JP6361265B2 - Information code reader - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information code reader that optically reads an information code.

  An information code such as a QR code (registered trademark) is currently used for various purposes, and in many cases, useful information or information that can be useful is recorded in the information code and provided to the user. For example, in the two-dimensional code shown in Patent Document 1 below, the end identification code is generated between the disclosed data code and the confidential data code. When the two-dimensional code generated in this way is read by a general-purpose reading device that does not have a decryption key, the disclosed data code before the termination identification code is read, and the secret data code is not read. On the other hand, when the two-dimensional code generated as described above is read by a reader having a decryption key, both the disclosed data code and the secret data code are read. For this reason, since the user of the general specification reader does not know the existence of the confidential data, the security of the confidential data can be improved.

JP 2008-299422 A

  By the way, in the configuration as described above, a decryption key for reading private data (secret data) is stored in advance in a memory or the like of the reading device, so that the reading device functions as a regular reading device. By capturing an image of the two-dimensional code in which the secret data is recorded using the reader in this state, the secret data can be read without any special operation by the reading operator. However, if the legitimate reading device itself is stolen or the like, and the decryption key is illegally acquired, there is a possibility that secret data to be concealed will be illegally acquired. That is, in the configuration in which the secret data is simply concealed using the decryption key, there is a possibility that the security required for the information code cannot be ensured.

  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 reader capable of improving the security of the information code.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is directed to the case where either one of the light in the first wavelength band and the light in the second wavelength band having a different wavelength is irradiated. An information code (10) in which predetermined data is recorded is optically arranged by arranging a plurality of light color modules showing light color reflection characteristics and dark color modules showing dark color reflection characteristics in the code area (20). An information code reading device (40) that reads a portion of the code region that transmits light in the second wavelength band and exhibits dark reflection characteristics when irradiated with light in the first wavelength band. Illuminating means (44), which is covered by the covering portion (11) shown, and capable of irradiating light in the second wavelength band, imaging means (42) for imaging the information code, and imaged by the imaging means Of each module constituting the code area A decoding means (41) for decoding the predetermined data based on a sequence; an image of the information code imaged by the imaging means in a state irradiated with light of the first wavelength band; When there is a difference from the information code image picked up by the image pickup means in the state where the light of the second wavelength band is irradiated, the covering range of the covering portion covering the code area is detected based on the difference. Covering range detecting means (41) for performing, storage means (45) for storing determination information for determining whether or not processing relating to non-public data included in the predetermined data is possible based on the covering range, A determination unit (41) for determining whether or not the process relating to the non-public data is possible based on the coverage range detected by the coverage range detection unit and the determination information in the storage unit; Execute processing of the private data a positive determination by the step, the negative determination has been said not perform processing related to private data processing executing means (41) by determining means comprises, in said predetermined data A plurality of the non-public data are included, and the determination information includes the coverage ranges set so as to correspond one-to-one with the plurality of non-public data, respectively. The determination means includes, based on the determination information stored in the storage means, non-public data corresponding to the determination range included in the coverage range detected by the coverage range detection means among the plurality of secret data. It characterized that you affirmative determination is made.
In addition, the code | symbol in each said parenthesis shows the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the information code includes a part of the code region that transmits the light of the second wavelength band and has a coating portion that exhibits dark color reflection characteristics when irradiated with the light of the first wavelength band. Covered. And there is a difference between the image of the information code captured in the state where the light in the first wavelength band is irradiated and the image of the information code captured in the state where the light in the second wavelength band is irradiated by the illumination means. In this case, the covering range of the covering portion that covers the code area is detected by the covering range detecting means based on the difference. Then, based on the covering range detected by the covering range detecting means and the determination information of the storage means, the processing executing means performs processing related to the secret data that has been affirmed as to whether or not the processing relating to the secret data by the determining means is possible. The process relating to the non-public data that has been executed and determined to be negative is not executed.

