data word generated in S3 and the error correction word generated in S6) is determined, and the arrangement predetermined by the model number is determined. According to the pattern, the data word generated in S3 and the error correction word generated in S6 are arranged (S9).

  On the other hand, if the code type data acquired in S1 is the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free area 110, the process proceeds to Yes in S7, and the data word (data) generated in S3 and S5 (Code word), the error correction word (error correction code word) generated in S6, and the empty area, the model number of the information code 100 that can be stored is determined (S10). Note that the size of the empty area may be a predetermined fixed size, or may be designated by an input or the like by the user before S10. Further, the size of the empty area may be specified by the number of rows and the number of columns, or may be specified by information such as how many words it corresponds to, or how many cells it corresponds. In the example of FIGS. 5 and 8, for example, in a plurality of model numbers (sizes) determined in advance by the type of the information code 100, the data word (data code word) generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction generated in S6 A model number of a size that can store a word (error correction code word) and an empty area is determined. When a plurality of model numbers can be used in the type of the information code 100, the number of rows and the number of columns, the shape and layout of a specific pattern, the layout of format data, and the layout candidate position of each code word are provided for each model number. It should be determined. Also, in any model number, the arrangement candidate positions of the respective code words are determined in order from the outer circumference side as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5 (for example, the arrangement candidate positions are set in a spiral shape from the outer circumference side to the inside). The placement candidate position of each code word is determined so that the placement candidate position with a smaller number is located outside, and a portion where the code word is not placed (that is, a portion that is not used) among the prepared placement candidate positions. If it uses, it becomes easy to ensure a large empty area | region by the center part. In addition, when there are a plurality of model numbers having a size capable of storing the data word (data code word) generated in S3 and S5, the error correction word (error correction code word) generated in S6, and the empty area, The smallest model number (size) may be determined from among them, or the user may be able to specify any model number (size) from among them. When the information code 100 is generated, a predetermined size (number of rows and columns), a specific pattern arrangement, and each arrangement position position of the codeword are used in the model number thus determined. The arrangement position of each code word is determined according to the above-described arrangement conversion table. In the following, an example in which the model number as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5 is determined in S10 will be specifically described.

  After S10, the data word (data code word) generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction word (error correction code word) generated in S6 are arranged based on the arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table) described above. It will be. In the information code generation device 2, the above-described arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table) is stored in the storage unit 5, and in this arrangement conversion table, as described above, each arrangement position (each (Order position of code word) is associated with a predetermined candidate position (position candidate position of each code word) in information code 100, respectively. In the process of S11, the code words to be recorded (the data words (data code words) generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction words (error correction code words) generated in S6) are shown in the left of FIGS. Is represented by another code 120 (a two-dimensional code having a size smaller than that of the information code 100 and a size capable of storing the data word generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction word generated in S6). After specifying the arrangement position of each code word (code word in each order), the code word in each order is associated with the arrangement position of the code word in each order by arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table). It arrange | positions in each arrangement | positioning candidate position in the information code 100. FIG. For example, in the arrangement position information (arrangement conversion table) in FIG. 5, the arrangement position of the first code word in the other type code 120 is associated with the first arrangement candidate position of the information code 100. The first code word of the code words to be recorded (the data word generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction word generated in S6) is arranged at the first arrangement candidate position in the information code 100. In addition, since the second code word arrangement position in the other-type code 120 and the second arrangement candidate position of the information code 100 are associated with each other, the second code word in the code words to be recorded Is placed at the second candidate position in the information code 100. In this way, the arrangement position (an arrangement position of the Nth code word) in the other type code 120 in which the Nth code word is arranged in the codeword to be recorded and the Mth arrangement candidate position of the information code 100 are as follows. If they are associated, the Nth codeword among the codewords to be recorded is arranged at the Mth arrangement candidate position in the information code 100.

  That is, only the data word generated in S3 and S5 and the error correction word generated in S6 can be expressed by another type code 120 (configured as a known QR code) smaller than the information code 100. When the data word generated in S3, S5, the error correction word generated in S6, and the empty area 110 are stored, it must be expressed by the information code 100 having a larger size. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the data word generated in S3 and S5, the error correction word generated in S6, and the empty area 110 are represented by the information code 100 having a size larger than the other type code 120, and S3 and S5. The data word generated in step S6 and the error correction word generated in step S6 are stored in the arrangement of the code words when expressed by another type code 120 (known QR code) and the information code 100 having a size larger than this. In this case, the correspondence relationship with each arrangement of codewords can be specified by a predetermined arrangement conversion table.

  In this configuration, the “arrangement conversion table” as shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to an example of “arrangement position information for specifying each arrangement position when a plurality of data words expressing the data to be decoded are arranged in the code area”. The arrangement conversion table (arrangement position information) includes data words in each order when the data to be decoded is expressed by a plurality of data words, and each arrangement position in the code area of the data words in each order. Are configured as information determined in association with each other. The storage unit 5 corresponds to an example of an “arrangement position information recording unit” and functions to record data (arrangement position information) of such an arrangement conversion table.

  After S9 or S11, a mask pattern to be applied to the code word whose placement location has been determined in S9 or S11 is determined by a known predetermined method (for example, a known method used in QR code), and the determined mask. Masking is performed by a known mask processing method so that the pattern is reflected in the code word whose location is determined in S9 or S11 (S12). Then, the check digit is calculated based on the mask pattern information (mask number) and error correction level information set in S12, and the format information including the error correction level, mask number, and check digit is generated as shown in FIG. (S13). Note that data such as a mask number and an error correction level to be recorded as format information may be input in S1.

  If the code type data acquired in S1 is the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the free area 110, the process proceeds to Yes in S14, and the format information generated in S13 includes the above-described format information. Mask processing is performed to reflect the specific mask (frame QR mask) (see FIG. 6). On the other hand, if the code type data acquired in S1 is not the type (frame QR) of the information code 100 having the vacant area 110, the process proceeds to No in S14 and has a mask pattern different from the mask pattern set in S16. Set the mask (model 1 mask or model 2 mask). After masking the format information in S15 or S16, the format information after the mask processing is arranged at a predetermined position 105 in the code area (S17).

After the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and the error correction area are thus configured, the constituent elements of the empty area 110 are arranged (S18). In the example of FIG. 3, since the position of the information addition area (entry field) is designated by the row position and the column position, in S18, the figure of the information addition area (entry field) 121 is placed at the designated position. A graphic (a mark 121a in the example of FIG. 10 and the like) that arranges data and can specify the outer edge of the information addition area 121 is also arranged. In the example shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, etc., for example, the information addition area (entry field) is a rectangular figure (for example, a rectangular shape in which the entire area is composed of a single color or a light background of multiple colors). In S18, for example, the figures are arranged so that the positions of the four corners of the figure determined in this way are the positions of the entry field position information specified by the header data. Also, a frame (mark 121a) indicating the outer edge of the information addition area 121 is determined in advance as a rectangular frame (for example, a rectangular dark frame). In S18, the frame determined in this way is added as information. The graphic is arranged so as to be arranged along the outer edge of the region 121.

  In the above-described example, the position of the information addition area (entry field position) included in the header data in FIG. 3, the shape and color of the information addition area, the shape and color of the identification display, and the like are determined in advance. The position of the information addition area (the position of the entry field) may be specified by the user, and the shape and color of the information addition area or the shape and color of the identification display can be specified by the user. It may be. In this case, the user-designated shape and color information addition area is formed at the position designated by the user, and the range is indicated by the shape and color identification display designated by the user. Further, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 10, symbols or figures such as letters and numbers may be arranged at positions adjacent to the information addition area (entry field) 121. In this case, for example, the user can input the symbol or figure to be displayed and the position of the symbol or figure. In S18, the designated symbol or figure is placed at the designated position (for example, the upper position of the entry field). What is necessary is just to arrange. After the information code 100 or other two-dimensional code is generated in this way, the code is printed by the printing unit 8 (S19). Various known methods can be used as the printing method. For example, printing may be performed on a medium such as paper or resin with ink or the like, and printing may be performed on thermal paper using a thermal method.

  In this configuration, the control unit 3 of the information code generation device 2 corresponds to an example of a “data recording area generation unit”. When the empty area 110 is provided inside the code area of the information code 100, the control section 3 is located at a predetermined position in the code area. Based on the arrangement position information recorded in the arrangement position information recording unit, the format information is recorded in a specific format configuration, and each data word representing the decoding target data (input data) acquired by the data acquisition unit is expressed. A data recording area is generated so as to be arranged. In addition, in the “data recording area generation unit” configured by the control unit 3, when the empty area 110 is provided inside the code area, the cell array at the predetermined position 105 reflects a predetermined type of mask pattern (specific mask). Is configured.

