JP6288325B2 - Information code and information code reader - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information code and an information code reader.

  At present, information codes such as barcodes and QR codes (registered trademark) are used for various purposes, and their usage purposes are also diversifying. For example, predetermined information corresponding to the information code can be easily acquired by executing a predetermined application on a camera-equipped mobile phone or a smartphone and optically reading the information code. Thereby, by using the information code, services such as food traceability, guidance to a website, and issuance of various coupons / tickets can be easily provided to the user.

  As a technique for providing a service using the information code as described above, an advertisement service device shown in Patent Document 1 below is known. In this advertising service device, code images encoded with the advertiser's Internet address information and index information for specifying the same are added to or printed on various products, prizes, advertisements, etc. for advertisement. The When the consumer obtains the code image provided as described above by using the optical device, the code information of the code image is decoded and extracted, and address information or index information included in the code information is obtained. The When the address information is acquired, the consumer can use the service provided by the advertiser by performing processing using the address information. In addition, when index information is acquired, it is consumed by connecting to a predetermined server computer on the Internet, acquiring address information according to the index information, and performing processing using this address information or the like. The person can use the service provided by the advertiser.

JP 2001-273441 A

  By the way, an information code simply displayed on a print medium or the like can be easily copied by anyone using a copier or the like. For this reason, for example, a gate that manages entry / exit by reading an information code cannot detect unauthorized code copied for unauthorized purposes unless it can determine the authenticity of the information code. There is a problem that cannot be prevented.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information code and an information code reader capable of easily determining the authenticity.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1
A light-color module that exhibits light-color reflection characteristics and a dark-color module that exhibits dark-color reflection characteristics when irradiated with either one of light in the first wavelength band and light in a second wavelength band having a different wavelength; Is a plurality of information codes arranged in the code area,
At least a part of the plurality of light color modules is covered with a covering portion that transmits light of the second wavelength band and exhibits dark color reflection characteristics when irradiated with the light of the first wavelength band,
In the code area, a plurality of position detection areas for specifying a position are arranged,
The covering portion is arranged to be narrower than one of the position detection regions ,
The information obtained by decoding the information code, the position specifying information for specifying the position of the cover portion of the coding region as a reference include, characterized in Rukoto.

The invention according to claim 6
An information code reader for optically reading the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
Illuminating means capable of irradiating both the light in the first wavelength band and the light in the second wavelength band;
Imaging means for imaging the information code;
Decoding means for decoding the code area based on the arrangement of the modules constituting the code area imaged by the imaging means;
The information code image picked up by the image pickup means in a state where the light of the first wavelength band is irradiated, and the information code picked up by the image pickup means in a state of being irradiated with the light of the second wavelength band Difference detection means for detecting a difference from the image of
Determination means for determining the presence or absence of the covering portion based on the difference detected by the difference detection means;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the plurality of light color modules arranged in the code region transmits the light in the second wavelength band and is irradiated with the light in the first wavelength band. It is covered with a covering portion showing dark color reflection characteristics.

As a result, a code image (hereinafter referred to as a first code image) obtained by imaging the information code in a state where light in the first wavelength band is irradiated and a code obtained in a state where light in the second wavelength band is irradiated. In the image (hereinafter referred to as the second code image), a difference is generated in the superimposed image. Therefore, by adopting an information code having the covering portion as an information code for determining authenticity, it is possible to determine the information code from which the difference as described above is detected as a regular information code having the covering portion. it can. On the other hand, an information code in which no difference is detected as described above can be determined as an information code different from the regular information code.
Accordingly, it is possible to easily determine the authenticity of the information code having the covering portion.

Furthermore, the covering portion is arranged so as to be narrower than one position detection region. Accordingly, it is difficult to distinguish each dark color module and the covering portion in the code area, and it is easy to conceal that a part of the code area is covered by the covering portion. This makes it difficult for a person who illegally duplicates the information code to notice the presence of the covering portion, so that not only counterfeiting is difficult, but there is no idea for measures against the covering portion. The accuracy of determination can be improved.
In particular, the information obtained by decoding the information code includes position specifying information for specifying the position of the covering portion with reference to the code area. As a result, it is determined whether or not the covering portion is arranged at the position specified from the position specifying information obtained at the time of decoding, so that it is not determined as a legitimate information code simply by detecting a difference due to dirt or the like. Therefore, the accuracy of authenticity determination can be increased.

  In the invention of claim 2, the covering portion is constituted by an arbitrary figure whose shape, pattern or color is changed. Even if the covering part is constituted by such an arbitrary figure, it can be adopted as an information code for authenticity determination in which a difference between images corresponding to this covering part is detected. An improved information code can be realized. In addition, depending on the design of the covering portion, it may be difficult to distinguish between the dark color modules and the covering portion of the code area. In this case, it is concealed that a part of the code area is covered by the covering portion. Therefore, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.

In the invention of claim 3 , the position specifying information is encrypted based on a predetermined encryption method. For this reason, it is extremely difficult for a third party to acquire the position specifying information, and even if the presence of the covering portion is noticed, the exact position of the covering portion cannot be specified. The accuracy of authenticity determination can be further increased.