In this manner, since it is determined whether or not the process related to the secret data is possible based on the coverage of the detected cover part, the process related to the secret data is not executed in the code area before being covered with the cover part. In addition to using the covering portion configured as described above, the processing related to the non-public data is executed by covering a predetermined range of the code area with the covering portion. In this way, since not only the information for determination of the information code reading device but also the covering range of the covering portion covering the code area is used, the information code is compared with the configuration in which the secret data is simply concealed using the decryption key. Can improve security.
In particular, the determination information includes a coverage range that is set so as to correspond one-to-one with a plurality of non-public data as a determination range. Then, the determination unit makes an affirmative determination on the secret data corresponding to the determination range included in the coverage range detected by the coverage range detection unit among the plurality of secret data based on the determination information in the storage unit.
As a result, not only can a plurality of data be made private data, but also the covering range corresponding to the data to be read out of the plurality of private data can be covered with the covering part, so that Convenience can be improved while ensuring safety. In particular, even if a range different from the covering range is covered with the same material as the covering portion, the processing related to the non-public data is executed because the detected covering range includes the determination range. For this reason, when a part of the code area is covered with the covering part using the special ink for forming the covering part, the information code is accidentally covered with the other area of the code area by the special ink. Even in this case, it is possible to execute processing relating to non-public data.

  In the invention of claim 2, since the predetermined data includes the public data that is executed by the processing execution means regardless of the determination result of the determination means, the processing related to the non-public data is executed in a general reading device. The processing according to the public data is executed without any problem. Since processing according to public data is executed in this way, it is difficult to recognize that private data is recorded in addition to public data, and the confidentiality of private data can be further improved. Security can be improved.

In the invention of claim 3 , one of the plurality of non-public data is information for notifying that the information code has been read. For this reason, after the information code is read, the covering range corresponding to the non-public data is covered with the above-described covering portion, so that the processing related to the non-public data is performed when the information code thus covered is read again. This is executed to notify that the information code has been read. That is, it is possible to make a notification for preventing the information code from being read twice.

In the invention of claim 4 , since the covering range detecting means detects the covering range using the range corresponding to the module as a detection unit, the covering range of the covering portion with respect to the code region constituted by the arrangement of each module can be accurately and easily performed. It becomes easy to detect. Thereby, the determination precision by the determination means can be improved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the covering range detecting means detects, as a detection unit, a divided area where the code area is divided into a plurality of sections as a covering range. For this reason, for example, the code area is divided into nine to form the divided areas, thereby simplifying the covering range and reducing the processing load related to the determination by the determination means.

It is a block diagram which illustrates roughly the principal part of the information code reading apparatus which concerns on 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. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a reading process performed by a control unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an enlarged image difference between a first code image illustrated in FIG. 2A and a second code image illustrated in FIG. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged covering portion whose outer edge is not linear, and FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged covering portion whose outer edge is linear. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which remove | excluded the coating | coated part from the information code which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the information code with which the range 12a for determination was coat | covered with the coating | coated part with respect to the code area | region of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the information code with which the range 12b for determination was coat | covered with the coating | coated part with respect to the code area | region of FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an information code in which both determination ranges 12a and 12b are covered with a covering portion with respect to the code area of FIG. 6; It is explanatory drawing which shows the information code with which the range including the range 12a for determination was coat | covered with the coating | coated part with respect to the code area | region of FIG. FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the covering portion is removed from the information code according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 11B illustrates a divided region obtained by dividing the code region into nine sections. It is explanatory drawing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the information code by which the division area 13i was coat | covered with the coating | coated part with respect to the code area | region of FIG. 11 (A). It is explanatory drawing which shows the information code with which the division area 13e was coat | covered with the coating | coated part with respect to the code area | region of FIG. 11 (A). It is explanatory drawing which shows the information code with which the division areas 13d-13f were coat | covered with the coating | coated part with respect to the code area | region of FIG. 11 (A).

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information code reading apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a main part of an information code reading device 40 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 the present embodiment, the control unit 41 executes a reading process described later to extract the code area occupied by the information code from the code image of the information code imaged by the imaging unit 42, and the extraction result Based on this, the information code is decrypted.

(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. In FIG. 2A and the like, for convenience, the covering portion 11 is illustrated with cross hatching.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the information code 10 includes a code area 20 in which a plurality of light color modules (light color cells) and dark color modules (dark color cells) are arranged, and a part of the code area 20. And a covering portion 11 for covering the surface. 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, like the QR code, the code area 20 includes a data area 21 configured to optically read predetermined data, three position detection patterns 22a to 22c, a format code, and the like. . 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 code is arranged in the vicinity of each of the position detection patterns 22a to 22c, and the information code 10 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 is displayed. Format information for decoding can be specified.