(Information code reading process)
Next, processing when the information code 100 shown in the right diagram of FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 is read by the information code reader 10 of FIG. 2 will be described. The reading process of FIG. 9 is executed when a predetermined operation (for example, operation of the operation switch 42, etc.) is performed by the user, for example. First, as shown in S40 of FIG. A two-dimensional code in the area is imaged to obtain a captured image of the two-dimensional code, and the shape of the two-dimensional code is detected. Specifically, the recognition of the position detection pattern 104 and the outer shape of the two-dimensional code are tried by a known method. For example, the position detection pattern 104 is detected by a known method for detecting a 1: 1: 3: 1: 1 waveform, which is performed with a QR code (registered trademark), and the outer shape of the imaged two-dimensional code is displayed as a QR code. Detection is performed by a known method performed by (registered trademark). At this time, when the information code 100 is imaged in S40, the outer shape of the information code 100 is detected. The processing method in S40 may be another method as long as it can detect the shape of the specific pattern and the outer shape of the two-dimensional code.
In this configuration, the light receiving sensor 23 corresponds to an example of an “imaging unit” and functions to image the information code 100 generated by the information code generation device 2.

  After S40, the information (format information) at the predetermined position 105 of the information code 100 is decoded, and the type of the imaged information code and the mask correction level are acquired. Specifically, for example, as described above, the information recorded at the predetermined position 105 is attempted to be decrypted by canceling the mask processing based on the above-described specific mask (frame QR mask). When the check digit matches when the mask processing is canceled by the above-described method for canceling the mask of the specific mask (that is, calculated based on the correction level data and the mask number data when the predetermined position 105 is decoded) When the check digit matches the check digit recorded at the predetermined position 105), it is possible to specify the type of the information code 100 (the type having the free area 110), and an error included in the format information The correction level and mask number can also be acquired. When the mask process can be canceled based on the specific mask as described above (that is, when it is recognized that the information code 100 is the type (frame QR)), the process proceeds to Yes in S42. On the other hand, when the mask processing can be canceled by a mask other than a specific mask (frame QR mask) such as the mask for model 1 and the mask for model 2 shown in FIG. 6, the process proceeds to No in S42. When the mask processing can be canceled by another mask, the two-dimensional code imaged in S40 is a known QR code, so when proceeding to No in S42, the QR code is decoded by a known method. The decryption result will be output. In FIG. 9, the process in the case of No in S42 is omitted.

  When the process proceeds to Yes in S42, first, the data recorded in the data recording area is decoded (S43). Specifically, the mask of the entire code (specifically, the area of the code word) is canceled based on the mask number included in the format information acquired in S41. Then, based on the header data (frame QR header) provided at the beginning of the data word, the original code size (the model number and format of the other type code 120) is specified, and the diagram is converted according to the same layout conversion table as in FIG. 5 Return from the information code 100 as shown in the right figure to the original code (another code 120) as shown in the left figure. Specifically, the code word (data code word and error correction code word) of each arrangement candidate position of the information code 100 is arranged in the other type code 120 associated with each arrangement candidate position in the arrangement conversion table. Reposition to the position. By performing the arrangement conversion in this way, another type code 120 in which the data code word and the error correction code word arranged in the information code 100 are recorded is obtained. Since the other type code 120 is a known QR code, the data is decoded by a method similar to the known QR code (that is, error correction calculation is performed by a known method based on the error correction code word). Decode the data code word).

  In this configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of a “determination unit”, and when the information code 100 is captured by the imaging unit, it is determined whether or not the predetermined position 105 of the code area has a specific format configuration. To function. Specifically, it functions to determine whether or not a predetermined type of mask pattern (specific mask) is reflected at the predetermined position 105.

  The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of a “data recording area reading unit” and a “decoding unit”. When the information code 100 is captured by the imaging unit, the data recording area in the code image of the captured information code 100 And functions to read data recorded in the data recording area based on the contents of the error correction code recording area. Specifically, when the determination unit determines that the predetermined position 105 has a specific format configuration (more specifically, when a predetermined type of mask pattern is reflected at the predetermined position 105), the correspondence information recording unit The position of each data word in the code area is specified based on the correspondence information (arrangement conversion table) recorded in (1), and the decoding target data is decrypted.

  The arrangement conversion table corresponds to an example of “correspondence information”, and a data word in each order represented by each arrangement position in the code area is determined in advance in another type code 120 different from the information code 100. It is configured as information for determining each corresponding position in the other type code 120 when expressed in (for example, a method defined in a known standard or the like). Then, when the determination unit determines that the predetermined position 105 has a specific format configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponding to the decoding unit converts the data word in each order represented by each arrangement position of the code area to the correspondence information The other-type code 120 functions in such a manner as to be replaced with each corresponding position in the other-type code 120 defined in (1).

  After decoding the data in the data recording area in S43, the format information included in the header data (frame QR header) is read. If the format information is not format information indicating “entry format”, the process proceeds to No in S45. In FIG. 9, the process in the case where the process proceeds to No in S45 is omitted.

  When the process proceeds to Yes in S45 (that is, when the format information included in the header data (frame QR header) is format information indicating “entry format”), the entry column position information (position data) included in the header data is read. Then, the positions of all information addition areas in the information code 100 are specified (S46). 1 and 5 show an example in which there is one information addition area, but two or more such areas may be provided. Then, it is determined whether or not the recognition of the identified information addition area has been completed (S47). If it has not been completed, the process proceeds to No in S47, and the information addition area that has not been recognized is analyzed. (S48). In S48, an actual image at the position of the information addition area specified by the entry field position information (position data specifying the row and column positions of the four corners of the information addition area) is extracted from the code image, and the information addition area The characters entered in the box are recognized by a known character recognition method. Specifically, for example, a shape (for example, a shape extracted as a dark color area) extracted as a part different from the background color (for example, the original color of the information addition area composed of light colors) in the information addition area. The character is determined by comparing with a previously prepared character pattern. In addition, the technique which determines a character by comparing the extracted form with a character pattern can utilize well-known techniques of field | areas, such as QCR. After S48, the information of the determination result in S48 (that is, the character obtained by analyzing the information addition area) is stored as information to be added to the data already decoded in S43 (S49). After S49, the process returns to S46, and if there is an information addition area that has not been analyzed in S48, the process proceeds to No in 47. On the other hand, if the processing of S48 and S49 is completed for all the information addition areas, the process proceeds to Yes in S47, and the reading process is terminated.

  In the process of FIG. 9, for example, when the information code 100 of FIG. 5 is entered as shown in FIG. 11, the symbols (characters, numbers, etc.) recorded in the information addition area 121 by the processes of S46 to S49. Will be recognized. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, when no information is written in the information addition area 121, the additional information is not recognized and the additional information is not stored. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, when numbers and characters are written in dark color such as black in the information addition area 121, the written information is recognized and stored as additional information. In the example of FIG. 11, the additional information in the information addition area 121 is recognized as “2 hours” and stored.

  In this configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of an “additional information acquisition unit”, analyzes the empty area 110 of the code image, and acquires predetermined additional information added in the empty area 110. Specifically, it analyzes the inside of the information addition area 121 of the code image and functions to acquire additional information written in the information addition area 121. Further, the control circuit 40 corresponding to the “additional information acquisition unit” has identification information (format information indicating the above “entry format”) in the data recording area based on the reading result of the data recording area by the data recording area reading unit. It functions to acquire additional information added in the empty area 110 on the condition that it is recorded.

  More specifically, the information code 100 is obtained by recording position data indicating the position of the information addition area 121 in the code area (such as the entry field position information described above) in the data recording area. The control circuit 40 corresponding to “acquisition unit” specifies the position of the information addition area 121 in the code image based on the position data obtained from the reading result of the data recording area by the data recording area reading unit, and the information addition area 121 is analyzed to obtain additional information. The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of a “detection unit”, and functions to detect writing in another color (a color different from the color in the information addition area 121) in the information addition area 121 of the code image.