In the invention of claim 4 , since at least a part of the covering portion is disposed in the margin area around the code region, the covering portion is disposed as compared with the case where all of the covering portion is disposed in the code region. The area that can be increased. Thus, even if it is difficult to specify the position of the covering portion by increasing the area where the covering portion can be arranged to prevent forgery of the information code, the position of the covering portion can be easily specified based on the position specifying information. Therefore, the accuracy of authenticity determination can be further increased.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the information obtained by decoding the information code includes the amount of displacement of the covering portion that is allowed with respect to the code area (hereinafter also referred to as the allowable amount of deviation). When the information code is printed, the covering portion with respect to the code area may be printed out of alignment. Therefore, by encoding the information including the allowable deviation set according to the printing accuracy, even if the cover portion is printed with a deviation from the code area, the deviation is less than the allowable deviation. If so, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination in authenticity determination due to printing misalignment by determining that the covering portion is disposed at the position specified from the position specifying information.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the first code image, which is an image of the information code picked up by the image pickup means in the state of being irradiated with the light in the first wavelength band, and the image in the state of being irradiated with the light in the second wavelength band A difference from the second code image, which is an image of the information code picked up by the means, is detected by the difference detecting means. And the presence or absence of a coating | coated part is determined by the determination means based on the difference detected by the difference detection means.

Thereby, when the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is imaged by the imaging unit, it is determined that there is a covering portion based on the difference detected by the difference detection unit, The captured information code can be determined as a regular information code having the covering portion. On the other hand, when an information code that is illegally copied or the like is imaged, the difference is not detected and it is determined that there is no covering portion. Therefore, the captured information code is different from the regular information code. It can be determined as a code.
Therefore, it is possible to realize an information code reading apparatus that can easily determine the authenticity using the information code having the covering portion.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the first code image, which is an image of the information code captured by the imaging unit in the state of being irradiated with visible light, and the image of the imaging unit in the state of being irradiated with light of the second wavelength band. The difference from the second code image, which is an image of the information code, is detected by the difference detection means. And the presence or absence of a coating | coated part is determined by the determination means based on the difference detected by the difference detection means.

Even if it does in this way, there exists an effect similar to the information code reader of Claim 6 . In particular, since the light in the first wavelength band is visible light, the function of irradiating the light in the first wavelength band to the illuminating means by using external light becomes unnecessary, and the function required for the illuminating means is reduced. Can do.

It is a block diagram which illustrates roughly the principal part of the information code reading device which reads the information code concerning a 1st embodiment. 2A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an information code according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where a covering portion is removed from the information code of FIG. 2A. FIG. It is a flowchart which illustrates the authenticity determination process implemented by the control part in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the image difference of the 1st code image illustrated to FIG. 2 (A), and the 2nd code image illustrated to FIG. 2 (B). It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the information code which concerns on the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an information code according to the second modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 6B is a diagram in which a covering portion is removed from the information code of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image difference between a first code image illustrated in FIG. 6A and a second code image illustrated in FIG. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an information code according to a third modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a diagram in which a covering portion is removed from the information code of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state. It is explanatory drawing explaining the image difference of the 1st code image illustrated to FIG. 8 (A), and the 2nd code image illustrated to FIG. 8 (B). FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an information code according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a diagram in which a covering portion is removed from the information code of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state. It is explanatory drawing explaining the image difference of the 1st code image illustrated to FIG. 10 (A), and the 2nd code image illustrated to FIG. 10 (B). It is a flowchart which illustrates the authenticity determination process implemented by the control part in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an information code according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a covering portion is removed from the information code of FIG. FIG. It is a flowchart which illustrates the authenticity determination process implemented by the control part in 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the state which the coating | coated part shifted | deviated with respect to the code area | region. It is a flowchart which illustrates the authenticity determination process implemented by the control part in the 1st modification of 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 17A is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an information code according to a second modification of the third embodiment, and FIG. 17B is a diagram in which a covering portion is removed from the information code of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state.

[First Embodiment]
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an information code and an information code reader according to the invention are embodied will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a main part of an information code reader 40 that reads an information code 10 according to the first embodiment.
An information code reading device 40 shown in FIG. 1 is a general one such as a one-dimensional code (bar code or the like) and a two-dimensional code (QR code, data matrix code, maxi code, Aztec code or the like) attached to a reading target R. The information code and the information code 10 having the characteristic configuration of the present invention can be optically read. Hereinafter, the information code 10 and the information code reader 40 will be described in detail.

(Information code reader)
The information code reading device 40 shown in FIG. 1 has a function of imaging and reading the information code attached to the reading target R. The information code reading device 40 includes a control unit 41 including a CPU, an imaging unit 42 configured as a camera including a light receiving sensor (for example, a C-MOS area sensor, a CCD area sensor, and the like), light in a first wavelength band. A first illumination light source 43 capable of irradiating light, a second illumination light source 44 capable of irradiating light in the second wavelength band, a storage unit 45 including storage means such as ROM, RAM, and nonvolatile memory. In addition, the information code reading device 40 is provided with a display unit 46 including a liquid crystal display and an operation unit 47 including various operation keys.

  The imaging unit 42 is disposed between the pair of first illumination light sources 43a and 43b, and forms an image of the reflected light from the reading object R and the information code attached to the reading object R on the light receiving surface of the light receiving sensor 42a. And function to generate image data of the information code. The light receiving sensor 42a is configured to be able to receive reflected light irradiated and reflected on the reading object R. For example, an area sensor in which light receiving elements that are solid-state imaging elements such as C-MOS and CCD are two-dimensionally arranged. This is equivalent to this. The imaging lens 42c is constituted by, for example, a lens barrel and a plurality of condensing lenses housed in the lens barrel, and forms an image of a code image of an information code on the light receiving surface of the light receiving sensor 42a. Is functioning. The image signal output from the light receiving sensor 42a of the optical system is stored in, for example, an image data storage area of the storage unit 45. The imaging unit 42 may correspond to an example of an “imaging unit” described in the claims.