  Of the modules constituting the code region 20 thus generated, 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.

  Further, the covering portion 11 is arranged so as to cover a range determined based on determination information described later with respect to the code region 20. 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 code region 20 is visually recognized so as to be hidden by the covering portion 11.

Here, the determination information and the covering range of the covering portion 11 will be described below.
In the present embodiment, as the predetermined data, one public data that is publicly disclosed and one non-public data (secret data) that is not generally disclosed such as personal information that is required to be confidential are prepared. The information code 10 has an end identification between a public data code whose code area 20 is coded as a code word representing public data and a private data code coded as a code word representing private data. The code has been generated to place. For this reason, in a general reading device, since the public data code before the terminal identification code is to be read and the non-public data code is not to be read, processing relating to non-public data such as display of non-public data is performed. There is nothing.

  The information for determination is information for determining whether or not processing relating to non-public data included in predetermined data is possible based on the coverage of the covering unit 11. The determination information is set in association with specific information for specifying the information code 10 and a range to be covered by the covering portion 11 (hereinafter also referred to as a determination range 12). For this reason, in the reading process when the information code 10 is imaged, if the covering unit 11 covers the determination range 12 in the code area 20, a process related to non-public data is executed, and the covering unit 11 is in the code area. If the area 20 is not covered or the area different from the determination range 12 is covered, it is possible to prevent the process relating to the secret data from being executed.

  In the present embodiment, the determination range 12 is set to be a rectangular range with the upper left module of the position detection pattern 22a as (1, 1) and the range corresponding to the module as a detection unit. Specifically, for example, in the determination range 12 illustrated in FIG. 2B, the ranges (Px, Py) are set as Px = 25 to 31 and Py = 16 to 22. The determination range 12 is determined to be rectangular in order to reduce the information amount of the determination information in the present embodiment in which the module equivalent is the detection unit. Various shapes such as an elliptical shape and a polygonal shape can also be set.

(Reading process)
Next, a reading process performed by the information code reading device 40 so as to read the information code 10 and the like configured as described above will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the above-described determination information is stored in the storage unit 45 in advance. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process performed by the control unit 41 in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an enlarged 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, a dark color module that has no image difference is illustrated with hatching.

  When a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 47 in a state where an information code to be read is brought close to a predetermined position with respect to a reading port (not shown) of the information code reading device 40, the control unit 41 reads the information code. Processing begins. 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, a second irradiation process shown in step S105 is performed, and the second illumination light is irradiated to the information code through the reading port by the second illumination light source 44. Next, the second imaging process shown in step S107 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, the decoding process shown in step S109 is performed based on the captured second code image. In this process, the second code image is decoded based on the arrangement of the modules constituting the code area of the information code to decode predetermined data and the like by a known method determined for the code type. The The control unit 41 that performs the decoding process shown in step S109 may correspond to an example of a “decoding unit”.

  When character data encoded as an information code is decoded (decoded) by the decoding process (Yes in S111), whether the decoded data includes secret data in the determination process shown in step S113. It is determined whether or not. Here, in the decrypted data, if the secret data code is not arranged after the termination identification code, it is determined No in step S113. In this case, in step S115, processing relating to the public data decrypted and decrypted, specifically, for example, processing for outputting the public data for screen display is performed. If the decoding process has failed (No in S111), the reading process ends, and the process from step S101 is performed again as necessary.

  On the other hand, in the decrypted data, if a secret data code is placed after the termination identification code (Yes in S113), 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 shown in FIG. 2 is imaged, the first code image is picked up as shown in FIG. 2 (A), and the second code image is picked up as shown in FIG. 2 (B). Then, as illustrated in an enlarged manner in FIG. 4, a region corresponding to each light color module within the determination range 12 covered by the covering portion 11 is detected as an image difference.