According to this configuration, it is possible to generate the information code 100 in which areas other than the data recording area, error correction code recording area, and specific pattern area are secured inside the code area. In particular, the empty area 110 is not subject to error correction by the error correction code recording area, and it is not necessary to set an error correction code for the empty area 110, so that the data recording area can be efficiently and An error correction code can be effectively attached.
Further, the information code reading device includes a data recording area reading unit for reading data recorded in the data recording area, and analyzes the empty area of the code image to obtain predetermined additional information added in the empty area. And an additional information acquisition unit. According to this configuration, the information code reading apparatus can acquire not only information recorded by each cell in the data recording area but also information added to the empty area, for example, added after the code is formed. It is possible to acquire and use the information etc.

The information code generation device provides an identification display indicating the range of the information addition region inside the empty region, and the additional information acquisition unit of the information code reader analyzes the information addition region of the code image and adds the information It is configured to acquire additional information recorded in the area.
According to this configuration, since the user can use the identification display as a mark, it becomes easy to grasp the position where information is written. Further, since the reading apparatus can acquire additional information written by selectively analyzing the inside of the information addition area, it becomes easy to accurately recognize and use the additional information.

In addition, the information code generation apparatus is configured as an area in which the information addition area is configured with one or a plurality of predetermined colors and can be written in another color different from the predetermined color, and additional information acquisition of the information code reading apparatus is performed. The unit includes a detection unit that detects writing in another color in the information addition area of the code image.
According to this configuration, when the user writes in the information addition area in another color (a color other than the color constituting the information addition area), the written information is more accurately recognized by the information code reader. Will be.

Further, the information code generation device generates an information code so that a mark indicating the outer edge portion of the information addition region is indicated as an identification display by a color different from a predetermined color, and the detection unit of the information code reading device It is configured to determine whether a part or all of the mark is filled with another color.
According to this configuration, an area where data to be decoded is not recorded by a cell can be used as a mark sheet while forming an information code in which data is recorded by a cell. Thus, by improving the functionality of the information code, the convenience for the user can be further enhanced.

The information code generation device generates an information code so that a mark indicating the outer edge portion of the information addition region is indicated as an identification display by a color different from a predetermined color, and the detection unit of the information code reading device The information adding area is analyzed, and symbols formed by other colors are extracted in the information adding area.
According to this configuration, an area where data to be decoded is not recorded by a cell can be used as an input area for symbols (characters, numbers, other symbols, etc.) while configuring an information code in which data is recorded by the cell. Become. Thus, by improving the functionality of the information code, the convenience for the user can be further enhanced.

Further, the information code reading device recognizes the entire code image as a cell array of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns based on the cell arrangement of the data recording area in the code image, and sets the color at each column position in each row of the cell array. Each of the information code readers is provided with a color discriminating unit that discriminates each other, and the detection unit of the information code reader is configured to extract a symbol based on a color discrimination result of each column position in each row in the information addition area by the color discriminating unit. ing.
In this way, if the entire code image is recognized as a cell array of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and a symbol is extracted based on the color discrimination result of each column position in each row in the information addition area by the color discrimination unit, Even if the code image is distorted due to inclination or the like, it can be normalized and processed, so that the symbol recognition accuracy is improved.

Further, the information code generation device is configured to generate an information code so as to record position data indicating the position of the information addition region in the code region in the data recording region, and the additional information acquisition unit of the information code reading device includes: The position of the information addition area in the code image is specified based on the position data obtained from the reading result of the data recording area by the data recording area reading unit, and the additional information is obtained by analyzing the information addition area Has been.
In this configuration, even if the data specifying the position of the information addition area does not exist in the information code reader in advance, the additional information acquisition unit of the information code reader more accurately positions the information addition area in the code image. It becomes possible to specify.

The information code generation device generates an information code so as to record predetermined identification information in the data recording area, and the additional information acquisition unit of the information code reading device reads the data recording area reading result by the data recording area reading unit. Based on the above, it is configured to acquire additional information added in the empty area on condition that identification information is recorded in the data recording area.
In this configuration, if the identification information is not recorded in the data recording area, the analysis of the empty area and the information acquisition are not performed. That is, when analysis of a free area is unnecessary, by not recording identification information in the data recording area, unnecessary analysis and information acquisition can be omitted. On the contrary, when the free area is to be analyzed, the identification information is recorded in the data recording area, which can be used for analyzing the information adding area and acquiring information.

In addition, the information code generation device 2 records a data acquisition unit that acquires data to be decoded and arrangement position information that specifies each arrangement position when a plurality of data words representing the data to be decoded are arranged in the code area. When the arrangement position information recording unit and the vacant area 110 are provided inside the code area, the format information is recorded at a predetermined position in the code area with a specific format configuration, and the decoding target data acquired by the data acquisition unit is recorded. A data recording area generating section for generating a data recording area so as to arrange each data word to be expressed based on the arrangement position information recorded in the arrangement position information recording section; On the other hand, the information code reading device 10 records correspondence information that is information corresponding to the arrangement position information recorded in the arrangement position information recording unit and information that specifies each arrangement position of a plurality of data words in the code area. When the information code 100 is captured by the imaging unit, the corresponding information recording unit, a determination unit that determines whether the predetermined position of the code area has a specific format configuration, and a predetermined position specified by the determination unit A decoding unit that identifies the position of each data word in the code area based on the correspondence information recorded in the correspondence information recording unit and decodes the data to be decoded when it is determined that the format is configured Yes.
In this configuration, the information code reading device 10 confirms the format configuration of the predetermined position 105 by the determination unit, so that the characteristic information code 100 generated by the information code generation device 2 (the information code 100 including the empty area 110) is displayed. ) Or not. If it can be determined that the format is a specific format, the position of each data word in the code area is determined based on information (corresponding information) that can specify the arrangement positions of the plurality of data words in the code area. The data to be decrypted can be decrypted.

Further, the data recording area generation unit of the information code generation apparatus 2 configures a cell array at a predetermined position 105 in a state in which a predetermined type of mask pattern is reflected when the empty area 110 is provided inside the code area. Then, when the information code 100 is imaged by the imaging unit, the determination unit of the information code reading device 10 determines whether or not a predetermined type of mask pattern is reflected at the predetermined position 105, and the information code reading device 10 The decoding unit decodes the data to be decoded on the condition that a predetermined type of mask pattern is reflected at the predetermined position 105.
According to this configuration, whether or not the characteristic information code 100 (the information code 100 including the empty area 110) generated by the information code generation device 2 according to the type of the mask pattern applied to the predetermined position 105 is reliably determined. This makes it easy to realize a “specific format configuration” while suppressing the amount of format information.

  Also, the arrangement position information (correspondence information) associates the data words in each order when the data to be decoded is expressed by a plurality of data words and the arrangement positions in the code area of the data words in each order. Specifically, in the code area, each data word in each order represented by each arrangement position in the code area is expressed in another type code 120 different from the information code 100. It is information that defines each corresponding position. Then, when the determination unit determines that the predetermined position 105 has a specific format configuration, the decoding unit converts the data word in each order represented by each arrangement position in the code area to other types of codes determined by the correspondence information. The other-type code 120 is decoded with a configuration in which the corresponding positions in 120 are replaced. According to this configuration, it is possible to satisfactorily read the characteristic information code 100 (the information code 100 including the empty area 110) using the mechanism for reading the other type code 120.

(Operation as parking lot use system)
Next, a representative example in which the information code utilization system 1 functions as a parking lot utilization system will be described.
In FIG. 12, the example which applied the above-mentioned information code utilization system 1 to the parking lot utilization system is shown. In this example, the parking lot includes an entrance gate 183, a ticketing machine 181, a parking space, a passage, a fence, an exit gate 184, a checkout machine 182 and the like. FIG. 13 shows an example of the appearance of the settlement machine 182.

  In this configuration, the information code generation device 2 described above functions as a main part of the ticket issuing machine 181 (parking ticket issuing device), and cells 102 serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area. It operates to issue a parking ticket 190 on which the information code 100 is displayed. Further, the information code reading device 10 functions as a main part of the settlement machine 182 (parking ticket reading device) and operates to read the parking ticket 190 issued by the ticket issuing machine 181 (parking ticket issuing device).

First, issuing a parking ticket will be described.
The ticket issuing machine 181 is provided with an information code generating device 2 that can generate the information code 100 by the method of FIG. 8 and form a parking ticket 190 in which the information code 100 is formed by printing or the like. Further, the checkout machine 182 is provided with a reading device 10 configured as shown in FIGS.