  The 1st illumination light source 43 and the 2nd illumination light source 44 which comprise an illumination light source (illumination optical system) are each provided in the both sides which pinched | interposed the imaging part 42 (light reception optical system), for example. A pair of 1st illumination light sources 43a and 43b are comprised by LED which radiates | emits visible light (henceforth 1st wavelength band light) with a wavelength of 380 nm-750 nm, for example. The second illumination light sources 44a and 44b arranged in a pair are configured by LEDs that emit infrared light having a wavelength of 750 nm or more (hereinafter also referred to as light in the second wavelength band). In the present embodiment, the number of light sources of the second illumination light source 44 is larger than the number of light sources of the first illumination light source 43. In addition, the first illumination light source 43 and the second illumination light source 44 in the present embodiment may correspond to an example of “illuminating means” recited in the claims.

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

  The control unit 41 is configured by a microcomputer or the like that can control the entire information code reader 40, and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and has an information processing function. In this embodiment, the control unit 41 executes a reading process to extract a code area occupied by the information code from the code image of the information code captured by the imaging unit 42, and based on the extraction result. It functions to decrypt the information code. In addition, the control unit 41 functions to determine the authenticity of the information code from the code image of the information code captured by the imaging unit 42 by executing an authenticity determination process described later.

(Information code)
FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information code 10 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a state in which the covering portion 11 is removed from the information code 10 of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the information code 10 includes a code area 20 in which a plurality of light color modules and dark color modules are arranged, and a covering portion 11 that covers a part of the code area 20. ing. As shown in FIG. 2B, the code area 20 has a plurality of light color modules and dark color modules configured as square areas arranged in a matrix like the QR code. The whole is configured as a rectangular area.

  Specifically, the code area 20 includes a data area 21, three position detection patterns 22a to 22c, format codes 23a to 23d, and the like configured to include required information as required, like the QR code. It is configured. Each of the position detection patterns 22 a to 22 c is a pattern for specifying the position of the code area 20 in the captured image data, and is arranged at three of the four vertices of the code area 20. The format codes 23a to 23d are arranged in the vicinity of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c, respectively, and the information such as the existence area for the data area 21, the code type used, the module size, the mask pattern, the error correction rate, and the like. Format information for decoding the code 10 can be specified. For this reason, if most of the data area 21 is hidden or the position detection patterns 22a to 22c or the format codes 23a to 23d are hidden, the code area 20 cannot be decoded.

  Among the modules constituting the code region 20 configured in this way, each light color module is irradiated with light in the first wavelength band in the visible light region or light in the second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band. Sometimes it is configured to exhibit light-colored reflection characteristics. Each dark color module is configured to exhibit dark color reflection characteristics when irradiated with light in the first wavelength band or light in the second wavelength band. Specifically, each module constituting the code area 20 is configured by applying commonly used normal ink.

  The covering portion 11 is an area of the data area 21 excluding the position detection patterns 22 a to 22 c and the format codes 23 a to 23 d in the code area 20, and is opposed to one edge 20 a forming the boundary of the code area 20. It is arranged in a strip shape so as to continuously cover up to the other edge 20b. This covering portion 11 transmits ink reflected from each module constituting the code region 20 when irradiated with the light of the second wavelength band, and prevents the transmission of the light of the first wavelength band, For example, a special ink such as an infrared transmitting ink is applied. For this reason, in the normal state where the visible light is dominant, as shown in FIG. 2A, a part of the data area 21 is visually recognized so as to be hidden by the covering portion 11.

(Authenticity judgment processing)
Next, whether or not the information code read by the information code reading device 40 is a regular information code by using the information code 10 configured as described above as a regular information code for authenticity determination. The authentication determination process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the authenticity determination process performed by the control unit 41 in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image difference between the first code image illustrated in FIG. 2A and the second code image illustrated in FIG. In FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, an area where there is no image difference in each dark color module is illustrated as being thinner than an area where there is an image difference.

  When a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 47 in a state in which an information code to be authenticity determined is close to a predetermined position with respect to a reading port (not shown) of the information code reading device 40, the control unit 41 The authentication process is started. First, the first irradiation process shown in Step S101 is performed, and the first illumination light source 43 irradiates the information code with the first illumination light through the reading port. Next, the first imaging process shown in step S103 is performed, and the information code is captured as a first code image by the imaging unit 42 in a state where the first illumination light is irradiated and the second illumination light is not irradiated.

  Subsequently, the position detection pattern extraction process shown in step S105 is performed, and the process for detecting the position detection patterns 22a to 22c by the known detection method is performed in the first code image captured as described above. If the detection of the position detection pattern fails (No in S107) because the information code picked up in the image pickup process is a code or the like that does not have a position detection pattern or is not an information code, normal information is obtained. Assuming that the code is not read, the authenticity determination process ends. In the position detection pattern extraction process, not only the position detection patterns 22a to 22c constituting the QR code but also position detection patterns of other code types may be extracted.

  On the other hand, when the position detection patterns 22a to 22c have been successfully detected in the first code image by the position detection pattern extraction process (Yes in S107), the second irradiation process shown in step S109 is performed. In this process, the second illumination light source 44 irradiates the information code with the second illumination light through the reading port. Next, the second imaging process shown in step S111 is performed, and the information code is captured as a second code image by the imaging unit 42 in a state where the second illumination light is irradiated.

  Next, based on the captured second code image, the decoding process shown in step S113 is performed. In this process, the second code image is decoded by a known method defined for the code type. In addition, the control part 41 which performs the decoding process shown in step S113 may correspond to an example of “decoding means” described in the claims.