  When the image difference is detected as described above (Yes in S119), the covering range detection process shown in step S121 is performed, and the covering range of the covering portion 11 is detected based on the image difference detected as described above. . In the present embodiment, since the covering range of the covering portion 11 is set to be a rectangular range with the range corresponding to the module as a detection unit, the outermost edge of the image difference range forms part of the four sides. Thus, the coverage area is detected. When an image difference as illustrated in FIG. 4 is detected, a rectangular covering range (Px, Py) where Px = 25 to 31 and Py = 16 to 22 is detected. In addition, the control part 41 which performs the process shown to step S117-S121 may correspond to an example of a "covering range detection means".

  Next, with regard to whether or not there is executable data that can be executed in the determination process shown in step S123, specifically, the specific information that identifies the information code captured by the covering range detected as described above. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not it matches the determination range 12 obtained from the determination information in the storage unit 45. The control unit 41 that performs the determination process shown in step S123 may correspond to an example of a “determination unit”.

  Here, since the information code 10 configured as described above is imaged, the detected coverage range and the determination range 12 determined from the determination information match, and therefore, executable private data is available. If it is determined that there is (Yes in S123), the private data decoding process shown in Step S125 is performed. In this process, a process for decoding a private data code arranged after the termination identification code is performed. In step S127, processing relating to public data and private data, specifically, for example, processing for outputting public data and private data for screen display is performed.

  On the other hand, when the detected covering range does not coincide with the determination range 12 obtained from the determination information, for example, when a simple stain such as an ink stain corresponding to the special ink is detected as a difference. (No in S123), the process related to the public data is performed in step S115 without performing the process related to the non-public data. If no difference is detected, for example, if an information code that is not covered by the covering unit 11 is captured (No in S119), similarly, the process related to non-public data is not performed, and step S115 is performed. The process related to the public data is done. Note that the control unit 41 that performs the process shown in step S127 or the process shown in step S115 may correspond to an example of a “process execution unit”.

  As described above, in this reading process, if the information code 10 having the covering unit 11 is imaged, processing regarding the public data and the non-public data is performed, and the information code in which the covering range is different or the information in which the difference is not detected is detected. If the code is imaged, the process related to the public data is performed without the process related to the non-public data.

  That is, in the information code obtained by simply copying the information code 10 with a copy machine or the like, the module group corresponding to the covering unit 11 is configured as a plurality of dark color modules, which is the same in the normal state where the visible light is dominant. Even if it is visually recognized, since the difference cannot be detected, processing relating to non-public data is not performed. Further, even if a part of the code area 20 is covered with ink corresponding to the special ink, processing relating to non-public data is not performed unless the determination range 12 is covered accurately. For this reason, it is possible to determine the authenticity of the captured information code depending on whether or not processing relating to non-public data is performed.

  As described above, in the information code reader 40 according to the present embodiment, the information code 10 has a part of the code area 20 that transmits light in the second wavelength band and is irradiated with light in the first wavelength band. When covered, it is covered with a covering portion 11 that exhibits dark reflection characteristics. And when there is a difference between the first code image captured in the state of being irradiated with the light in the first wavelength band and the second code image captured in the state of being irradiated with the light in the second wavelength band, Based on the difference, the covering range of the covering portion 11 covering the code area 20 is detected. Then, based on the detected coverage and the determination information in the storage unit 45, a process regarding the non-public data that is affirmatively determined is performed on whether or not the process regarding the non-public data is possible, and the non-public data regarding the negative determination is determined. Processing is not executed.

  In this way, since it is determined whether or not the process related to the secret data is possible based on the detected coverage of the cover part 11, the process related to the secret data is executed in the code area 20 before being covered by the cover part 11. Instead, not only using the covering unit 11 configured as described above, but also covering the determined range of the code area 20 with the covering unit 11, the process relating to the non-public data is executed. In this way, not only the determination information of the information code reading device 40 but also the covering range of the covering portion 11 covering the code area 20 is used, so that it is compared with a configuration in which secret data is simply concealed using a decryption key. The security of the information code 10 can be improved.

  In particular, since the predetermined data includes public data that is executed regardless of the determination result of the determination process shown in step S123, in a general reading device, a process related to non-public data is not executed. Processing according to the public data is executed. Since processing according to public data is executed in this way, it is difficult to recognize that private data is recorded in addition to public data, and the confidentiality of private data can be further improved. Security can be improved.