  In this configuration, the ticket issuing machine 181 (parking ticket issuing device) is installed, for example, in the vicinity of an entrance gate in a parking lot. For example, a predetermined operation (for example, an operation of pressing a ticket issuing button) by a user is used as a trigger for parking. The ticket 190 is issued. Specifically, the time (entry time) when the predetermined operation is performed is recorded in the data recording area as input data (data to be decoded) shown in FIG. 3 and the like, and the boundary of the information addition area 121 is set in the empty area 110. The information code 100 is generated so as to form the frame 121a shown, and the information code 100 is printed on a medium such as paper, thereby forming a parking ticket 190 as shown in FIG.

  In this configuration, the control unit 3 corresponds to an example of an information code generation unit, and a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area using a method as shown in FIG. An information code having a configuration in which a data recording area for recording data by a plurality of types of cells 102 (FIG. 1 and the like) and an information addition area capable of recording additional information different from the data recorded in the data recording area are provided. Functions to generate 100. The printing unit 8 corresponds to an example of a parking ticket forming unit and has a function of forming the parking ticket 190 so that the information code 100 generated by the information code generating unit is displayed on a display medium such as paper.

Next, parking ticket reading processing will be described.
When the user leaves the parking lot, the settlement process is performed according to the flow shown in FIG. In this process, standby processing is performed until the parking ticket 190 is inserted from the insertion port 182a of the checkout machine 182 of FIG. 13 (S1), and when the insertion is detected, the information code 100 recorded on the parking ticket 190 is imaged. Do. For example, when the parking ticket 190 is inserted into the insertion slot 182a, the settlement machine 182 detects the insertion of the parking ticket 190, and the information code 100 can be imaged by the predetermined reading position in the settlement machine 182. A known transfer device to be sent to the position) is incorporated, and the information code 100 is imaged at the predetermined position sent by the transfer device in this way (S2). Specifically, as described above, the information code 100 and its vicinity region are imaged in a state where the illumination light is irradiated onto the information code 100 by the light sources 21a and 21b. Then, after the information code 100 is imaged, the information code 100 is decoded (S3). The decoding process of the information code 100 in S3 can be performed according to the flow of FIG. 9 described above. If the decoding of the information code 100 is successful, the process proceeds to Yes in S4. If the information code 100 is unsuccessful, the process proceeds to No in S4. The case where the decoding of the information code 100 is successful is a case where the data in at least the data recording area has been successfully decoded, whether the data acquisition from the information adding area 121 is performed or not. Good.

  If the decoding of the information code 100 fails and the process proceeds to No in S4, the parking ticket 190 is imaged again (S5), and the decoding process similar to that in FIG. 9 is attempted again (S6). If the decryption is successful in S6, the process proceeds to Yes in S7. If the decryption is unsuccessful, the process proceeds to No in S7. Such processing of S5 to S7 is repeated until the decoding failure reaches the specified number of times. When the decoding failure reaches the specified number of times, the process proceeds to Yes in S8, the parking ticket 190 is returned, and the processing is performed. finish.

  In the decoding process of S3 or S6, as described with reference to FIG. 9, the information addition area 121 specified by the entry field position information described above is analyzed (S48 in FIG. 9) and added to the information addition area 121. Get information. In the examples of FIG. 1, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, etc., the operation is performed such that the discount time is entered in the information addition area 121. In such an example, in the decoding process of S3 or S6, the information addition area 121 is displayed. You will get the entered discount time. Note that the discount time recorded in the information addition area 121 is obtained by, for example, analyzing the image of the information addition area 121 using a known character recognition technique (OCR technique) and calling the character “2 hours” or “2”. Recognize numbers.

  In this configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of an additional information acquisition unit. When the information code 100 is imaged by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit), the information addition area 121 of the code image of the information code 100 is analyzed. , And functions to acquire predetermined additional information added in the information addition area 121. Specifically, in the parking ticket 190 issued by the ticket issuing machine 181 (parking ticket issuing device), the information addition area of the information code 100 can specify at least one of discount time, discount amount, or payment exemption. Specific information can be entered as the additional information, and the control circuit 40 corresponding to the additional information acquisition unit analyzes the information addition area 121 of the code image of the information code 100 to obtain a discount time, a discount amount, or It functions to detect specific information that can specify at least one of payment exemptions.

  Further, in this configuration, the light receiving sensor 23 corresponds to an example of an imaging unit and functions to image the information code 100 represented on the parking ticket 190 issued by the ticket issuing machine 181 (parking ticket issuing device). Further, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of a data recording area reading unit. When the information code 100 is imaged by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit), the data recording area of the code image of the imaged information code 100 is recorded. It functions to read data (input data such as warehousing time) recorded in the data recording area based on the contents.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S4 or S7 that the decoding is successful, the input data (data read from the information code 100) is written in the memory 35 (S10), and the fee is settled. In this configuration, the time when the parking ticket 190 is issued by the ticket issuing machine 181 (parking ticket issuing device) (for example, the above-described predetermined operation (such as pressing the ticket issuing button)) is performed by the above-described information code generation unit. The information code 100 is generated in such a manner that the information code 100 is recorded in the data recording area as the warehousing time. In S11, a charge corresponding to the warehousing time is calculated.

  Specifically, in the settlement process of FIG. 14, a time at a predetermined time (for example, a time when it is determined that decoding of the information code 100 is successful in S4 or S7) is recorded in the memory 35 as a settlement time. In the settlement process of S11, first, the time taken from the receipt time to the settlement time (elapsed time from the receipt time to the settlement time) is calculated. Then, the discount time detected from the information addition area 121 is subtracted from the elapsed time, the remaining time after the subtraction is set as the charge target time, and the amount corresponding to the charge target time is set as the settlement amount. If no discount time is entered, the elapsed time becomes the chargeable time. Specifically, a calculation formula or table for calculating the settlement amount based on the billing target time is predetermined, and when the billing target time is determined, the settlement amount is determined by the calculation formula or table. Yes. There are various calculation formulas and tables for determining the settlement amount. For example, when the calculation formula is set as 100 yen per 30 minutes, if the chargeable time is less than 30 minutes, 100 yen, 30 minutes or more and 1 hour If it is less than 200 yen, and if it is less than 1 hour and less than 1 hour and a half, 300 yen is calculated. In this case, if the chargeable time is a negative value, the payment may be exempted. Further, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when it is determined as Y yen per minute, when the billing target time is Z minutes, the settlement amount Z may be calculated by a calculation formula X = Z × Y. .

  In this configuration, the control circuit 40 of the settlement machine 182 (parking ticket reader) or a clock circuit (not shown) corresponds to an example of a “clock unit”, and the settlement machine 182 (parking ticket reader) processes the parking ticket 190. It functions to detect the time when performing. In addition, the time at the time of performing the process with respect to the parking ticket 190 is not restricted to the time of the time determined as Yes by S4 or S7, For example, it is good also as the time of the time when the parking ticket was detected by S1.

  Further, the control circuit 40 of the settlement machine 182 corresponds to an example of an information processing unit, and based on the data read by the data recording area reading unit and the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition unit, It functions to perform at least one of calculation or judgment of permission to leave the parking lot, and more specifically, the data read by the data recording area reading unit and the parking machine 182 (parking ticket reading device) for parking. The time detected by the clock unit when processing the ticket 190 and the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition unit (for example, information that can specify at least one of discount time, discount amount, or payment exemption) Based on the above, it functions to perform at least one of calculation of a settlement fee or determination of permission to leave the parking lot.

  When the settlement amount is calculated in S11 as described above, the calculated amount is displayed on the display unit 182b of the settlement machine 182 shown in FIG. 13 (S12). In S13, the amount corresponding to the display fee is displayed. It is confirmed whether or not it has been inserted, and when the fee is settled, the exit gate is opened (S14). When the time calculated in S11 is 0 yen, it is determined that “exit is permitted” and the exit gate is opened even if no money is inserted (S14). In this example, the determination of whether or not the settlement amount is 0 yen corresponds to an example of the determination of permission to leave.

(Main effects of this configuration)
According to this configuration, characteristic information in which an area in which additional information (information that is different from information recorded in the data recording area and can be added later) is provided in the code area is provided. A parking lot system using codes can be constructed. For this reason, a wide magnetic region or the like is not indispensable, and restrictions on providing the magnetic region (cost, management burden, etc. due to preparation of magnetic material, etc.) can be reduced.
In particular, information used for calculating the settlement amount or determining permission to leave can be used after being entered in the information code, and when reading, the reader records the data recorded in the information code and additional information. Therefore, it is easy for the service providing entity (for example, the entity operating a facility near the parking lot, etc.) to take measures for discounting or exemption of the settlement amount. In addition, at the time of scrutiny, the reader can grasp the information added to the parking ticket afterwards without any complicated or troublesome response as much as possible. Alternatively, at least one of “judgment of leaving permission” can be performed.