  When character data encoded as an information code is decoded (decoded) by the decoding process (Yes in S115), a difference detection process shown in step S117 is performed. In this process, a difference between the first code image captured in the first imaging process and the second code image captured in the second imaging process is detected as an image difference. Specifically, the two code images are overlaid so that the position detection patterns 22a to 22c included in the first code image and the position detection patterns 22a to 22c included in the second code image are matched, and this overlapped state If there is a region having a different color, this region is detected as an image difference. Here, since the information code 10 is imaged, when the first code image is imaged as shown in FIG. 2A and the second code image is imaged as shown in FIG. 2B, FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 6, an area corresponding to each light color module in the code area 20 covered by the covering portion 11 is detected as an image difference. In addition, the control part 41 which performs the difference detection process shown to step S117 can correspond to an example of the "difference detection means" as described in a claim.

  Since the image difference is detected as described above, when it is determined Yes in the determination process shown in step S119, the first notification process shown in step S121 is performed. In this processing, the fact that the imaged information code is a regular information code having the covering portion 11 is notified by being displayed on the liquid crystal display of the display portion 46. Subsequently, the data output process shown in step S123 is performed, and the character data and the like acquired by the decoding process are output to the host system such as an external device via the communication interface 48, and the authenticity determination process ends. In addition, the control part 41 which performs the determination process shown to step S119 can correspond to an example of the "determination means" as described in a claim.

  On the other hand, if a normal information code without the covering portion 11 is captured and decoding is successful, the first code image captured in the first imaging process and the second code captured in the second imaging process Since the code image is in the same imaging state and no image difference is detected (No in S119), the second notification process shown in step S125 is performed. In this processing, the fact that the imaged information code is an information code different from the regular information code is notified by being displayed on the liquid crystal display of the display unit 46. Subsequently, the data output process shown in step S117 is performed, and the character data and the like acquired by the decoding process are output to the host system such as an external device via the communication interface 48, and the authenticity determination process ends.

  If the decoding process based on the captured second code image fails (No in S115), the third notification process shown in step S127 is performed. In this process, as in the second notification process, the fact that the captured information code is an information code different from the regular information code is notified by being displayed on the liquid crystal display of the display unit 46. Then, the authenticity determination process ends without performing the data output process.

  Thus, in this authenticity determination processing, if the information code 10 having the covering portion 11 is imaged, it is determined (notified) that the information code is a legitimate information code, and the information code that has failed to be decoded or image difference is detected. If the information code is not detected, it is determined (notified) that it is not a legitimate information code.

  By the way, even if the information code 10 is to be duplicated for illegal purposes, the information code 10 cannot be accurately duplicated unless the covering portion 11 is coated with the special ink different from the code area 20. That is, in the second code image captured by illuminating the second illumination light, even though the illegal code obtained by simply copying the information code 10 with a copy machine is viewed in the same manner in the normal state where the visible light is dominant, Whether it can be decoded (No in S115), or even if it can be decoded, an image difference cannot be detected (No in S119).

  Then, the information code reading device 40 is adopted as a gate for managing entry / exit, and the information code 10 is adopted as an information code read at the time of entry / exit, so that an information code (illegal code) copied for an improper purpose is used. ) Over the gate information code reader 40, it can be determined (notified) that it is not a legitimate information code.

  Note that the information code 10 and the information code reading device 40 are not limited to being employed in the entrance / exit management gate where the use of the information code duplicated for illegal purposes as described above is concerned, but the information code duplicated for illegal purposes. It may be adopted in a system that is feared to be used, such as an information management system.

  As described above, in the information code 10 according to the present embodiment, some of the plurality of light color modules arranged in the code region 20 transmit light in the second wavelength band, and the first wavelength. When the band light is irradiated, it is covered with a covering portion 11 that exhibits dark color reflection characteristics.

As a result, the information code 10 is superimposed on the first code image captured in the state where the light in the first wavelength band is irradiated and the second code image captured in the state where the light in the second wavelength band is irradiated. Since a difference is generated in the combined image, the information code in which the difference is detected by using the information code 10 having the covering portion 11 as the information code for determining the authenticity is used as the information code for the covering portion. 11 can be determined as a regular information code. On the other hand, an information code in which no difference is detected as described above can be determined as an information code different from the regular information code.
Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the authenticity of the information code 10 having the covering portion 11.

  In the information code reading device 40 according to the present embodiment, the first code image captured by the imaging unit 42 in the state where the light of the first wavelength band is irradiated and the state where the light of the second wavelength band is irradiated The difference from the second code image picked up by the image pickup unit 42 is detected by the difference detection process shown in step S117. And the presence or absence of the coating | coated part 11 is determined based on the image difference detected by the difference detection process.

Accordingly, when the information code 10 configured as described above is imaged by the imaging unit 42, it is determined that the covering unit 11 is present based on the detected image difference. Can be determined as a regular information code having the covering portion 11. On the other hand, when an information code illegally copied or the like is imaged, the image difference is not detected and it is determined that there is no covering portion 11, and therefore the captured information code is referred to as the regular information code. Different information codes can be determined.
Therefore, it is possible to realize the information code reading device 40 that can easily determine the authenticity using the information code 10 having the covering portion 11.

  In particular, since the covering portion 11 is arranged so as to exclude the position detection patterns 22a to 22c for specifying the position, the position of the first code image is superimposed when the first code image and the second code image are superimposed. By making the detection patterns 22a to 22c coincide with the position detection patterns 22a to 22c of the second code image, the overlaying operation is facilitated, and the difference detection process can be easily performed.

  In the authenticity determination process, steps S113, S115, S123, and S127 related to reading of the information code may be excluded, and the process related to authenticity determination may be specialized.

Next, the information code 10a according to the first modification of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information code 10a according to the first modification of the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, each dark color module having the same dark color as that of the covering portion 11 a is illustrated in a state thinner than the covering portion 11 a for convenience of explanation.
The covering portion 11 described above may be arranged anywhere in the code area 20 as long as it includes the light color module. This is because, when the first code image and the second code image are overlaid, the area of the light color module covered by the covering portion 11 is detected as the image difference.