  Further, in the covering range detection processing in step S121, the covering range is detected using the range corresponding to the module as a detection unit. It becomes easy to detect easily. Thereby, the determination precision by the determination process of the said step S123 can be improved.

FIG. 5 (A) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged covering portion 11 whose outer edge is not linear, and FIG. 5 (B) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged covering portion 11 whose outer edge is linear.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5 (A), even if the outer cover 11 is not linear, the cover shown in FIG. 5 (B) is used in this embodiment because the range corresponding to the module is the detection unit. 11 is recognized as the same. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the necessary positional accuracy with respect to the covering range when the code region 20 is covered with the covering portion 11.

  The covering unit 11 may cover a predetermined range later on the code area 20 obtained by removing the covering unit 11 from the information code 10. For example, during the predetermined period, the covering portion 11 is excluded, and when the predetermined period elapses, a predetermined range of the code area 20 is covered with the covering portion 11. In this case, even the legitimate information code reading device 40 does not perform processing related to private data during a predetermined period, and performs processing related to private data after the predetermined period has elapsed. . That is, the data to be processed can be changed according to the presence or absence of the covering portion 11.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an information code reading apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the covering portion 11 is removed from the information code 10 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the information code 10 in which the determination range 12a is covered with the covering portion 11 with respect to the code area 20 of FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the information code 10 in which the determination range 12b is covered with the covering portion 11 with respect to the code area 20 of FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the information code 10 in which both the determination ranges 12a and 12b are covered with the covering portion 11 with respect to the code area 20 of FIG.

  The second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the secret data to be processed is changed according to the detected coverage range. For this reason, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The information code 10 to be read by the information code reader 40 according to the present embodiment is configured such that a plurality of non-public data is recorded as the predetermined data in addition to the public data. The determination information includes a determination range 12 that is set so as to correspond one-to-one with a plurality of non-public data. For this reason, in the information code reading device 40 in which the determination information configured as described above is stored in advance in the storage unit 45, the secret data to be processed can be changed according to the detected coverage.

  For example, the information code 10 in which the secret data A and the secret data B are recorded as a plurality of secret data includes a determination range 12a corresponding to the secret data A and the secret data as shown in FIG. A determination range 12b corresponding to B is prepared. And the non-public data processed change by the coating | coated part 11 being arrange | positioned as follows.

  That is, in the case where the process related to the non-public data A is permitted, the determination range 12 a in the code area 20 is covered with the covering portion 11. Further, in the case where the processing related to the non-public data B is permitted, the determination range 12 b in the code area 20 is covered with the covering portion 11. Further, in the case where the processing related to both the non-public data A and the non-public data B is permitted, both the determination range 12 a and the determination range 12 b in the code area 20 are covered by the covering unit 11.

  For this reason, in the reading process described above, since the information code 10 shown in FIG. 7 is imaged, if it is determined in step S123 that the covering range detected in step S121 matches the determination range 12a, Processing related to the public data A is performed. Further, since the information code 10 shown in FIG. 8 is imaged, if it is determined in step S123 that the covering range detected in step S121 matches the determination range 12b, processing relating to the non-public data B is performed. The Further, since the information code 10 shown in FIG. 9 is imaged, if it is determined in step S123 that the covering range detected in step S121 matches both the determination range 12a and the determination range 12b, non- Processing regarding both public data A and non-public data B is performed.

  As described above, in the information code reading device 40 according to the present embodiment, the determination information includes the coverage ranges set to correspond one-to-one to a plurality of non-public data, respectively. Included as range 12. Then, in step S123, based on the determination information stored in the storage unit 45, an affirmative determination is made on the secret data corresponding to the determination range 12 that matches the detected coverage range among the plurality of secret data.