  Further, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the additional information recorded in the information addition area can be used afterwards in a form capable of error correction.

  In addition, a configuration in which an information code in which an area (empty area) in which no data to be decoded is recorded is secured in the code area is applied to the parking lot system, and a configuration in which the empty area can be used as an information additional area can be realized. Since the empty area is an area where data to be decoded is not recorded by the cell, the information addition area is not easily affected by the cell, and the information addition area can be used more freely.

  Also, based on the time when the parking ticket is issued, the information added after the parking ticket is issued, and the time when the parking ticket is read, the calculation of the settlement fee or the judgment of permission to leave the parking lot is performed. You can build a system to get. In other words, grasp the time when parking ticket usage is started and the time when usage ends, check the usage time, and automatically add information added afterwards, Alternatively, at least one of “determination of leaving permission” can be performed.

  In addition, specific information that can specify at least one of discount time, discount amount, or payment exemption can be added to the parking ticket later, and the service provider (for example, a facility near the parking lot) Etc.), it becomes easier to provide discount services and exemption services at parking lots.

[Modification 1 of the first embodiment]
In the example of FIG. 1, FIG. 11, etc., the operation example in which the discount time is entered in the information addition area 121 of the information code 100 is shown, but instead of such operation or together with such operation, as shown in FIG. In addition, an operation may be performed in which a mark (payment exemption mark 171) indicating payment exemption can be entered in the information addition area 121. For example, in the case where the payment exemption mark 171 as shown in FIG. 15 may be entered in the information addition area 121 of the parking ticket 190, in addition to the processing of the representative example of the first embodiment described above, FIG. In S11, it may be determined whether or not a payment exemption mark is included in the image of the information addition area 121. Then, it is determined whether or not the payment exemption mark 171 is included in the image of the information addition area 121 by publicly known pattern matching, and when the payment exemption mark 171 is included in the image of the information addition area 121, In S11, the settlement amount is determined to be 0 yen, and it is determined to be exempt from payment. If the payment exemption mark 171 is not included in the image of the information addition area 121, the settlement amount may be calculated and determined by the same method as in the representative example of the first embodiment.

  Further, in place of the above-described representative example and the operation of the payment exemption mark 171, or in addition to the operation of either or both of them, an operation may be performed in which a discount amount is entered in the information addition area 121 of the parking ticket 190. Good. For example, when adding a settlement amount operation in addition to the above representative example operation and the payment exemption mark 171 operation, a discount time is entered in the information addition area 121 during the reading process as shown in FIG. When nothing is entered, it is sufficient to operate as in the above representative example. When the payment exemption mark 171 is entered in the information addition area 121, the above-described payment exemption mark 171 may be used. On the other hand, when the discount amount is entered in the information addition area 121, the elapsed time is calculated based on the above-mentioned warehousing time and the settlement time, and this elapsed time is set as the chargeable time in the same manner as the above representative example. A charge (basic charge) when nothing is entered in the information addition area 121 is calculated. Then, the recognized discount amount (the discount amount recognized from the image of the information addition area 121) is subtracted from such a basic charge, and this may be used as the billing amount determined in S11.

[Modification 2 of the first embodiment]
In the second modification example, only the entry method in the information addition area 121 and the specific reading method in the reading device 10 are different from the representative example of the first embodiment, and other than that is the same as the representative example. The configuration of the parking ticket 190 generated by the information code generation device 2 (that is, the parking ticket issued by the ticket issuing machine 181) and the information code 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, in the parking ticket 190 issued by the same ticket issuing machine 181 (parking ticket issuing device) as in the first embodiment, the information additional area 121 of the information code 100 has a predetermined wavelength band different from that of visible light. It is possible to fill in with special ink that reacts when irradiated with light. Examples of the special ink include an ultraviolet light emitting ink, an infrared light emitting ink, and an infrared transmitting ink. In the following representative examples, an example in which writing is performed using the ultraviolet light emitting ink will be described.

  Also in this configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 16B, the discount time can be entered in the information addition area 121 in the information code 100 of the issued parking ticket 190. However, the discount time is the letter 174 by ultraviolet light emitting ink (ink that is difficult to visually recognize in a normal environment and can be viewed by emitting light in an ultraviolet irradiation environment) and normal ink (visible in a visible light irradiation state). Ink) and characters 173 are entered. In the example of FIG. 16B, the character 173 using normal ink is smaller than the character 174 using ultraviolet light-emitting ink. A character 173 using normal ink is a character for allowing the user to recognize the discount time, and a character 174 using ultraviolet light emitting ink is a character for causing the reading device 10 to recognize the discount time.

  The reading device 10 provided in the checkout machine 182 (parking ticket reading device) has basically the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, but the illumination light source 21a is configured to irradiate visible light. The illumination light source 21b is configured to irradiate ultraviolet light (light of a predetermined wavelength band).

  In this configuration, when the parking ticket 190 is read, the information code 100 is imaged while irradiating ultraviolet light (light of a predetermined wavelength band) in S2 of FIG. The information addition area 121 is analyzed in the same manner as in the embodiment. Then, an attempt is made to detect a character larger than a predetermined size (size larger than the character 173 using normal ink), and if detected, the discount time indicated by the character is grasped. In addition, it can be made the same as the representative example of 1st Embodiment except grasping | ascertaining discount time in this way.

  Even in this configuration, at the time of ticketing, the warehousing time is recorded in the data recording area of the information code 100 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and at the time of payment, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, Checkout time is detected. Then, based on these warehousing time and settlement time and the discount time grasped by the above-described method, the settlement amount is calculated according to the determined calculation formula by the same method as the representative example of the first embodiment (S11). . In this method, if the discount time is not entered with the ultraviolet light emitting ink, the discount is not made, and illegal writing with general ink can be prevented.

  In this configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of an information processing unit. In the code image of the information code 100 captured by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit) when the light source 21b emits light of a predetermined wavelength band. When the information addition area 121 is analyzed and a predetermined regular result is obtained as a result of the analysis, based on the data read by the data recording area reading section and the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition section Thus, it functions to perform at least one of calculation of a settlement fee and determination of permission to leave the parking lot.

  In this configuration, in the issued parking ticket 190, it is possible to fill in the information addition area 121 of the information code 100 with special ink that reacts when light of a predetermined wavelength band different from visible light is irradiated. . The parking ticket reader is provided with a light source 21b that irradiates the parking ticket 190 with light of a predetermined wavelength band. With this configuration, if the entry is made with special ink, it is possible to make it difficult to visually recognize the entry portion with the special ink, and light of a predetermined wavelength band is emitted from the light source 21b during reading. As a result, it becomes possible to make the entry part of the special ink appear and use it for the judgment. In particular, the information addition region 121 is analyzed in the code image of the information code 100 captured by the imaging unit when the light source 21b emits light of a predetermined wavelength band, and a predetermined normal result is obtained from the analysis result. In this case, the settlement fee is calculated or at least one of the judgment of permission to leave the parking lot, so even if a counterfeit ticket without special ink is used, the settlement fee is calculated. Alternatively, it is not possible to determine whether to leave the parking lot, and it is easy to prevent loss due to fraud.

  In the above description, an example in which the discount time is additionally written as shown in FIG. 16B is shown. However, as shown in FIG. 16A, the payment exemption mark 171 is filled in with ultraviolet light-emitting ink. In this case, the information code is imaged in the same manner as in the representative example, the information addition area 121 is analyzed, and the payment exemption mark 171 is written in the information addition area 121 with ultraviolet light-emitting ink. The amount will be 0 yen (exemption). Further, in this case, as shown in FIG. 16A, it is desirable to attach a visible mark 172 indicating that payment exemption is made so that the user can visually check.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that discounting by receipt is possible, and is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. For example, the method for generating the information code 100 and the method for issuing the parking ticket 190 are the same as in the first embodiment, and the method for reading the parking ticket 190 is also the same as in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, in addition to these configurations, receipt ticketing and receipt reading are added.