  In particular, by disposing the covering portion 11 so as to be narrower than an inconspicuous region of the code region 20, for example, the position detection patterns 22 a to 22 c, each dark color module and the covering portion 11 are distinguished in the code region 20. This makes it difficult to conceal that a part of the code area 20 is covered with the covering portion 11. Then, since the person who illegally copied the information code 10 becomes difficult to notice the presence of the covering portion 11, not only forgery is difficult, but the countermeasure for the covering portion 11 is not conceived in the first place. The accuracy of authenticity determination regarding the code 10 can be improved.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, as the information code 10 a according to the first modification of the present embodiment, one of a plurality of blocks constituting the code area 20 is covered with a covering portion 11 a, thereby In the area 20, it becomes difficult to distinguish each dark color module from the covering portion 11a, and it is easy to conceal that a part of the code area 20 is covered by the covering portion 11a. Each block constituting the code area 20 is configured by mainly arranging eight light color modules and dark color modules in a matrix of 4 rows and 2 columns, as can be seen from the area surrounded by the one-dot chain line in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of modules and the block configuration may be other than this.

  Next, the information code 10b according to the second modification of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information code 10b according to the second modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 6B illustrates the covering portion from the information code 10b of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which removed 11b. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image difference between the first code image illustrated in FIG. 6A and the second code image illustrated in FIG. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, an area where there is no image difference in each dark color module is shown in a thinner state than an area where there is an image difference.

  As the information code 10b according to the second modification of the present embodiment, a cover portion 11b that takes into account the design may be employed instead of the cover portion 11. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the covering portion 11b is formed in, for example, a star shape as an arbitrary figure that is designed according to the use environment.

  Even if the covering portion 11b is constituted by such an arbitrary figure, the difference in the image corresponding to the covering portion 11b is detected as illustrated in FIG. 7, and therefore the information code 10b is used as the information code for authenticity determination. It is possible to realize an information code with improved design as well as easy authentication. The covering portion 11b is not limited to being formed in a star shape, but may be formed as an arbitrary figure with an arbitrary design that changes its shape, pattern, or color according to the use environment. The above effects are achieved.

  Further, depending on the design of the covering portion 11b, it may be difficult to distinguish each dark color module in the code region 20 from the covering portion 11b. In this case, a part of the code region 20 is covered by the covering portion 11b. It can be made easy to conceal, and the same effect as the first modified example can be obtained.

  Next, the information code 10c according to the third modification of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the information code 10c according to the third modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating the covering portion from the information code 10c of FIG. 8A. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which removed 11c. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image difference between the first code image illustrated in FIG. 8A and the second code image illustrated in FIG. 8B. In FIG. 9, for convenience of explanation, an area where there is no image difference in each dark color module is illustrated as being thinner than an area where there is an image difference.

  As the information code 10c according to the third modification of the present embodiment, instead of the code area 20 and the covering portion 11 described above, a light color module (space) and a dark color module (bar) are arranged in one direction like a one-dimensional code. You may employ | adopt the code | cord | chord area | region 20c arranged and the coating | coated part 11c which coat | covers a part of this code | cord | chord area | region 20c. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the covering portion 11c is arranged so as to cover the upper end portion of each module constituting the code region 20c.

  Thus, even if the code area 20c is configured as a one-dimensional code, the difference in the image corresponding to the covering portion 11c covering the upper end of the code area 20c is detected as illustrated in FIG. The information code 10c can be adopted as an information code for authenticity determination, and authenticity can be easily determined. When the code area 20c is configured as a one-dimensional code, the start character 24a and the stop character 24b that constitute both ends of the code area 20c are extracted as position detection areas in the processing shown in step S105 in the authenticity determination. can do.

  In particular, by causing the start character 24a and the stop character 24b to function as position detection areas, when the first code image and the second code image are superimposed, both the characters 24a and 24b of the first code image and the second code image By matching both the characters 24a and 24b, the superposition work is facilitated, and the difference detection process can be easily performed.

  The covering portion 11c is not limited to be disposed so as to cover the upper end portion of the code region 20c, but may be disposed so as to cover the central portion of the code region 20c, or the lower end portion of the code region 20c. It may be arranged so as to cover. Thus, by arranging the covering portion 11c with respect to the code region 20c, even in the first code image not irradiated with light in the second wavelength band, the character data encoded as a one-dimensional code is decoded. (Decode).

  Next, an information code 10d according to a fourth modification of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the information code 10d according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 10B shows the covering portion from the information code 10d of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which removed 11d. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image difference between the first code image illustrated in FIG. 10A and the second code image illustrated in FIG. In FIG. 11, for convenience of explanation, an area where there is no image difference in each dark color module is illustrated as being thinner than an area where there is an image difference.

  As the information code 10d according to the fourth modified example of the present embodiment, a covering portion 11d that takes design into consideration may be employed instead of the covering portion 11c. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the covering portion 11d is formed in, for example, a star shape as an arbitrary figure that is designed according to the use environment.

  Even if the covering portion 11d is constituted by such an arbitrary figure, the difference in the image corresponding to the covering portion 11d is detected as illustrated in FIG. 11, and thus the information code 10d is used as the information code for authenticity determination. It is possible to realize an information code with improved design as well as easy authentication. The covering portion 11d is not limited to being formed in a star shape, but may be formed as an arbitrary figure having an arbitrary design in which the shape, pattern or color is changed according to the use environment. The above effects are achieved.