  Thus, not only the plurality of data can be made private data, but also the determination range 12 corresponding to the data to be read out of the plurality of private data can be covered with the covering unit 11. Convenience can be improved while ensuring security. In particular, when a range different from the determination range 12 is covered with a member having the same quality as the covering portion 11, the detected coverage and the determination range 12 do not match, so that the process regarding the non-public data is not executed. For this reason, when the code region 20 including the determination range 12 is accidentally covered with a member having the same quality as the covering portion 11, for example, the entire code region 20 is covered with a member having the same quality as the covering portion 11. Even in such a case, since the process related to the secret data is not executed, the confidentiality of the secret data can be further improved and the security can be enhanced.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the information code 10 in which the range including the determination range 12a is covered by the covering portion 11 with respect to the code area of FIG.
As a modified example of the present embodiment, when it is considered that the detected covering range and the determination range 12 coincide with each other, the processing related to the non-public data corresponding to the determination range 12 is not limited to being performed. Processing regarding the non-public data corresponding to the determination range 12 may be performed on the non-public data corresponding to the determination range included in the covering range.

  For example, when the information code 10 in which the covering portion 11 is arranged as shown in FIG. 10 is imaged in the code area 20 shown in FIG. 6, the covering detected in step S121 in step S123. Since the range includes the determination range 12a, it is determined that there is executable private data, and processing related to the private data A is performed. In the reading process in the first embodiment, when the information code 10 shown in FIG. 10 is imaged, a negative determination is made in step S123 because the detected covering range and the determination range 12 do not match. There is no processing related to private data.

  Even if it does in this way, since not only a plurality of data can be set as non-public data but also the determination range 12 corresponding to the data to be read out of the plurality of non-public data can be covered with the covering portion 11, Convenience can be improved while ensuring security for private data. In particular, even if a range different from the determination range 12 is covered with the same material as the covering portion 11, the processing related to the non-public data is executed because the detected coverage range includes the determination range 12. For this reason, when a part of the code area is covered with the covering part 11 using the special ink or the like for forming the covering part 11, the other area of the code area 20 is accidentally covered with the special ink. Even the code 10 can execute processing related to non-public data.

  In the first embodiment as well, when there is a determination range included in the detected coverage range, processing related to non-public data corresponding to the determination range may be performed.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, an information code reading apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the covering portion 11 is removed from the information code 10 according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 11B divides the code area 20 into nine sections. It is explanatory drawing which shows the divided area 13a-13i. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the information code 10 in which the divided area 13 i is covered with the covering portion 11 with respect to the code area 20 of FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the information code 10 in which the divided area 13e is covered with the covering portion 11 with respect to the code area 20 of FIG. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the information code 10 in which the divided areas 13d to 13f are covered with the covering portion 11 with respect to the code area 20 of FIG.

  The third embodiment is mainly different from the second embodiment in that a detection area is a divided area obtained by dividing the code area 20 into a plurality of sections. For this reason, substantially the same components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the information code 10 to be read by the information code reading apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment, a divided area obtained by dividing the code area 20 into a plurality of sections is set as a detection unit. Specifically, for example, FIG. As shown in (B), the divided areas 13a to 13i obtained by dividing the code area 20 into nine sections are used as detection units. The determination information includes at least one of the divided regions 13a to 13i that are set to correspond one-to-one to a plurality of non-public data, and the covering range detection process in step S121 described above. Then, the divided area where the difference exists is detected as the covering range.

  Thereby, for example, in the information code 10 in which the secret data A and the secret data B are recorded as a plurality of secret data, the divided area 13i corresponds to the secret data A, and the divided area 13e is the secret data. In the case of corresponding to B, the non-public data to be processed is changed by arranging the covering portion 11 as follows.

  In the reading process described above, since the information code 10 shown in FIG. 12 is imaged and the covering range corresponding to the divided area 13i is detected in step S121, it is determined that there is executable private data. (Yes in S123), processing relating to the secret data A is performed. If the information code 10 shown in FIG. 13 is imaged and the covering range corresponding to the divided area 13e is detected in step S121, it is determined that there is executable data that can be executed (in S123). Yes), processing related to the non-public data B is performed.

  Further, for example, when the divided area 13d corresponds to the private data C and the divided area 13f corresponds to the private data D, the information code 10 shown in FIG. 14 is imaged and detected in the above step S121. Since it is determined that there is executable private data because the covering range is included in the divided regions 13d to 13f (Yes in S123), processing related to the private data B to D is performed.

  As described above, in the information code reading apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment, in step S121, the divided area where the difference exists is covered by the divided area obtained by dividing the code area 20 into a plurality of sections as a detection unit. Detect as. For this reason, as described above, for example, the code area 20 is divided into nine to form the divided areas, thereby simplifying the covering range and reducing the processing load related to the determination processing in step S123. .