  In this configuration, the same ticket issuing machine 181 (parking ticket issuing device) as that in the first embodiment is used, and an information code 100 is displayed in which cells serving as units for displaying information are arranged inside a predetermined code area. It functions to issue a parking ticket 190. Even in this configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponding to the information code generation unit records data in a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area and a plurality of types of cells. An information code is generated with a configuration provided with a data recording area. Also in this configuration, the printing unit 8 corresponding to the parking ticket forming unit forms the parking ticket so that the information code generated by the information code generating unit is displayed on the display medium.

  On the other hand, a receipt issuing device 202 provided in a store or the like has a configuration as shown in FIG. 17, for example, and includes a control unit 203, an operation unit 204, a storage unit 205, a display unit 206, a communication unit 207, a printing unit 208, and the like. It is comprised as a computer provided with. The receipt issuing device 202 calculates the amount to be paid when purchasing a product or receiving a service at a store or the like, and issues a receipt 290 so as to fill in a list of products and services and the total amount (FIG. 17, FIG. 17). FIG. 18). Further, when the receipt 290 is issued, the second code 291 in which the total amount is recorded is printed on a part of the receipt. In this configuration, the second code 291 is configured as a known QR code (registered trademark), but may be another known type of information code.

  In this configuration, the control unit 203 corresponds to an example of a second code generation unit, and functions to generate a second code different from the information code. The printing unit 208 corresponds to an example of a receipt issuing unit, and functions to issue a receipt on which the second code generated by the second code generating unit is formed.

  In this configuration, when the checkout machine 182 (parking ticket reader) performs the processing of FIG. 14, not only the information code 100 of the parking ticket 190 but also the second code 291 of the receipt 290 is read. When calculating the settlement amount, the elapsed time from the warehousing time to the settlement time is calculated in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the elapsed time and the payment amount recorded in the second code 291 are calculated. The settlement amount is calculated based on the above. For example, a formula (such as a discounting formula) is set, such as a deduction of 100 yen from the parking fee for every 1,000 yen paid. The discount formula is calculated from the basic settlement amount specified by the elapsed time. Subtract the discount amount and determine the final settlement amount.

  In this configuration, the light receiving sensor 23 corresponds to an example of an imaging unit, and the information code 100 represented on the parking ticket 190 issued by the ticket issuing machine 181 (parking ticket issuing device) and the receipt issued by the receipt issuing device 202. It functions to image the second code 291 represented by 290. The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of a data recording area reading unit. When the information code 100 is captured by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit), the data recording area in the code image of the captured information code 100 It functions to read the data recorded in the data recording area based on the contents of the. The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of a second code reading unit. When the second code 291 is captured by the light receiving sensor 23 (imaging unit), the data recorded in the captured second code 291 is recorded. To read.

  The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of an information processing unit. Based on the data read by the data recording area reading unit and the data read by the second code reading unit, the calculation of the settlement fee or the parking lot It functions to make at least one of the decision of permission to leave.

Even in this configuration, a parking lot system using an information code can be constructed. For this reason, a wide magnetic region or the like is not indispensable, and restrictions on providing the magnetic region (cost, management burden, etc. due to preparation of magnetic material, etc.) can be reduced.
In particular, information used for calculating the settlement amount or determining permission to leave can be recorded and used in the second code in the receipt. At the time of reading, the data recorded in the information code of the parking ticket is read by the reading device. And the data recorded in the second code in the receipt can be more accurately associated and grasped, so the service provider (for example, the entity that operates a facility near the parking lot, etc.) It becomes easy to take measures for discounts and exemptions. In addition, at the time of scrutiny, the reader can grasp the information on the receipt issued afterwards and automatically perform “calculation of the settlement fee” or It becomes possible to perform at least one of “judgment of leaving permission”.

[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 position data (for example, entry field position information shown in FIG. 3) indicating the position of the information addition area is included in the information code 100. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. . For example, the information code generation device 2 may be configured to generate an information code so that the information addition area is arranged at a predetermined position in the empty area. In this case, information for specifying a predetermined position (information such as entry field position information shown in FIG. 3) may be stored in the storage unit 5. In this case, the information code reader 10 stores the specific information (information such as the entry column position information shown in FIG. 3) for specifying the predetermined position in the memory 35 as in the information code generator 2. Good. In this configuration, the memory 35 corresponds to an example of the specific information recording unit. Then, in the information code reader 10, in S46 of FIG. 9 or S66 of FIG. 13, such specific information is read from the memory 35 to specify the information addition area, and the subsequent processing may be performed. In this case, the entry column position information shown in FIG. 3 may not be included in the header data.
In this configuration, the control circuit 40 corresponding to the additional information acquisition unit specifies the position of the information additional region in the code image based on the specific information recorded in the specific information recording unit, and analyzes the information additional region. Function to obtain additional information.

  The present invention can also be configured as a display device capable of displaying any one, plural, or all of the information codes described above. Moreover, it can also be configured as a printing apparatus capable of printing any one, plural or all of the information codes described above. Furthermore, it can also be configured as a computer-readable program for generating any one, plural or all of the information codes described above. Moreover, it can also be comprised as a recording medium which recorded the program for producing | generating the 1 or several or all the information code mentioned above. Furthermore, it can also be grasped as an information code medium (a printed material, a formed material formed by direct marking, etc.) to which one or a plurality of or all information codes are attached. Moreover, it can also be grasped as a display image on which one, a plurality, or all of the information codes described above are displayed.

  1 and the like show an example in which the information code generation device 2 and the information code reading device 10 are configured as separate devices, but the information code generation device 2 may be configured as the information code reading device 10. Good.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the empty area 110 is provided in the center of the code area has been described, but the arrangement of the empty areas 110 is not limited to this example. For example, an empty area may be provided near the periphery of the code area. In addition, a design may be displayed in the empty area, and information represented by one or a plurality of symbols may be displayed. Alternatively, both the design and information may be displayed. As the design, various other designs can be adopted as long as they are composed of figures, patterns, colors, or combinations thereof. In addition, when information is displayed instead of the design or together with the design, the contents of the information are various. For example, it may be the name of the provider (business owner, individual, etc.) that provides the data recorded in the information code 100, the address of the provider's site, etc., or a product related to the data recorded in the information code 100 It may be a name or service name.

  In the above embodiment, a QR code is taken as an example of the other type code, and a specific pattern of the QR code is given as an example of the specific pattern used in the information code 100. However, other types of two-dimensional codes may be used. For example, a data matrix code may be used as the other type code, and a specific pattern used in the information code 100 may be used as the specific pattern of the data matrix code.

  The correspondence in the arrangement conversion table set as shown in FIG. 5 can be arbitrarily changed as shown in FIG. For example, when the arrangement conversion table set as shown in FIG. 5 in the information code generating device 2 and the information code reading device 10 is changed as shown in FIG. 7, the generated information code 100 includes the 22nd to 23rd codes. The arrangement of words from the arrangement shown in the right figure of FIG. 5 (the arrangement recorded in the 22nd to 23rd candidate positions) to the arrangement shown in the right figure of FIG. 7 (the arrangement recorded in the 42nd to 43rd candidate positions) As a result, the position and shape of the empty area 110 also change. In this case, the arrangement candidate positions Nos. 22 to 23 may be empty areas, or arrangement positions of other code words. That is, in this configuration, the position and shape of the empty area 110 can be adjusted by adjusting the arrangement conversion table, and the degree of freedom in configuring the empty area can be further increased.

  In the above embodiment, a bright cell such as a white cell and a dark cell such as a black cell are exemplified as a plurality of types of cells constituting the code area. However, a specific pattern area, a data recording area, and an error correction code in the code area are exemplified. The recording area may be configured as a first type cell having a predetermined density, luminance, and color, and a second type cell that is different in density, luminance, or color from the first type cell. Alternatively, the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and the error correction code recording area in the code area may be configured by three or more types of cells each having different density, luminance, or color.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which a plurality of cells having a square outer shape are arranged in the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and the error correction code recording area in the code area has been described. However, the outer shape of each cell is a square other than a square. It may be a polygon other than a rectangle, or a figure such as a circle or an ellipse.

  In the above embodiment, the position detection pattern 104, the timing pattern 106, the alignment pattern 108, and the like are illustrated as examples of the specific pattern. However, the area is configured as a fixed pattern regardless of the contents of the data recording area and the error correction code recording area. If so, the figure constituting the specific pattern may be another unique figure.