  Further, depending on the design of the covering portion 11d, for example, by adopting a covering portion having the same shape as that of one form of the dark color module (bar), it is difficult to distinguish each dark color module from the code region 20c from the covering portion 11d. In this case, it can be easily concealed that a part of the code region 20c is covered with the covering portion 11d, and the same effect as in the first modification can be obtained.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an information code and an information code reader according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the authenticity determination process performed by the control unit 41 in the second embodiment.
The second embodiment is mainly different from the information code reading apparatus according to the first embodiment in that the order of irradiation of the first illumination light and the second illumination light is changed in the authenticity determination process. Accordingly, components that are substantially the same as those of the information code reader of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

Hereinafter, authenticity determination processing performed by the control unit 41 of the information code reading device 40 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
When the authenticity determination process is started by the control unit 41, first, the second irradiation process shown in Step S109 of FIG. 12 is performed, and the second illumination light is irradiated to the information code through the reading port by the second illumination light source 44. Is done. Next, the second imaging process shown in step S111 is performed, and the information code is imaged as a second code image by the imaging unit 42 in a state where the second illumination light is applied to the information code. Based on the captured second code image, the decoding process shown in step S113 is performed. Here, if the decoding fails (No in S115), it is determined that the legitimate information code has not been read, and the authenticity determination process ends.

  On the other hand, when the decoding is successful (Yes in S115), the first irradiation process shown in step S101 is performed, and the first illumination light 43 irradiates the same information code through the reading port by the first illumination light source 43. Next, the first imaging process shown in step S103 is performed, and the information code is captured as a first code image by the imaging unit 42 in a state where the first illumination light is irradiated and the second illumination light is not irradiated.

  Subsequently, a difference detection process shown in step S117 is performed, and a difference between the second code image captured in the second imaging process and the first code image captured in the first imaging process is detected as an image difference. . When the image difference is detected as illustrated in FIG. 4 because the information code 10 having the covering portion 11 is captured (Yes in S119), the first notification process described above is performed (S121). On the other hand, if a normal information code having no cover 11 is imaged and decoding is successful, no image difference is detected (No in S119), and thus the second notification process described above is performed (S125).

  As described above, even if the order in which the first illumination light and the second illumination light are irradiated is changed in the authenticity determination process, the information code 10 is captured in a state where the light of the second wavelength band is irradiated. There is a difference in the superimposed image between the second code image and the first code image captured in a state where light in the first wavelength band is irradiated. For this reason, as in the first embodiment, by adopting the information code 10 having the covering portion 11 as the information code for determining the authenticity, the information code from which the difference as described above is detected is changed to the covering portion. 11 can be determined as a regular information code.

  In addition, the structure which changes the order with which 1st illumination light and 2nd illumination light are irradiated by an authenticity determination process is applicable also to each modification in the said 1st Embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, an information code and an information code reader according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information code 10e according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a state in which the covering portion 11e is removed from the information code 10e of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an authenticity determination process performed by the control unit 41 in the third embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, the authenticity determination process is performed using the position specifying information for specifying the position of the covering portion 11e included in the information code 10e. Different. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as the information code of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

First, the information code 10e according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the information code 10e according to the present embodiment is k rows in the code area 20 composed of light color modules and dark color modules arranged in 36 rows and 36 columns. Modules of l rows (k: 0 to 36, l: 17 to 23) are covered with the covering portion 11e. And information for identifying the position of the covering portion 11e (covering range by the covering portion 11e) with reference to the code region 20 (hereinafter, also referred to as position specifying information), specifically, the above-described k: 0 to 36, l: The information code 10e is generated so that information regarding 17 to 23 is included in the decoding result.

Next, authenticity determination processing performed by the control unit 41 of the information code reading device 40 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
When the authenticity determination process is started by the control unit 41, the processes after step S109 in FIG. 14 are performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment. When the position specifying information is decoded (decoded) together with the encoded character data or the like in the decoding process shown in step S113 because the information code 10e has been imaged (Yes in S115), the processes after step S101 are performed. And the difference is extracted (Yes in S119).

  Subsequently, in the determination process shown in step S <b> 120, it is determined whether or not the difference extracted as described above corresponds to the covering unit 11. Here, when the information code 10e illustrated in FIG. 13 is captured, the second code image illustrated in FIG. 13B and the first code image illustrated in FIG. Therefore, the light color module part is extracted as the difference among the modules covered by the covering part 11e. Then, the differences extracted by imaging the information code 10e are all included in the covering range of the covering portion 11e estimated from the position specifying information.

  Here, when it is determined that the extracted difference corresponds to the covering portion 11e because it is included in the entire covering range of the covering portion 11e (Yes in S120), the first notification process shown in step S121 is performed, The fact that the captured information code is a legitimate information code having the covering portion 11e is notified by being displayed on the liquid crystal display of the display unit 46.

  On the other hand, when a simple stain such as a stain of ink corresponding to the special ink is extracted as a difference (Yes in S119), this stain or the like is partly from the coverage of the covering portion 11e estimated from the position specifying information. However, if it protrudes, it is determined that the extracted difference does not correspond to the covering portion 11e (No in S120). In this case, the second notification process shown in step S125 is performed, and notification is made by displaying on the liquid crystal display of the display unit 46 that the captured information code is an information code different from the regular information code. .

  As described above, in the information code 10e and the information code reading device 40 according to the present embodiment, the information obtained by decoding the information code 10e specifies the position of the covering portion 11e with reference to the code area 20. Location specific information is included. Thereby, by determining whether or not the extracted difference corresponds to the covering portion 11e, that is, whether or not the covering portion 11e is arranged at a position specified from the position specifying information obtained at the time of decoding, If the difference is detected simply by dirt or the like, it cannot be determined as a legitimate information code, so the accuracy of authenticity determination can be improved.