  In addition, the said division area is not restricted to 9 divisions, For example, according to use environment etc., it may be comprised by 4 divisions and may be comprised by 16 divisions.

  The information code 10 according to the present embodiment can also be used as an information code for reading money amount information at a discount sale. For example, in the information code shown in FIG. 11A, the public data is the original selling price (for example, 2980 yen), the private data A is the discount amount (for example, -300 yen), and the private data B is the information code. Information for notifying that it has been read (hereinafter, also simply referred to as already-read notification information) can be used.

  In this case, the normal selling price is displayed by reading the information code 10 by not covering the code area 20 with the covering portion 11 at normal times. During the discount sale, the divided area 13 i is covered with the covering portion 11, and the discount amount is displayed together with the original selling price by reading the information code 10.

  Then, after the information code 10 is read, the divided area 13e of the code area 20 is covered with the covering portion 11, so that when the information code 10 is read again, the read notification information is displayed together with the original selling price. Is equal. Thus, according to the process regarding the non-public data B, it can be notified that the information code 10 has been read. That is, it is possible to make a notification for preventing the information code 10 from being read twice.

  Note that the configuration in which the divided area obtained by dividing the code area 20 into a plurality of sections is used as a detection unit can be applied to other embodiments. Moreover, the structure which prepares already read alerting | reporting information as non-public data is applicable also to other embodiment. For example, as described in the first embodiment, one piece of private data prepared may be already-read notification information.

In addition, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment and modification, For example, 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, the coating | coated part 11 can be comprised so that the reflected light from each module which comprises the code | cord | chord 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 in the first wavelength band, but also a light in a wavelength band that is different from the light in the second wavelength band and cannot pass through the covering portion 11. May be adopted.

(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.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Information code 11 ... Cover part 12, 12a, 12b ... Range for determination 13a-13i ... Divided area 20 ... Code area 40 ... Information code reader 41 ... Control part (Decoding means, Cover range detection means, Determination means, Processing) Execution means)
42 ... Imaging unit (imaging means)
43 ... 1st illumination light source (illumination means)
44 ... Second illumination light source (illumination means)
45. Storage section (storage means)

Claims (5)

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 an information code reading device that optically reads an information code in which predetermined data is recorded by arranging a plurality of data in a code area,
A part of the code region 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.
Illumination means capable of irradiating light in the second wavelength band;
Imaging means for imaging the information code;
Decoding means for decoding the predetermined data based on the arrangement of the modules constituting the code area imaged by the imaging means;
An image of the information code captured by the imaging unit in a state where the light of the first wavelength band is irradiated, and an image of the information code captured by the illumination unit in a state of being irradiated with the light of the second wavelength band When there is a difference from the image of the information code, a covering range detecting unit that detects a covering range of the covering portion that covers the code area based on the difference,
Storage means for storing determination information for determining whether or not processing relating to non-public data included in the predetermined data is possible based on the coverage range;
Determination means for determining whether or not processing relating to the non-public data is possible based on the covering range detected by the covering range detection means and the determination information in the storage means;
A process execution unit that executes a process related to the non-public data that has been affirmed by the determination unit, and that does not execute a process related to the non-public data that has been negatively determined by the determination unit;
Equipped with a,
The predetermined data includes a plurality of the secret data,
The determination information includes, as the determination ranges, the covering ranges that are set so as to correspond one-to-one with the plurality of private data, respectively.
The determination means includes, based on the determination information stored in the storage means, non-public data corresponding to the determination range included in the coverage range detected by the coverage range detection means among the plurality of secret data. for positive determination to information code reading apparatus according to claim Rukoto.   2. The information code reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined data includes public data executed by the processing execution unit regardless of a determination result of the determination unit.   The information code reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of non-public data is information for notifying that the information code has been read.   The information code reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the covering range detection unit detects the covering range using a range corresponding to the module as a detection unit.   The said covering range detection means detects the said dividing area in which the said difference exists as the said covering range by making into a detection unit the dividing area which divided | segmented the said code area | region into the some division. The information code reading device according to any one of the above.

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