  In the above-described embodiment, the identification display indicating the range of the information addition area is exemplified as an example of the identification display of the information addition area. However, the display is not limited to the above example as long as the display can grasp the existence of the information addition area. For example, the position of the information addition area may be indicated by an identification display such as an arrow, a line, or a triangle, and the presence of the information addition area may be indicated by an identification display such as a character or a symbol. For example, in any information code of the above embodiment, a word (such as “in a blank area”) that prompts the user to enter information in the empty area or a predetermined position in the empty area with characters or symbols in the empty area. A word such as “Please enter text” or a word such as “Please fill in the relevant part” may be displayed as an identification display.

  In the above embodiment, an example of the “code area” is shown. However, the “code area” may be a minimum square area or rectangular area that includes all of the plurality of types of cells constituting the information code, and the inner edge of the code area. The cell may not be arranged in a part of the part. For example, as shown in the information code 1000 of FIG. 20, the empty area 1010 may be formed adjacent to the periphery of the code area. In this case, the minimum square area or rectangular area including all of the plurality of types of cells constituting the information code 1000 is as indicated by the one-dot chain line AR, and the outer edge of the empty area 1010 is as indicated by the two-dot chain line AR2, for example. Further, it is sufficient that at least a part of the information addition area exists in the code area, and a configuration in which the remaining part exists outside the code area as in the information addition area AR3 of FIG. In the example as shown in FIG. 21, information specifying the range of the information addition area AR3 may be recorded in advance in the data recording area.

  In the above embodiment, an example of an empty area is shown. However, an empty area is an area where data to be decoded is not recorded by a cell, and information display or image display is performed by a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area. Any area may be used as long as it is a display area. For example, as in the first embodiment, a vacant area may be configured as an area where no code word is arranged, and in a known QR code, an error correction code word that represents an error correction code or data to be decoded is used. An area where a data code word to be expressed is not arranged and a padding code word is arranged may be a free area. Also, in any free area, “information display by a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area by cell” can be performed. Information may be displayed by a symbol or the like, or a method of displaying information that represents a specific product or service by a trademark or the like. In addition, in the free area, it is possible to perform “display of an image by a method different from the method of recording data in the data recording area by cell”, and this image can be displayed in various shapes, patterns, colors, and combinations thereof. And so on.

Further, it may be configured as an information code 1100 in FIG. In this example, the same empty area as that of the first embodiment is provided, but only the specification of the empty area is different from that of the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 22, specific contents of areas other than some of the specific patterns are omitted, and in fact, light-colored cells and dark-colored cells are arranged in an external area outside the empty area 1110. Become. Also, in the free space 1110, for example, an image similar to the free space 110 of the first embodiment or an image similar to the free space of other embodiments is displayed.
Also in this configuration, a plurality of model numbers are prepared for the type of the information code 1100. For each model number, the number of rows and columns of cells, the shape and position of a specific pattern, the position of format information, and the candidate position (address) of a code word Is predetermined. When the generating device 2 generates the information code 1100, the model number information is arranged at a predetermined position in the code area (the reserved area 107 in the example of FIG. 22). Therefore, when the reading device 10 reads the information code 1100, the code image of the information code 1100 is analyzed, and the model number information arranged at a predetermined position is read, so that the number of rows and columns of cells of the information code 1100, The shape and position of the specific pattern, the position of the format information, and the candidate position (address) of the code word can be grasped.
When generating the information code 1100, one of the model numbers is selected from a plurality of model numbers prepared in advance. Thereby, the basic configuration (the position of the specific pattern 104, the number of rows and columns of cells, the candidate position of the code word) in the code area is determined. For example, the model number of the configuration shown in FIG. 22 has a cell array of 29 rows and 29 columns, and a specific pattern 104 having the same structure as a QR code (registered trademark) cut-out symbol at three predetermined corners. Is arranged. An area (predetermined position 105) for recording format information is provided at a predetermined position near the specific pattern 104. In addition, in the 29 × 29 matrix area, codeword candidate positions are determined in advance at positions other than the specific pattern 104 and the predetermined position 105, and addresses from 0 to 67 are assigned to the candidate positions. . In this way, since the configuration in the code area is defined in advance in the configuration corresponding to the model number, if the model number is specified, it is possible to specify which order code word is arranged at which position. Become. The information of the determined model number is recorded at a predetermined fixed position in the model number array. For example, in the example of FIG. 22, model number information is recorded in an area 107 specified by a predetermined type of hatching.
After the model number is determined and the basic configuration in the code area is determined, the shape and position of the empty area are determined. The method for determining the shape of the vacant area may be determined by, for example, a method of selecting from a plurality of candidate shapes prepared in advance, or shape designation information input from the outside to the information code generation device 2 You may decide by the method of setting to the shape according to. Or you may determine only to the fixed shape decided. Further, the position of the empty area may be determined as a predetermined fixed position, or may be determined by inputting information for designating the position by the user.
After the vacant area is determined, the information code 1100 is configured such that the code word in the data recording area and the code word in the error correction code recording area are respectively arranged at the candidate position of the code word deviating from the determined position of the vacant area. Is generated. For example, in the model number configured as shown in FIG. 22, specific patterns 104 are arranged at three corners, and 68 codeword candidates numbered 0 to 67 with reference to the positions of these specific patterns 104 are used. The position is defined in advance. In such a layout, when the vacant area 1110 is determined as shown in FIG. 22, the candidate position of the code word that at least partially enters the vacant area 1110 is excluded from the arrangement target position, and the position of the excluded code word The code words are arranged in order as if skipping. For example, in the example of FIG. 22, since the empty area 1110 is set so as to enter the candidate positions of the code words 50, 51, 53, 54, and 60 to 67, these 50, 51, 53, Code words are not arranged at the candidate positions of the 54th and 60th to 67th codewords. That is, after the code words are arranged in order at positions 0 to 49, the code words 50 and 51 are skipped and the code words are arranged at the position 52, and then the codes 53 and 54 are skipped and the codes 55 to 59 are skipped. The code words are arranged in order at the positions. In this way, the data code word that encodes the data to be decoded and the error correction code word that represents the error correction code can be reliably arranged at the candidate position outside the empty area 1110.
After determining the specific pattern area (specific pattern 104 or other specific pattern area), the format area (predetermined position 105), the model number area 107, each codeword area, and the like, the specific contents of the empty area 1110 are determined. To decide. In this information code 1100 as well, an information code 1100 having the same function as in FIG. 1 can be configured by representing an image similar to the empty area 110 in the empty area 1110. Note that the method of using the information code 1100 is the same as in the first embodiment and other embodiments.

1 ... Information code usage system (parking lot usage system)
2 ... Information code generator (parking ticket issuing device)
3. Control unit (information code generation unit)
8 ... Printing department (parking ticket formation department)
10. Information code reader (parking ticket reader)
21a, 21b ... Illumination light source 23 ... Light receiving sensor (imaging unit)
40... Control circuit (data recording area reading unit, additional information acquisition unit, information processing unit, second code reading unit)
100 ... Information code 102 ... Cell 104 ... Position detection pattern (specific pattern)
110 ... empty area 181 ... ticketing machine (parking ticket issuing device)
182 ... Settlement machine (parking ticket reader)
202 ... Receipt issuing device 213 ... Control unit (second code generation unit)
218 ... Printing department (receipt issuing department)

Claims (14)