  Further, the number of covering portions arranged to cover the code region 20 is not limited to one, and two or more covering portions may be arranged. In this case, the information code can be generated so that the position specifying information regarding each covering portion is included in the decoding result.

  In the determination process shown in step S120, the covering range of the covering portion 11e assumed from the difference is not limited to Yes when the extracted differences are all included in the covering range of the covering portion 11e. May be determined as Yes when it matches the covering range of the covering portion 11e estimated from the position specifying information. As a result, even if a small ink stain or the like corresponding to the special ink is accidentally included in the covering range of the covering portion 11e, the covering portion 11e of the covering portion 11e assumed from the difference due to the stain or the like. Since the possibility that the covering range matches the covering range of the covering portion 11e estimated from the position specifying information is very low, erroneous determination is reliably suppressed and the accuracy of authenticity determination can be further improved.

  Further, in the determination process shown in step S120, the determination may be made in consideration of the positional deviation amount of the covering portion 11e allowed for the code area 20 (hereinafter also referred to as the allowable deviation amount). When the information code 10e is printed, such as when each module constituting the code area 20 and the covering portion 11e are printed in separate steps, as shown in FIG. 15, the covering portion at which the covering portion 11e should be originally printed is illustrated. May be printed out of position. In this case, the covering portion 11e is printed out of the position of the position estimated from the position specifying information (also referred to as the estimated covering portion 12), and an erroneous determination may occur in the authenticity determination due to this printing shift. There is sex. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the covering portion 11e is displaced with respect to the code area 20. The covering portion 11e printed with the displacement is indicated by a solid line, and the estimated covering portion 12 is represented by two. Shown with a dotted line. In FIG. 15, for convenience, illustration of some modules in the data area 21 is omitted.

  Therefore, by setting the above-described allowable deviation amount in accordance with the printing accuracy, even when the covering portion 11e is printed with a deviation from the code area 20, the deviation amount is not more than the allowable deviation amount. By determining that the covering portion 11e is disposed at a position specified from the position specifying information, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination in authenticity determination due to printing misalignment.

  Note that the determination processing in consideration of the allowable deviation amount in step S120 is, for example, when the estimated covering portion 12 is two-dimensionally moved relative to the code area 20 in accordance with the allowable deviation amount, after the relative movement. This is a process for determining whether or not the covering range of the estimated covering portion 12 matches the covering range of the covering portion 11e assumed from the difference.

  Here, the allowable deviation amount may be stored in advance in the storage unit 45 of the information code reader 40, or may be included in information (decoding result) obtained by decoding the information code 10e. In particular, by including the allowable deviation amount in the decoding result as described above, the allowable deviation amount can be easily set according to the printing accuracy by setting the allowable deviation amount according to how the information code is printed. Can be set to

  Note that the configuration for determining whether or not the difference extracted by using the position specifying information included in the decoding result described above corresponds to the covering portion can be applied to other embodiments and modifications thereof. .

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an authenticity determination process performed by the control unit 41 in the first modification of the third embodiment.
As a first modification of the third embodiment, the position specifying information may be encrypted based on a predetermined encryption method so that a third party who does not have the predetermined decryption key cannot read the position specifying information. As a result, it is extremely difficult for a third party to acquire the position specifying information, and even if the presence of the covering portion is noticed, the exact position of the covering portion cannot be specified. The accuracy of authenticity determination can be further increased.

  As the information code in which the position specifying information is encrypted, for example, a partially private code configured to have a public area and a private area in which information encrypted using a decryption key is recorded. Can be adopted.

Hereinafter, the authenticity determination process in the case where a partially private code is adopted as the information code 10e will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
If decoding succeeds in the process shown in step S113 of FIG. 16 (Yes in S115), it is determined in the determination process shown in step S116 whether position specifying information is acquired from the decoding result.

  Here, when the position specifying information stored in the non-public area is acquired because it is read by a legitimate authorized person and the predetermined decryption key is stored in the storage unit 45 (Yes in S116), step S101 and subsequent steps. Is processed.

  On the other hand, if the position specifying information stored in the private area is not acquired because it is read by an information code reader that does not have a decryption key, or because it is a normal information code read without a private area When specific information is not acquired, it determines with No in step S116. In this case, the second notification process shown in step S125 is performed, and notification is made by displaying on the liquid crystal display of the display unit 46 that the captured information code is an information code different from the regular information code. .

  As described above, by recording the position specifying information in the non-public area, the information code reading apparatus having no decryption key can read only the information recorded in the public area, and other information is recorded. Since even this cannot be recognized, the confidentiality of the position specifying information can be improved. As a result, forgery of the information code is surely prevented and the accuracy of authenticity determination can be further increased.

  Note that the above-described configuration for encrypting the position specifying information based on a predetermined encryption method can be applied to other embodiments and modifications thereof.

FIG. 17A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information code 10f according to the second modification of the third embodiment, and FIG. 17B illustrates the covering portion from the information code 10f of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which removed 11f and 11g.
As the information code according to the second modification of the third embodiment, at least a part of the covering portion may be arranged in the margin area 13 around the code area 20. The margin area 13 is for clarifying the rectangular boundary of the code area 20, and corresponds to a light color module having a predetermined width.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the covering portion includes a first covering portion 11f and a second covering portion 11g. The information code 10f is formed by covering a part of the margin area 13 with the second covering part 11g. In this case, the information code 10f is generated so that the information specifying the position of the first covering portion 11f and the information specifying the position of the second covering portion 11g are included in the decoding result as position specifying information.