A parking ticket issuing device for issuing a parking ticket on which an information code formed by arranging cells serving as units for displaying information within a predetermined code area is displayed;
A parking ticket reader for reading the parking ticket;
A parking lot usage system comprising:
The parking ticket issuing device
A specific pattern area in which a specific pattern of a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, a data recording area for recording data by a plurality of types of the cells, and data recorded in the data recording area An information addition area capable of recording another additional information; and an information code generation unit that generates the information code in a configuration provided with;
A parking ticket forming unit for forming the parking ticket so as to represent the information code generated by the information code generating unit on a display medium;
With
The parking ticket reader is
An imaging unit capable of imaging the information code represented on the parking ticket issued by the parking ticket issuing device;
When the information code is imaged by the imaging unit, a data recording area reading unit that reads data recorded in the data recording area based on the content of the data recording area in the code image of the imaged information code When,
An additional information acquisition unit that analyzes the information addition area of the code image of the information code and acquires predetermined additional information added in the information addition area when the information code is imaged by the imaging unit; ,
Based on the data read by the data recording area reading unit and the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition unit, at least one of calculation of a settlement fee or determination of permission to leave the parking lot is performed. An information processing unit;
A parking lot utilization system characterized by comprising: A parking ticket issuing device for issuing a parking ticket on which an information code formed by arranging cells serving as units for displaying information within a predetermined code area is displayed;
A receipt issuing device for issuing a receipt;
A parking ticket reader for reading the receipt and the parking ticket;
A parking lot usage system comprising:
The parking ticket issuing device
Information for generating the information code in a configuration in which a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged and a data recording area for recording data by a plurality of types of cells are provided inside the code area. A code generator;
A parking ticket forming unit for forming the parking ticket so as to represent the information code generated by the information code generating unit on a display medium;
With
The receipt issuing device
A second code generation unit that generates a second code different from the information code;
A receipt issuing unit for issuing the receipt on which the second code generated by the second code generation unit is formed;
With
The parking ticket reader is
One or a plurality of imaging units capable of imaging the information code represented by the parking ticket issued by the parking ticket issuing device and the second code represented by the receipt issued by the receipt issuing device When,
When the information code is imaged by the imaging unit, a data recording area reading unit that reads data recorded in the data recording area based on the content of the data recording area in the code image of the imaged information code When,
A second code reading unit that reads data recorded in the imaged second code when the second code is imaged by the imaging unit;
Information for performing at least one of calculating a settlement fee or determining permission to leave the parking lot based on the data read by the data recording area reading unit and the data read by the second code reading unit A processing unit;
I have a,
The information code generation unit includes the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and an information additional area capable of recording additional information different from the data recorded in the data recording area. It is a configuration that generates code,
When the information code is imaged by the imaging unit, the parking ticket reader analyzes the information addition area of the code image of the information code, and adds predetermined additional information added in the information addition area. It has an additional information acquisition unit to acquire,
The information processing unit is based on data read by the data recording area reading unit and at least one of the data read by the second code reading unit or the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition unit. Then, at least one of calculation of a settlement fee or determination of permission to leave the parking lot is performed . The information code generation unit includes, within the code area, the specific pattern area, the data recording area, an error correction code recording area for recording an error correction code by a plurality of types of cells, and the information addition area. The parking lot utilization system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the information code is generated with a configuration in which the information is provided . Said information code generation unit Oite inside the coding region, to a position other than the specific pattern area and the data recording area, a free space decryption target data which is an area that is not recorded by the cell, a single of the Provide a size larger than the size of the cell, generate the information code in a configuration in which a part or all of the empty area is the information additional area,
The said additional information acquisition part analyzes the inside of the said empty area of the said code image, The said additional information added to the said information additional area in the said empty area is acquired, The Claim 1 to Claim 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The parking lot use system according to any one of the above. The information code generation unit generates the information code in a configuration that records information on a time when the parking ticket is issued by the parking ticket issuing device in the data recording area,
The parking ticket reader includes a clock unit that detects a time when processing the parking ticket by the parking ticket reader.
The information processing unit includes the data read by the data recording area reading unit, the time detected by the clock unit when processing the parking ticket by the parking ticket reading device, and the additional information acquiring unit. and the acquired additional information, based on, claims 1, wherein performing at least one of exit permission judgment from calculation or the parking payment fee in any one of claims 4 The described parking lot usage system. In the parking ticket issued by the parking ticket issuing device, in the information addition area of the information code, specific information that can specify at least one of discount time, discount amount, or payment exemption is the additional information. It can be filled in,
When the specific information is acquired by the additional information acquisition unit, the information processing unit calculates a settlement fee based on the specific information and the data read by the data recording area reading unit or the parking information. parking system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that performing at least one of exit permission judgment from the car park. In the parking ticket issued by the parking ticket issuing device, the information addition area of the information code can be filled with special ink that reacts when light of a predetermined wavelength band different from visible light is irradiated. Has been
The parking ticket reader includes a light source that irradiates the parking ticket with light of the predetermined wavelength band,
The information processing unit analyzes the information addition region in the code image of the information code captured by the imaging unit when the light source emits light of the predetermined wavelength band, and the analysis result When a predetermined regular result is obtained, based on the data read by the data recording area reading unit and the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition unit , calculation of a settlement fee or from the parking lot parking system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that performing at least one of the exit permission judgment. A parking ticket reading device that reads a parking ticket on which an information code formed by arranging cells serving as units for displaying information inside a predetermined code area is displayed,
The information code represented on the parking ticket includes a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, and a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells. And an information addition area capable of recording additional information different from the data recorded in the data recording area, and
An imaging unit capable of imaging the information code represented on the parking ticket issued by the parking ticket issuing device;
When the information code is imaged by the imaging unit, a data recording area reading unit that reads data recorded in the data recording area based on the content of the data recording area in the code image of the imaged information code When,
An additional information acquisition unit that analyzes the information addition area of the code image of the information code and acquires predetermined additional information added in the information addition area when the information code is imaged by the imaging unit; ,
Based on the data read by the data recording area reading unit and the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition unit, at least one of calculation of a settlement fee or determination of permission to leave the parking lot is performed. An information processing unit;
Parking Shaken reader you, comprising a. A parking ticket reading device for reading a parking ticket on which an information code formed by arranging cells serving as units for displaying information inside a predetermined code area is displayed, and a receipt ,
The information code represented on the parking ticket includes a specific pattern area in which a specific pattern having a predetermined shape is arranged inside the code area, and a data recording area in which data is recorded by a plurality of types of cells. Is provided, and
The receipt is configured to represent a second code different from the information code,
One or a plurality of imaging units capable of imaging the information code represented by the parking ticket issued by the parking ticket issuing device and the second code represented by the receipt issued by the receipt issuing device When,
When the information code is imaged by the imaging unit, a data recording area reading unit that reads data recorded in the data recording area based on the content of the data recording area in the code image of the imaged information code When,
A second code reading unit that reads data recorded in the imaged second code when the second code is imaged by the imaging unit;
Information for performing at least one of calculating a settlement fee or determining permission to leave the parking lot based on the data read by the data recording area reading unit and the data read by the second code reading unit A processing unit;
I have a,
The information code has a configuration in which the specific pattern area, the data recording area, and an information additional area capable of recording additional information different from the data recorded in the data recording area are provided.
An additional information acquisition unit that analyzes the information addition area of the code image of the information code and acquires predetermined additional information added in the information addition area when the information code is imaged by the imaging unit; Prepared,
The information processing unit is based on data read by the data recording area reading unit and at least one of the data read by the second code reading unit or the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition unit. A parking ticket reading device that performs at least one of calculation of a settlement fee or determination of permission to leave the parking lot . The information code includes, within the code area, the specific pattern area, the data recording area, an error correction code recording area for recording an error correction code by a plurality of types of cells, and the information addition area. parking ticket reader according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the configuration der Rukoto provided. The information code has an empty area in which the data to be decoded is not recorded by the cell at a position other than the specific pattern area and the data recording area within the code area. Is provided in a large size, and a part or all of the empty area is the information addition area,
The additional information acquisition unit, said code analyzing the free area of the image, the information claim from claim 8, characterized in that to obtain the additional information added to the additional space 10 within the free space The parking ticket reader according to any one of the above. The information code is a configuration in which information on the time when the parking ticket is issued is recorded in the data recording area,
A clock unit for detecting a time when processing the parking ticket by the parking ticket reader;
The information processing unit includes the data read by the data recording area reading unit, the time detected by the clock unit when processing the parking ticket by the parking ticket reading device, and the additional information acquiring unit. and the acquired additional information, based on, from claim 8, characterized in that at least one of exit permission judgment from calculation or the parking payment fee to any one of claims 11 The parking ticket reader according to the description. In the parking ticket issued by the parking ticket issuing device, in the information addition area of the information code, specific information that can specify at least one of discount time, discount amount, or payment exemption is the additional information. It can be filled in,
When the specific information is acquired by the additional information acquisition unit, the information processing unit calculates a settlement fee based on the specific information and the data read by the data recording area reading unit or the parking information. The parking ticket reading device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein at least one of the determination of permission to leave the parking lot is performed. In the parking ticket issued by the parking ticket issuing device, the information addition area of the information code can be filled with special ink that reacts when light of a predetermined wavelength band different from visible light is irradiated. Has been
A light source for irradiating the parking ticket with light of the predetermined wavelength band;
The information processing unit analyzes the information addition region in the code image of the information code captured by the imaging unit when the light source emits light of the predetermined wavelength band, and the analysis result When a predetermined regular result is obtained, based on the data read by the data recording area reading unit and the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition unit , calculation of a settlement fee or from the parking lot The parking ticket reading device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein at least one of the determination of leaving permission is performed.

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