  Here, in the code region 20 arranged in 36 rows and 36 columns, modules of k1 rows and 11 columns (k1: 0 to 36, l1: 17 to 23) are covered with the first covering portion 11f. Further, in the margin area 13, the area corresponding to the module of k2 rows and l2 columns (k2 = −2, l2: 0 to 36) with the code area 20 as a reference is covered with the second covering portion 11g. Then, position specifying information (k1: 0 to 36, l1: 17 to 23, k2 = −2, l2: 0 to 36) specifying the first covering portion 11f and the second covering portion 11g with reference to the code area 20 ) Is included in the decoding result.

  Thereby, compared with the case where all the coating | coated parts are arrange | positioned in the code area | region 20, the area | region which can arrange | position a coating | coated part can be increased to the margin area | region 13. FIG. Thus, even if it is difficult to specify the position of the covering portion by increasing the area where the covering portion can be arranged to prevent forgery of the information code, the position of the covering portion can be easily specified based on the position specifying information. Therefore, the accuracy of authenticity determination can be further increased. In particular, when the covering portion is arranged in the code area 20, a difference occurs only in the bright color module portion, but when it is arranged in the margin area 13, the difference is caused in all areas. Therefore, a larger area difference can be easily ensured. Further, since the covering portion can be arranged also in the margin area, the design of the covering portion can be improved.

  Note that the number of covering portions arranged to cover the code region 20 is not limited to one, and two or more covering portions may be arranged. Further, the number of covering portions arranged to cover the margin region 13 is not limited to one, and two or more covering portions may be arranged. Further, one or more covering portions may be disposed only in the margin region 13. In this case, the information code can be generated so that the position specifying information regarding each covering portion is included in the decoding result.

  In addition, the structure which arrange | positions at least one part of the coating | coated part mentioned above in the margin area | region 13 is applicable to other embodiment and its modification.

In addition, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment, You may actualize as follows.
(1) The light of the second wavelength band is not limited to adopting infrared light of a wavelength band of 750 nm or more, for example, ultraviolet light of a wavelength band of 380 nm or less is adopted as the light of the second wavelength band. Also good. In this case, each coating | coated part 11 and 11a-11f can be comprised so that the reflected light from each module which comprises the code area | region 20 may be permeate | transmitted when the said ultraviolet light is irradiated. Further, not only the visible light having a wavelength of 380 nm to 750 nm is adopted as the light of the first wavelength band, but the light of a wavelength band different from the light of the second wavelength band and cannot be transmitted through the respective covering portions 11 and 11a to 11f You may employ | adopt light of a various wavelength band.

(2) The information code reader 40 may eliminate the first illumination light source 43 on the assumption that the light in the first wavelength band is visible light. That is, the information code reader 40 is configured to have only the second illumination light source 44 that irradiates light in the second wavelength band as illumination means. As described above, since the light in the first wavelength band is visible light, the function of irradiating the light in the first wavelength band to the illuminating means is unnecessary by using external light, and the function required for the illuminating means is reduced. can do.

(3) The position specifying information is not limited to information indicating the position corresponding to the module to be covered, as in the above-described k rows and l columns. Information regarding position coordinates may be used.

10, 10a to 10f ... Information code 11, 11a to 11g ... Covering portion 20, 20c ... Code area 22a to 22c ... Position detection pattern (position detection area)
40: Information code reader 41: Control unit (decoding means, difference detection means, determination means)
42 ... Imaging unit (imaging means)
43 ... 1st illumination light source (illumination means)
44 ... Second illumination light source (illumination means)

Claims (7)

A light-color module that exhibits light-color reflection characteristics and a dark-color module that exhibits dark-color reflection characteristics when irradiated with either one of light in the first wavelength band and light in a second wavelength band having a different wavelength; Is a plurality of information codes arranged in the code area,
At least a part of the plurality of light color modules is covered with a covering portion that transmits light of the second wavelength band and exhibits dark color reflection characteristics when irradiated with the light of the first wavelength band,
In the code area, a plurality of position detection areas for specifying a position are arranged,
The covering portion is arranged to be narrower than one of the position detection regions ,
The The information code information obtained by decoding, the position specifying information for specifying the position of the cover portion of the coding region as a reference contains information code, characterized in Rukoto.   The information code according to claim 1, wherein the covering portion is formed of an arbitrary figure whose shape, pattern, or color is changed. 3. The information code according to claim 1, wherein the position specifying information is encrypted based on a predetermined encryption method. At least in part, information code according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that disposed around the margin area of the coding region of the cover portion. The information obtained by decoding the information code, according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that contains positional deviation amount of the covering portion which is allowed for the coding region Information code. An information code reader for optically reading the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
Illuminating means capable of irradiating both the light in the first wavelength band and the light in the second wavelength band;
Imaging means for imaging the information code;
Decoding means for decoding the code area based on the arrangement of the modules constituting the code area imaged by the imaging means;
The information code image picked up by the image pickup means in a state where the light of the first wavelength band is irradiated, and the information code picked up by the image pickup means in a state of being irradiated with the light of the second wavelength band Difference detection means for detecting a difference from the image of
Determination means for determining the presence or absence of the covering portion based on the difference detected by the difference detection means;
An information code reading device comprising: An information code reader for optically reading the information code according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The light in the first wavelength band is visible light,
Illumination means capable of irradiating light in the second wavelength band;
Imaging means for imaging the information code;
Decoding means for decoding the code area based on the arrangement of the modules constituting the code area imaged by the imaging means;
The information code image picked up by the image pickup means in a state where the light of the first wavelength band is irradiated, and the information code picked up by the image pickup means in a state of being irradiated with the light of the second wavelength band Difference detection means for detecting a difference from the image of
Determination means for determining the presence or absence of the covering portion based on the difference detected by the difference detection means;
An information code reading device comprising:

Images